New-York tribune., 1908-11-18
THE POWERS AND CHINA
AMERICA F4TORS 4 HANDS
OFF POLICY.
England Optimistic Germany Er-
poets Changes Russia Fears
.TdDdn's Influence.

come local disturbances officials of the State
Department do not believe that serious trouble
win follow the induction into office OF the new
rulers in China. Nothing in the present situa-
ton they say. resembles the conditions al the
time of the Boxer rebellion II is realized. how
ever, that the situation may quickly change. The
old bitterness against the Manchus. which has
repeatedly manifested itself in uprisings still
( exists among the Chinese. and their attitude
will be q subject of concern for time to
1t is sincerely hoped in administration
circles here that the new government will be
! left to work out its own salvation, and that no
! necessity will arise for interference by outside
powers for the protection of their people and
! interests IN the country.
/ Toxic. Nov 17-Those best informed in Japan
/ do consider the situation in China as likely
/ to result in an immediate internal outbreak.
They expect tc the struggle for the mastery
begin at the palace. and express confidence that
the Manchus too firmly in the saddle to al
low the overthrow of the dynasty.
Japans attitude has always been 10 support
the regning dynasty and this government is
bound b. convention to prevent partition. Jap
anese statesmen say that the present situation
in China will serve to bring the United States
and Japan more closely together. because their
political and commercial aims and purposes. 50
far China is concerned are identical Count
Hayashi, the former Foreign Minister, said to-
day:
You may quote me authority for SAYING
that Japan never had the slightest intention of
/ landing a single soldier in China without the
( consent of mandate from the powers. l GER
tainly express not only the views of the past
government but also of the present govern
ment: wher / say that Japan is determined to
adhere 10 the concert of the powers to preserve
the integrity, of China and to endeavoT, by
weight OF influence, to prevent an outbreak or
a condition Of anarchy in China, which would
mean great stasnat1on OF trade. from which
japan would be the heaviest sufferer. 1t is
quite possible that such period of anarchy viii
arise, but in such an event the only thing pos
sibe for the powers to do would be to protect
the interests of the DCrts and cities and main
tain the railroad communications
London. Nov. 1.-THE British attitude toward
the new rule in China is one OF hopeful ex-
pectancy 1t IS recognized that the empires
progress depends what person faction
gains control of the administration. The
real management of affairs, it is believed prob
ably will come into older hands than Prince
Chun's He is considered progressively inclined
but is young and Inexperienced Those best
acquainted with China hope that Yuan Shi Kai
will be the power behind the throne.
Commercial houses having Chinese interests
fear that the reforrners Chinese revolution
lists will consider the time ripe for rising
against the Manchu dynasty but the general
feeling here is optimistic.
Sir Robert Hart. the director general of Chi
nese customs. who is here on leave OF absence,
speaking of Prince Chun, said to-day;
1t is agreed by those acquainted with him
that Prince Chun is intelligent and amiable. It
remains TO be seen whether he is the kind Of
man TO give satisfaction as Regent He has
shown some premise, and It is only fair TO as
sumo that he will do well. A year ago he was
appointed the Grand Council. and has had 10
do with great affairs and the policy of the gov
. ernment since that time
Berlin Nov. 17-Chinese affairs were dis
cussed to-day more by the operators on the
Boerse and financiers than they were in poHt-
ical circles Chinese government securities feIl
a point although secured by customs and rail-
roads. The prevailing Boerse view is that for
eign investments are measurabIy safe. matter
what happens. japanese bonds also dropped a
trife
The German Foreign Office and the Chinese
Legation were not prepared to-day to express an
opinion regarding the future. The newspapers
take the view that great events are impending in
the East which are certain to influence the
Western world. The United States and Japan
are regarded here as likely to have important
parts, although Il is rot believed that combined
action of these two powers viii occur. and what
ever action they may take is not considered like
Iy TO interfere with the Chinese government.
what the future holds in store for China. The
government expects that some little time will
eapse before the true significance of the change
in rulers is made clear
For the moment official advices are negative,
but they are devoid of alarm, and no step will
be taken for the present at least by this gov
ernment The chief interest lies in the new
rule and il is hoped here that Yuan Shi Kai will
hold the Regent. Prince Chun, in check. Never
theless great and tragic complications con-
sidered possible especially IN the south. where
the revolutionists might start a separation
movement II the Picking government decides TO
stife reforms. This might be particularly seri-
Gus to France. account of the Indo-China
revoutionsts. These however. have always re
spected French property. especially the railroad.
and France, although she undertakes to arrest
revolutionists who cross the border. in accord
aDca with an understanding with China. does
not deliver the prisoners for decapltation, but
interns them.
In view of possible grave complications in
volving international intervention. France con-
siders il particularly fortunate that the great
mowers are committed to a treaty governing
such action and otherwise to the integrity of
china This is the basis OF Frances treaty With
Japan.
81 Petersburg. Nov. 1.-THE possibilities in
the Chinese crisis constitute for the Russian
newspapers and officials riddle. The newspa-
ners confine themselves to hazy generalities.
OFFICERS and diplomats who have spent years in
the Far East hesitate to make predictions.
Attention is chiefly concentrated on the inter
nal situation but from an international point ~
view, TWO factors are considered of the greatest
lmportance-the possibility of a division Of the
empire and the extension of japanese infiuenca