The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-06-10
GRAVE SITUATION IN CHINA FULLY
REALIZED IN FRENCH Gov
ERNMENT CIRCLES
ALL OTHER ISSUES FORGOTTEN
FRANCE WILL JOIN IN PROTECT
ING CHRISTIANS FROM At
TACKS OF FANATICS
FOREIGN OFFICE IS ANXIOUS
Efforts to Conceal the Fact Prove
Observation-Disclosures of the Unit
ed States Regarded a.
Important.

Copyrighted by the Associated Press.
PARIS, June 9.-The grave situation in
China, which has developed this week,
monopolizes the attitude of the political
world, and has thrown a shadow over
questions of minor interest, even includ-
ing the Transvaal. Paris and it's pol
iticians admit the seriousness of the con-
dition of affairs around Pekin and ap-
prehensions are expressed unless 1t cause
complications, The greatest element of
danger in the situation is generally felt
to be the double duel for supremacy pro-
ceeding between Russia and England and
Russia and Japan. The sympathies of
FrenChmen are naturally with their ally,
Russia. The next few days, it is ex-
pected, will bring forth important events.
1t is not thought that England is likely
at the present moment, when her hands
are fully occupied with South Africa, 10
take any step to produce, an Anglo-Rus-
sian collision, but she Is firmly believed
here to be behind Japan, and her sup
port may encourage the latter to adopt
such a policy as will eventuate in hos
tilities with Russia, for which apparently
the Japanese are itching
The action Of the United States IS ac-
knowIedged to be a most important fac
tor in the situation, and advices from
Washington are closely followed here,
with view of gaining from there an IN
dication as to whether America will act
independently in her dealings with the
Chinese government, or will throw in her
lot with one of the two rival groups of
powers. Her friendly relations with both
Russia and England favor the impression
that she will endeavor to steer an In
dependent course, but will, at the same
time if compelled by the force of events,
reluctantly join Japan and England.
ANXIETY IN FRANCE.
At the foreign office no attemnt Ia
made to conceal the anxiety which pre-
Valls' but while the feeling cannot be
SAID to be optimistic it is hoped the
storm gathering about the Chinese en-
plre will be weathered. The following
statement is furnished the Associated
Press by representative of the foreign
Office as expressing the views of the
French government:
Inc situation is undoubtedly very
serious, and unless the Chinese govern
Heht rouses itself to a thorough appre-
clatlon OF the dangers threatening its
very existence at the present time II is
dnhcult to see what will be the out
come. Our cable advices leave the condi-
ton Of affairs still somewhat obscure bu+
1t Is evident that the Pekin government
must act promptly and vigorously if 1t is
TO stamp out the rebellion, Despite the
stories OF defeat of the Chinese troops
we still think the army is sufficiently
strong to suppress the insurrection. but
II must act at once In the meantime
we intend to cooperate with the other
powers IN taking such measures as are
necessary to safeguard our countrymen's s
HVeS and their properties Our minister
ana admlral have been Instructed TO take
thls course. Our interests are identical
with those of the United States. and
there Is every reason to believe we shall
act In unison during the present crisis
Inc instruction OF both is to act purely
IN defense of the lives and nronarties
Oh our compatriots who are now in grave
peril. 40 O."
We Eope the fears expressed in the nress
OF various countries regarding interna-
uohaI complications will not be realized
Inc only thing TO be feared appears tn h,
friction between Japan and Russia b,t
we think the Japanese government Is too
wise to put itself against the might of
the Russian empire. Japan is verv strono
on sea, but on land it is quite a different
matter We are hopeful thar the trouble
VIII blow over through resolute action on
the part of the Chinese government"
SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.
Interest in the Transvaal war has sub-
sided very considerably since Lord Rob
ertS pegan his victorious march, especial
ly since he announced that the Johannes
burg mines were uninjured. Fear Of dam
age to the mines, in which an immense
amount of French money was invested
has been the leading cause of anxiety for
the Frenchman, vino in no wise shared
the advice freely given the Beers bv a
portion of the French press to des;roy
the mines as a latter Cay emulation Of
the burning of Moscow by the Russians
French shareholders failed to see the he
roic side of their act, through which thov
would be the greatest sufferers, and the
news of the safety of the mines brought
sigh of relief.
The report of the relief of Pretoria bv
the British received scant attenti n, and
opinions are freely expressed that it does
not mean the end of the war, but, on the
other hand, it will start the much-talked-
of guerrilla warfare. which they prophecy
will tire the British out, and cost them
more bloodshed and treasure than has yet
| been expended.
The golden harvest of the exposition has
at last begun Twice this week the mum
Der of visitors exceeded half a million
which surpasses the figures of the exposi
ton of 1880 at similar period. 1t is es
timated that over S,OOOG00 persons have
now passed the turnstiies. The greatest
| difficulty is now experienced in gettins
from the grounds at night, the street cal
/ and omnibus facilities being utterly mad
equate to cope with the immense crowds
and the cabmen are having high times
demanding and getting fancy fares fol
taking the people home. 1t is nothing un
! usual for them to ask S2 for trip FOL
which the legal fare is 80 cents.