The times., 1901-03-15
Circulation Statement.
Critical International Conditions.

All the indications at Pekin, and IN the
diplomatic atmosphere Of Europe seem
20 nortend a speedy breakup Of the CON
cert of Powers. and the final parutloh oA
China unless the Russian Government Is
afle and willing to remove the objections
Of Great Britain and Japan TO her poilcS
and attitude in the matter of Manchurla'
There is apparently some reason TO rear
that as far as Japan is concerned II
may be a question between Russia VIII
ingness to see the Mikado compensated
IN Korea. and war, since the pressure OF
Janauese public opinion upon the Gov
ernrnent NAV force il into hosuhties-
What Lord Salisbury might do in such an
event is probably doubtful. The British
Government is in no condition militarily
or financially to engage in costly war,
most Of the operations of which woulo
have TO be conducted on land, and IN
difficult country. Although Great Britain
no doubt is sincere in preferring the open
door and freedom Of trade for all nations
in China. to the acquisition of territory
stnl it is likely that rather thah resoi
IN the only other alternative in sight she
would feel compelled TO go IN Win 'iie
rest. and get as much as posslole ou' oA
the wreck.
Were Russia aud the others willing 10
give Korea to Japan as cohsola'ioii
nurse. the way TO general settlement
hv partition might not be hard 10 h'lu-
But Russia herself is suspected OF very
well defined conviction that she heeds
Korea to round out her possessions on
the Laio-ting peninsula. But for the re-
cent rapprochement between Germany
and Great Britain. we should say that
another point of friction might be dis
covered in the practical possession OF
The Yangtze Valley, which has long been
REGARDED as British sphere Of iniiu-
ence, hut which already has been sue
cessfullv invaded by German trade. There
may be some understanding on this sub
4ect between Berlin and London.
Nothing in connection with the Chinese
cuestion in its current condition Is
more noticeable than the negligibility OF
the United States in the efforts which
the Ministers Of the Powers are making
n secure a peaceful and secure settle
mont with China. As might have been
expected. Commissioner Rockhil mas
been instructed to protest as loudly as
poesihle against the plan of the coun-
oil 10 demand punishment for the manda-
rims and taotaies who were guilty OF
torturing and butchering the American
and other missionaries. Enough blood
has been spilled, is the cry OF
the Administration. That is the phil
anthropic fog which it is desira-
bic to raise over the situation
10 cover the humiiating defeat of our
amateur. garden-seed, and postage-stamp
diplomatic policy in engaging in the Rus
so-American cut and scuttle, and so con-
tributine 10 the end which this Govern
ment has continually deplored and en-
deavored to avert, namely, the partition
Of China.
Perhaps there never was time when
the resources Of intelligent and trained
diplomacy We're more greatly and impeT-
atively in demand TO prevent war
among the nations that might turn back
the hands on the clock of human ciyili-
zation and progress a century at least.
There is every evidence Of a grave crisis
IN the international relations Of some of
the most powerful States. II may be
passed without an open rupture; but If
so, the price promises 10 be a practical
expunging OF the Chinese Empire from
the map OF the world.