Arizona republican., 1903-05-14
Shutting the Door.

The following article by Demetrius c. Boulger. one of the greatest living au- tho1ties on Chinese and Asiastic af- fairs generally, which appeared recent ly in the London Daily Mail, is of espe- cial interest at the present time, as throwing light on Russia's course in Manchuria:
 "The seven demands presented to the Chinese government by the Russian government as the only condition on which the latter will fulfill it's promise, thrice repeated, to evacuate the two southern divisions of Manchuria and the port of New Chwang, will reduce this very considerable portion of the Chinese empire to the status of a Rus sian dependency like Khiva and Box hara. The control of the customs and sanitary regulations of New-Chwang means practically the closing of that port to foreign trade under the condi- tions of our treaties with China.
 By the same stroke, then, Russia would acquire a vast territory for her self. and also shut the only 'open door . to Manchuria in the face of the rest of
 
 is understood to have rejected these demands. but it would not be surpris- ing if we learned in a little while that Prince Ching knew beforehand what was coming and had committed himself to acquiesence. Assenting or not, China is helpless, and Prince Ching's ostentatious rejection, of M. Plancon's conditions has only one re- sult-the continuance of the Russian occupation of Manchuria and New Chwang under the existing military and absolute sway.
 "The question at issue is far too grave to use heated language about Russia's breach of faith. The practi- cal point to be decided is whether there exists any chance of an international agreement between a sufficient number of powers to compel Russia to keep her word by the evacuation of the southern division of Manchuria. At the present moment all that seems to have been done is that the British and Japanese ministers at Peking have exhorted the Chinese to stand firm" This attitude is more conducive to the success of RussiaS policy than any other. for it carries with 1t the continued and undi- luted possession of Manchuria.
 "In plain words. pressure on the Chi nese executive or any form of action in their name amounts to nothing at all. It is sheer futility.
 There has been a conference aI Washington between MT Hay and Count Cassini. the negotiator of the famous secret treaty seven years ago. and 1t is believed that the United States government is going to enun- ciate a forcible policy. But what will be the practical outcome of this wordy manifestation so far as the position i'll Manchuria is concerned? Little or nothing. Russia will give satisfaction on some of the minor points among her demands. There will be new ports or consuls.
 "Very much the same opinion may be expressed about the action of England. The government has been for some time endeavoring to come to a general amicable understanding with Russia, and some of the questions that affect our relations with that power are said to be on the eve of adjustment. Will Downing Street jeopardize the chances of an agreement about Persia and Cen Na oA T1Sio by m oAA on the evacuation of Manchuria? Has it any genuine conviction that this country ought to go to war on the subject of Manchuria? Does any lead ing statesman disbelieve that "the manifest destiny of that province is to become Russian? The New York corr espondent of the Times calls this reasoning "fatalism," but it is merely Ni4f, 4. zfo some knowledge of the trend of inter- national policy. There may be any amount of controversy and dispatch writing. but the situation will not be materially altered.
 There is, of course, the more obscure possibility of Japan taking action sim gle handed. but this Is not probable. Her people are somewhat emotional, but the national policy has been re- strained by marked prudence and self control. She Is not likely to attempt | the thankless task of fighting other | peoples battles for them, and a very little inquiry will satisfy her that | America has no intention of going to | war and that England does not wish | to do so.
 'The protests of the powers, made | not direct to Russia, but through the | meaningless channel of the Chinese foreign office. are not likely to alter the position of things in Manchuria. The seven demands may be mentioned. | They may even be withdrawn. But that will not alter the true position of affairs in that great province. The Russians are in possession. and all the protests in the world will not expel | them. If the British government de- eide that they should be expelled, now Is the most favorable moment to under take it. Russia has put herself en-