The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-12-28
PARTITION OF CHINA
MAY FOLLOW CONFLICT

Pekin, December 23.--The optimistic
feeling In some quarters concerning var
between Japan and Russia arc not shared
by the other diplomats At Pel<in whose
knowledge of the 20 .cal situation Of af-
fairs entities that opinion to the highest
consideration. It is positively known that
the Japanese government has drawn the
line for a settlement beyond which it will
not make any material corcessioins, and
that she is determined to fight before
Yielding what she considers to be her vital
interests. 1t is believed that unless Rus
sla comedies important points another ex-
change of notes Will precipitate matters.
1t is also believed that Japan will re-
fuse any arrangement holding in aoey-
ance the question OF the evacuation Of
Manchuria. which was one of the terms OF
the proposed arrangements recently an
nounced from St. Petersburg. and which
it is now supposed was intended by the
Russian government as a "feelcr." This
would be violation of expressed pledges
given TO japan and China
Minister Unichida is reported to
have said he would be obliged
to resign his post in the event
of such an agreement. The most
dangerous factors in the situation are the
confidence Of the Russian officials in the
Far East that a war would n0n an easy
victory for Russia and the challenging
tone Of the Russian officials and news
papers.
The intelligent Chinese officials await
developments with the deepest anxiety
They foresee the many perils menacln8
China In the event Of war and the pos
sibilities that a partition of the empire
may result from China S inability to man
tain the neutrality Of her harbors and
subjects
The younger officials and the newspa-
pers discuss the possibilities Of IN al
liance between China and Japan. but the
only available Chinese troops are the 49,
900 Japanese trained men OF Yuan Shi
Eai (who was recently appointed com
mander of the imperial army and naTy)
who might fight under foreign leaders,
but whose present officers are incom-
petent and Of doubtful courage.
China May Be Divided. :
The two members Of the diplomatic
corps at the Chinese capital whose opln-
ions regarding the present critical condi-
ton Of affairs in the Far East are prob
ably most palpable arc Japanese Minister
Tnichida and Sir Ernest Mason Satow.
who for over three years has r. presented
the British government at Pekin. 1t is
M secret that both sec only faint pros
pect OF war being averted.
Minister Satow was connected with the
British diplomatic service in Japan for a
quarter of a century He is one OF the
greatest living authorities on japanese
history and literature, ana IS in constant
communication with the foremost states
men OF Japan He is quoted as saying
that anyone who iInagines that Japan Will
not fight for what she considers to he her
greatest interests does not know the
Japanese people. Minister unchida is an
adherent OF the young Japan party and
has always advocated war II NJ cessary
10 secure the evacuation of Manchuria-
Sir Robert Hart, director of the Chinese
imperial maritime department, said to-
lav he feared China would be the chief
sufferer by the war, should it occur, for
she might be ground between the two
mill stones The decadence OF Chinese
government has never been more com
pletely displayed than in these times when
her ministers go from legation to lega-
ton imploring other governments to help
China without any thought of China S
helping herself. There is absolutely no
strength among the ruling ministers-no
Prince Chung. Marquis Tseng or Ii Hung
Chang-ail are venerable conservatives
like Prince Ching. Nyu Ting Fang. the
well known eXminister to the United
States. tells his official friends that he
despairs Of Chinas future.
Il see no hope he says. for China.
The partition OF the empire sooner or
later IS inevitable"