The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-01-29
COnditiOnSin Famine Dis
trict May Lead to Reign
of Terror.
Missionaries Lives Men
aCed and Business In
tereStS Threatened.
State Department viii
Direct Relief From Dip
lOmatiC Motives.

That conditions in the famine dis
trict OF China, where thousands OF
natives are dying and millions are
near death from starvation and dis
ease, may lead to anarchy and a
general reign OF terror. menaeing
foreign missionaries and citizens
and greatly crippling commerce
with this country, is made plain to
this Government in startling re-
ports Just received at the State De-
partment from Consul General
Rodgers, at Shanghai, and Consul
Haynes, at Marking.
That officials OF this Government are
greatly perturbed by these reports there
is not attempt TO hide, and il is con-
sidered as probable that WITHIN the
next few days the President may feel
himself called upon 10 issue "a second
proclamation. appealing to the people Of
The United States 10 contribute 20 the
15,0J0.OO0 starving people in the flooded
and dosOlate districts of the interior
provinces. OmciaIs of the American
branch OF the National Red Gross have
risen TO more strenuous efforts 10 anord
relief. although previously il seemed
that they were doing all within their
power 20 rush food and clothing 10 the
devastated territory. Until now, relief has
been sought in a spirit of humanity, 10
alleviate suffering; from now on. aside
from this motive, II VIII be sought as
n diplomatic move TO remedy conditions
that might lead TO even worse develop
ments than the Boxer uprising.
Mothers Sell Their Babies.
Last winter, officials of this and
European governments were alarmed
over the boycott situation. and IL has
been generally conceded that serious
disturbances as an outgrowth Of that
movement wese only prevented by the
prompt steps Of this country In sending
a squadron OF WaFships TO the Chinese
coast ana two additional regiments OF
infantry troops 10 the Philippines There
is no attempt % conceal the fear that
the present conditions. because of the
famine in which women are selling
their babies for a m0uthful of food, OF
throwing them into streams and them
selves committing suicide, may easily
lead TO most dangerous situation.
In view of this. while the Red Cross
proceeds 10 raise all money and food
possible 10 sJave of starvation, II Is
expected that the state Department Will
enter into the matter thoroughly. and
that other governments will be consulted
within the next few days, with a view
10 concerted action in case OF crisis.
The army and navy viii be expected
10 stand as ready Tor possible eme4-
geucies as they aid last winter.
Consul Haynes report was mailed at
NanKing, December IS and Consul Gen
elai Rodgers report came from Snans-
hal under date of December u. Consul
HAYNES saws that the famine Is ten
times worse than anything known IN
that part of the empire for the last
forty years. The Chinese officials, he
SAYS, admit their inability 10 cope with
the situation. Consul Haynes declares
that whatever aid may be extended by
this Government in the present crisis
will certainly do much 10 dispel the i'll
feeling recently aroused by the boycott
the exclusion act, etc.