The Washington times., 1901-07-18
Circulation Statement.
Affairs in China.

Affairs in China.
With characteristic moderation and
grace Japan has averted a diplomatic
crisis at Pekin by Withdrawing her re-
quest for an increase of three million
dollars in the amount of her indemnity.
Why so moderate and equitable prop
osition should have been opposed by
Russia is hard to understand, except
upon the theory Of Russian enmity to-
ward the Island Empire. Japan cIigi-
nally only asked for twenty-four mil
lion dollars, or barely enough to cover
her outlay in the Chinese campaign.
Then, finding that her share of the pro-
posed Chinese loan could not be fioated
al better figure than eighty-si or
fourteen per cent below par, the Tokyo
Government appealed 10 the council of
Ministers to allot Japan u further sum
in bonds equivalent 30 the difference.
We are glad that our authorities have
supported the Japanese in this matter,
and truly sorry that the influence of
the United States has been without ef-
feet The outcome of the affair is that
a great deal of friction. which has
threatened the success Of an interna-
tional settlement for the past month.
during which time The council IF Min
listers has been in condition Of Irac-
tical deadlock. has beeh removed ard
the chances for agreement considerably
improved.
There still are questions concerning
which the envoys are experiencing diff
ficulty in reaching a common under
standing. The establishment of a rate
OF maritime customs is one of the most
serious. The proposition to double the
five per cent ad valorem duty now
levied on foreign goods is opposed by
the United States and Great Britain.
because the bulk of Chinese imports is
from those countries. High protective
tariffs, except in the United States, are
obnoxious TO the Administration sense
of right and the dcsrahility of keeping
commerce free from restrictive and on
erous exactions. Germany, Russia, and
other Powers, which would not be
called upon to pay any important share
of the increased taxation, are repre-
sented as insisting upon the advance
as a necessary foundation for Chinese
ability to liuuidate her debt to the in
vading nations. Probably they will
have their way. as the influence of this
country in Chinese matters suffered
cruel blow when the cut and scuttle
from Pelsin was sprung for Russia's
advantage: while Great Britain is al
most as irnpotent. owing TO her South
African ENHANCEMENT.
The situation in China is the reverse
of satisfactory. 1t has been determined
BY the Ministers that the allied troops
shall formally evacuate Pekin on Au-
gust II, the anniversary Of the relief of
the legations last year. The announce
ment Of this intention is reported as
giving the Chinese populace extreme
delight. as it appears TO them To show
thar their astute statesmen have been
successful in wearying the foreigners
until they are glad to leave the Empire
on any terms. Foreign residents In
China are much depressed over the de-
cision. They consider the movement
i'll advised. and declare that it should
not be thought of until after all ques-
tions between China and the Powers
had been settled satisfactorily to the
latter. As it is they believe that with
drawal Of the troops Immediately will
bc followed by renewed Chinese trucu-
lence, and resistance to the demands of
the Ministers in one way another
The spirit of rebellion and hatred OF
foreigners is rife in many provinces,
and quite as much in Chi Ii and Shansi
as elsewhere. once the country is rid
OF the allied forces. it is to oe feared
that the Boxer movement. OF which
the Empress Dowager always has been
and still is the inspiration and support.
may begin business again. But it ap-
pears that the leading Governments
now maintaining troops in China are
heartily sick of the whole business, and
almost as anxious to drop ii as the
Washington authorities were many
months ago.