The Washington herald., 1907-01-29


sui general at Shanghai, has sent a report
u the State Department p0rtraying condi-
tions brought about by the great famine
which is startling 10 officials. who now.
more than ever before. realize the neces-
sity Of aiding the Chinese government in
relieving the situation
Not only is the condition Of millions Of
people such that the famine is likely to
be the most disastrous China-a land OF
famine-has ever known. but in some
parts Of the affected portions Of the EN-
pire a state OF affairs exists which bor-
ders upon actual rebellion.
The government troops IN the Lang
RiaHg yamrn are tn the field. Outbreaks
% serious nature have already bDDken
cut and the town of Zaug sah, not far
from Shanghai. was completely pillaged
by brigauds one night ia December.
Small bands are al work throughout the
famine district and there is great danger
that the entire people If the scourged
area viii follow the example. II this hap
pens, Mr. Rodgers makes serious pre-
dictions that the entire situation may get
FAR beyond the control of the government
and the military forces it controls.
Mr.. Rodgers makes no effort To con-
ceal his feelings as 10 the gravity Of the
situation. and the State Department. with
rather unusual frankness. has made pub
Die the complete text of his communica-
ton
Prospect Is Dangerous.
I'm concluding his letter 10 the State De
parment Mr. Rodgers says.
My deliberate opinion Is thar the next
few months will see the development Of
dangerous things in this part of China.
and that such conditions and circum-
stances viii have "a great effect uIon for
eign interests. political as well IS CONNER
cial. As to the latter there is no doubt as
to the presens-day effect. The shrinkage
of trade caused by the uncertain status in
Mauchuria, the surplus of goods which
still remain from the speculative year of
1905 the famine and unrest of the people.
all render the situation unsatisfactory,
both 10 foreigners and 20 Chinese mer-
chants and the approach of settling day,
China's New Year, which luckily falls late
this year. being the sevund week I'm Febru-
airy. is watched with no small degree Of
uueasincss
No news from any source insChina for
many months past in fact. not since the
subsistence of The boycott agitation. has
been quite SO serious as that contained in
Mr.. Rodgers letters. The portrayal OF the
situation will lead TO renewed efforts to
secure food. supplies and money for the
famine sufferers. For several weeks the
National Red Cross has been building up
I Erryr.r 3 g.
siderable has been accomplished. bat it IS
desired that much more be done.
Worst Since Boycott.
/ Hitherto the famine relief has been
considered from a humanitarian stand
point but now aside from that, it is re-
1 cuced TO a measure of business and dfpIo-
matte necessity. Other governments. as
wei as the United States. will no doubt
be quick TO realize this, and it may be ex-
pected that tremendous quantities of sup
Pies viii be rushed into Shanghai for dis
/ tcibution among the sufferers. The only
question is. however whether the supplies
viii get there soon enough TO alleviate the
conditions before they become so serious
as 10 be beyond control of the authorities.
Report a Month Old.
/ This report was written on December y.
more than thirty days ago. and by this
/ time the situation must be serious.
! Up 10 "A day or two ago Mr. Rodgers.
who has been appointed the agent of the
/ Red Cross at Shanghai, has said that sup
Iplies and food were needed. and net
money. on Saturday the State Depart
ment had telegram from Mr.. Rodgers.
Suggesting that money be sent instead of
supplies Perhaps this indicates that the
situation is'so urgent that the supplies
had better be purchased in Shanghai
rather than shipped from the United
States.
People Near Rebellion.
| IN the report there is also a letter to
Mr.. Rodgers from DR.. Henry NJ Woods.
.