The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-03-15
Circulation Statement.
\ Concert Ont of Tune.

\ Concert Ont OF Tune.
In the language OF Gilbert. it would
appear that, concerning the Chinese
question. everything is either at skies
or al sevens,' Unless we are justified
in looking for a miracle, the chances for
= peaceful settlement at Pekin. on the
bases of reasonable indemnity ana the
territorial integrity Of the Chinese En-
pire. appear very sim. How long the
other Powers viii allow Russia to run
with the hares. and hunt with the
hounds Is question not presently an
swerabIe but If the days Indications
count for anything. the time cannot be
distant when either Russia must recede
from her present stand in relation to
AIanchurIa. OF the Concert must fail II
pieces
For our OWE part, we can see no reason
for expecting q Russian vote face. Russia
has TOO carefully thought out and plan
ned her coup, is too completely in the
saddle. and has too well counted the cost
and risks. for anything Of that kind 10
happen Russia is serenely aware that
Great Britain is helpless to stop her
march Of empire to the Gulf of Pechi-
Ii. The one Power from whom active
Japan, in spite of all talk of war prepa-
rations. probably viii think twice before
assailing Russia single-handed.
AS for Germany, apparently there is
fresh evidence that, whatever the Kali
ser's Government may think of the Rus
sian game. it viii not interfere, but, on
The contrary. viii accept the occupation
OF ManchurIa as un fat acconpi and
endeavor to turn the situation as much
as possible 10 German advantage Such
policy, We think, may be deduced from
the new rigor Of the German attitude to-
ward China. and from reports, which
seem credible, that Germany viii insist
upon an enormous indemnity, and imme-
diatc payment. No one pretends TO be-
neVe that the Chinese Government, no
matter how much It might be disposed to
comply with such a demand, could do so
L. existing circumstances. Failure 10
meet the German terms could hardly have
hut one result In default of cash, the
Kaiser no doubt would proceed with his
customary pComptness to levy on China's
real estate, and take as much of it as
would coUnterhalance the advantages re
allied by the Gar in AIanchuria. France,
too. IS represented rs insisting upon heavy
damages. and these are likely TO be com
pounded in land Austria. Italy. and Hol-
land appear TO be acting with Germany.
Great Britain viii be forced TO join in
the game Of grab or find herself badly out
IN the cold At the end Japan, as We have
explained before, could be pIacated with
Korea, AuJ, unfortunately, Russia wants
that. too
Where does the United States come III?
After q great deal OF pious asseveration
on the part Of the Administration. that il
does not and could not doubt the entire
disiuterest edness and philanthropy of the
Russian course in Manchuria, there are
interesting signs to show that * is seri-
ousIy troubled by doubts on the subject
Such provisions of the Russo-Chinese
secret compact as have leaked out from
Chinese sources, show that, although on
its face the convention undertakes the
return Of hIanchuria 10 China, the cOudi-
lions OF that return are Of such a nature
that the latter might as well cede the re-
gion out and out. In effect, Manchuria is
made Russian dependent State. like the
semi-independent native States of India.
very thoroughly under Russian military
occupation and civil supervision. with a
Russian chief official in control, who win
be vicer0y in all but title
Secretary Hay continues to prod Com
missioner RocIlhiH with Instructions 10
protest and work against punishment Of
Chinese officials responsible for the tor
ture and murder Of our missionaries. and
10 press for a reduction of demands for
indemnify II all amounts 10 a play to
the American gallery The United States
has cut the throat Of whatever influence
It started with in the family Of nations
interested in China, and its voice, which
is loud ont Of all proportion TO its part
IN the Concert, pipes vehemeutIy for the
peace and harmony which it joined with
Russia in knocking on the head, in the
Russo-American cut and scuttie
The ultimate settlement VIII not be die
tated from Washington. Indeed there
may be cause TO fear that there VIII he
no settlement All the Powers-this one
eXCapted-may agree cheerfuiIy upon the
principle Of partition. and then straight
way fall TO quarreling over the division.
il Is not impossible. as far as one can
Judge al this time. that world war
may be the outcome % the situation be-
fore many months-perhaps weeks.