Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-07-25
THE SITUATION IN CHINA,

ternational powers have more or less
satisfactory idea of the situation in
China, what it all means, and what
may come out of it; but it is pretty
certain that the information is not
common property up to this time.
A few weeks ago it looked as if the
whole trouble was growing out of an
effort of the Chinese to return to their
old policy of exclusiveness by the ex-
pulsion of all foreigners from their
soil. This appearance is still strong.
1t also looked as if all the International
powers were determined to resist eject
ment, and that in doing so they would
act together as unit for the common
good of all. While events seem to
show that this latter purpose is still
worn as mask, beneath it all there
is to be seen evidences of individual
selfshness that threaten badly for an
ultimate amicable arrangement.
The attack of the Chinese on the
Russians in Manchuria, and the inva-
sion of Siberia have given Russia good
grounds to act alone, and it is under
stood that an immense Russian army
is arranging to invade China from the
north. Notwithstanding the proposed
plans of cooperative action, it is like
ly that this movement on the part
of Russia will be continued as an in
dependent one, and that it can be
pursued to the end without friction
seems impossible.
In view of the murder of her min.
lister, Germany has an affront which,
according to the European idea, calls
for especial vengeance; and while Ger
may be willing to cooperate to a
greater or less extent with the other
powers, she is likely to insist upon a
certain amount of independent work.
This also promises to complicate the
situation.
The old jealousy between Russia and
Japan is not likely to down in the face
of the common danger. Neither gov
ernment can be brought to believe
that in the event of the success of
the one over the Chinese, the sue
cessful one will not hold every ad-
vantage it can possibly secure. The
feeling of Japan against Russia is
greater than it is against even Chi
ma, and there is reason to believe
that Russia would much rather leave
China to remain as she is, than to fall
under the power Of Japan. The prox-
unity of these nations, and the fact
that each has a large army ready for
for service, have led to the suggestion
that they act as allies against China; ;
but the suggestion has not met with
favor on either SIDE.
While we are speculating about the
selfshness of Russia, Germany and
Japan, etc., it is not just that we
should forget that Great Britain and
the United States also have selfish in
terests, and that they, too, have an eye
to the main chance, Notwithstanding
the deplorable conditions which now
appear sufficient incentive to COM
pei all the powers to work together
with an eye single to the common
good.
All the numerous conflicting stories
from China and from Europe and
Washington about China are calculat-
ed to distract and confuse. While
they leave no doubt of the fact that the
missionaries and other foreigners are
in great danger, they also still give the
idea that all the old hopes, designs,
policies and jealousies that existed be-
fore this crisis arose are still alive.