The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-04-23

Gaston will be read with intense in terest just at this time, when the whole world is looking with eager eyes for the latest news from the seat of wal in the Far East. it Is a clear and fav- orable presentation of causes which led to the present war between Russia and Japan.
 At the close of the war between Chi na and Japan. the belligcrents in April 1895. at Shimonoseki. signed treaty of peace by which China ceded to Japan the island of Formosa and the Pesca- dores Islands. and also portion Of Manchuria. embracing all of the Lilac Tung Peninsula including Port Arthur
 China further agreed to pay to Japan 200, 000, ,000 taels in eight miscellaneous to open up a number of specified Chi nesc ports to the trade, residence, fn- dustries and manufacturers of Japanese subjects under the same conditions and with the same privileges and fla cilities as exist at present In the open ports of China, and to conclude with Japan a treaty of commerce. and navi- gation, upon the basis of the treaties then existing between China and Flu ropean Powers.
 When the terms of the treaty became known, Russia, Germany and France joined in a protest against cession of any portion of the mainland to Japan, on the ground that such cession would be detrimental to the lasting peace of the Orient; and such pressure was brought to bear on Japan by these Powers that she was compelled to re- linquish the territory in question. The money indemnity. 200.000.000 taels equal to about s175 5.000.000, Is about one-sixth of the indemnity paid by France to Germany after the conclusion of ba prusSian War.
 This was a terrible blow to the aspi- rations of Japan. The Manchurian ter ritory with Port Arthur, was the eoVet- ed prize. and the sum of 2O0.OOO,000 taels was insignificant when compared with the cost of the war.
 The truth seems ot be that Japan dld not belong to the Great Western Rob- bers Union; and Russia covetinR the peninsula and Port Arthur for herself determined that this petty, non union people should not participate in the partition of China
 The peace of the Orient was the pre- text for protesting; but each or the nrotestants very much coveted Chinese ports and adjacent territory to be used as naval and military strong -holds' and also concessions for railroads, min ing and commerce. in China. and each without even decent delay, went to WOTh ID NIiilib ihhC 6A'A'o what they wanted.
 Rapidly succeeding events opened Great Britian's eyes to the fact that Russia was to have a commercial out let to the Yellow Sea at Tallienwan, and also Port Arthur. naturally the strongest and strategically the most important fortress in the East. Great Britian was dismayed. but the tripar- tite coalition, as it had been with Jap
 An iutn hD saw that the lions skin must be pieced with the fox's, and she at once proceed ed to take a very active part with her associates in the Robbers Union in the battle for Chinese territory and Chinese industrial and commercial concessions.
 During the next four or five years, China was bullied. robbed and despoil- ed of her territory, her mining proper ties, and railroad concessions, by these most Christian Nations. in manner and to an extent that never before in the tide of time has been peacefully en- dured by an unoffending and helpless people China writhed under the rapa- city of the Western Powers, but was forced to submit
 About this time, Germany was so fortunate as to have two missionaries killed ip China. She promptly seized the port and bay of Kiao Chau with a
  been redressed and the amende hal been made for the hurt that honor feels, China had ceded to Germany as an in- demnity for the loss of her two mis- sionaries, the port and bay of Kiao Chau, the territory extending out fif- ty miles into the province of Shantung. on both sides of the entrance to the bay. also valuable railroad concessions and extensive ant rich coal fields to railroads
 A German newspaper commenting on this transaction, said that the princl- pal point in the concession is that the power that possesses Kiao Chau will control the coal supply in Northern Chinese waters. Germany further stipu- lated. in the event she should hereafter prefer some other Chinese port, that she should be allowed to exchange and that China should pay for improvements left at Kiao Chau.
 Later, a French missionary at Patkoi, noticing a placard directed against the Christian religion, proceeded with two converts to the home of the author of the placard, and attempted to arrest him. A disturbance arose in which the passers-by took part; and the mission ary lost his life The Yamen claimed that the slain missionary was China man. but the French minister being greatly in need of grievance. insisted that he was a Frenchman, and made the following demands. all of which were granted:
 1st. A concession to construct rail- road from Patkoi to Manning;
 2nd. The construction of chapel at Patkoi;
 3rd. A pecuniary indemnity Of 1o0." 900 francs:
 4th. The punishment of the persons responsible for the murder.
 Never before perhaps, has such ma terial value been attached to ministers