The age-herald., 1900-06-11
FRENCH VIEW OF
 CHINESE SITUATION

Paris, June 10.-The grave situation in China monopolizes the attention of the po- litical world and has thrown shadow over questions of minor interest even in- cludng the Transvaal. Paris and it's poli- ticians admit the seriousness of the condi- tion of affairs around Pekin and apprehen- sions are expressed lest it lead to interna- tional complications.
 The greatest element of danger in the sit uation is generally felt to be the double duel of supremacy proceeding between Russia and England and Russia and Japan The sympathies of Frenchmen are natur- ally with their ally Russia. The next few days 1t is expected, will bring forth im- portant events. It is not thought the Eng land is likely at the present moment when her hands are fully occupied with South Africa, to take any step to produce an Anglo Russian collision; but she is firmly believed here to be behind Japan and her support may encourage the latter to adopt such policy as will eventually end in hos tilities with Russia, for which apparently the Japanese are itching. The United States is acknowledged to be a most inn oortant factor in the situation, and dis patches from Washington are closely fol- lowed with a view of gaining therefrom a clear indication 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 England and Russia favor the impression that she will endeavor to steer an inde- pendent course; but will at the same time, z II.J
 luctantly join Japan and England. At the ferei@n office no attempt is made to con- ceal the anxiety which prevails; but while the feeling cannot be said to be optimistic 1t is hoped that the storm gathering about the Chinese empire will be weathered.
 The following statement is furnished the Associated Press by a representative of the foreign office expressing the views of the French government:
 "The situation is undoubtedly very se- rious and until the Chinese government re- wives itself to thorough appreciation of the dangers threatening it's very existence at the present moment, it is difficult to forsee what will be the outcome. Our cable advices leave the condition of af- fairs still somewhat obscure, but it is ev- ident that the Pekn government must act promptly and vigorously if it is to stamp out the rebellion. Despite the stories of de- feats of the Chinese troops, we still think the army is sufficiently strong to suppress the insurrection, but it must act at once. In the meanwhile we intend to cooperate with the other powers in taking such meas ures as are necessary to safeguard our countrymen and their properties. Our min ister and admiral have been instructed to take this course. Our interests are iden- tical with those of the United States and there is every reason to believe we shall act in unison during the present crisis The object of both is to act purely in the in- terest of the lives of our campatriots, which are now in such peril.
 We hope the fears expressed by the press of various countries regarding the probability of international complications will not be realized. The one thing to be feared appears to be friction between Japan and Russia, but we think the Japanese government is too wise to pit itself against the might of the Russian empire. Japan is certainly very strong on the sea, but on land it is different matter. We are hope ful that the trouble will blow over through resolute action on the part of the Chinese government"