The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-09
LONDON PRESS COMMENT.
Sir Claude Macdonald Criticlsed-The
Spectators Views.

LONDON, June 9--The morning papers
linger over the Chinese situation. publish
ing long editorial reviews and conjectures.
Several journals complain that the British
policy is one of drift rather than of firm.
contends that Sir Claude Macdonald is
charming personally. but lacks initiative
and strength of character sufficient for the
difficult post of British minister at Picking.
In its news columns 1t tells how Sir Claude
claimed British diplomatic victory when
the iegatio ladies. escorted by Macdonald,
visited the dowager Empress. who after
wards, it is alleged. sent this telegram to
all provinces: "As you are aware these
foreign devils have been very troublesome
lately Their actions have been very Of
fensive TO me. Being woman, i could not
make the ministers come and explain. but
to-day l sent and compelled their women
TO come and kow-tow. The Daily Express
suggests that 10000 Indian troops be dis
patched to China to restore order.
The Daily Mail reasserts its position OF
yesterday that the United States. as the
friend of Russia and Great Britain would
be able to impose order without alliances
jealousies.
The Times in an editorial on the Chi
nese situation, says: The United States
government, already in the throes of
presidential election, seems rather inclined
to sit on the fence as long as il can, and
appears to be more anxious to define rs
attitude in nicely balanced phrases. than
to act with vigor and promptitude. Ent.
whatever its hesitations may be, IL can
certainly have no desire to hamper the
action of other powers less embarrassed
by preoccupations at home. and 1T LIS not
likely TO compromise its positions In the
far East by holding aloof when decisive
measures are taken
Advocating joint action by England and
Russia. the Times says: ut Is, in fact, TO
the effective and cordial cooperation of
England and Russia that We must look for
speedy relief from the present anxieties-
IT is evident that the other powers inter-
ested are quite prepared TO take part in
any common and concerted action, and. al
though some may be less eager than 9TH
ers, the spectacle of England and Russia
agreeing to act together and resolved to
act vigorously would do more than any
thing else TO bring them all into line
The Spectator, commenting on the
Chinese difficulty. says 1T considers that
IL the situation becomes acute the "only
alternative to European concert, which
will be effective only in theory. would be
definite agreement" The paper adds:
''They alone possess physical power near
enough to the scene to be OF immediate
use England could I'm this case use her
Indian troops" Continuing: the Spectator
strongly opposes any partition of China.
and thinks II unsafe TO assume that the
Chinese soldiers cannot fight Ii adds:
1.-The court of Picking is In action the most
imbecile in the world, but 1T may find
wallenstein who will not steal his sol
diers' powder, and then Europe Will nave
new problem to solve.
Sir Halliday MacArtney, English secre-
tary of the Chinese legation in London.
saws that the concerted action of the pow
ers will save the situation in China. adding
that the end OF the disturbance is I'm sight
and that soon all will be over.