New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-08
KA|SER'S EYES ON CHINA.
Emperor Believed To Be Dream.
ing OF Far East Conquest.
COUNT CAPRIVI LETTERS
They Throw Some Light on
Germany's Attitude in
the Orient.
from The Tribune Correspondsnt. /

from ne Tribune Correspondents
Berlin, Aug. 30-Great wars often ema-
nate from purely insignificant incidents.
but underlying the trivalities are usually
great issues. Reading some OF 'he letters
Of Count Caprivi. just now being pre-
pared for publication, one is enabled 10
gauge. TO certain extent, at least, the
throbbing depths beneath the amusing
opera boure now being played al London
and Berlin. A desperate colonial rivalry
is at the very bottom OF the almost child
ish suspicion manifested nj almost every
turn OF Anglo-Saxon diplomacy.
When in 1890, the Emperor William
dismissed Bismarck and called Count
Csprivi 10 the chancellorship OF the en-
pre this rivalry and enmity began.
CuriouslY enough the pivotal point. then
as now, lay in the Far East. William
saw little opportunity in the African pos
sessions. since considerably extended.
But. like Napoleon, in the East he
dreamed OF second empire. That was
one OF the reasons why he vas so eager
TO seize the opportunity OF parading Teu-
tonic might during the Boxer expedition
by dexterousy managing so that a Ger
man officer OF the first rank Field Mar
shall Won Waldersce, should he in COM
mand OF the allies.
The friendship cultivated by Bismarck
vas ignored Germany's ambassadors
were specially instructed to keep sleep
less watch upon every move made by
Great Britain likely TO interfere with ;he
Oriental aims OF the Kaiser
Unfortunately-or fortunately-events so
shaped themselves that both European
nations we're reegated TO a relatively
minor position in the shaping OF the
future OF Asia. But the dream remained,
and with the falling OF the Manchus
the playing OF the cards was hurried.
The editor OF the Caprivi correspondence
seems 10 credit william ri with little con-
hdence In the capacity Of the Chinese
: republicans 10 withstand the pressure
from without and within. According to
his view. the Kaiser is watching. walt
ing for tho moment when China will ap-
peal for help and blow will have 10 he
struck 10 save China.
Then" says the Boswell Of Caprvi.
"Germanvs chance viii come and Japan
viii ind. instead OF Vladimir or ku-
ropatkin, with raw. unframed. mutinous
troops the skilled marshals 81 the
Fsthcrland 10 face. backed by clouds OF
tempered krUpp steel and soldiery as
indomitable. az unfaltering. as the legions
OF Nogi and kuroki."
Germany's new compulsory insurance
law ia proving heavy drain upon EN-
ployers and salaried persons as distinct
from wage earning workers The annual
burden amounts 10 over 100000. Strange
Co say. the employers are said 10 be quite
satisfied with the law. but the employ -
resent the idea ~ having weekly and
monthly contributions deducted from
their earnings This is especially true 81
clerks and others listed among tn, sal
aired persons" who are taxed for bcns-
ft. in which they do not Immediately
share, the bulk OF the benencsrios being
OF the wage earning class
According 10 the "Tasliche Rundschau,
the German military authorities are CIV
ing their attention 10 newly invented
aeroplane. which is capable Of remaining
for a considerable time stationary IN the
air Through ingeniously constructed
mechanism the new flying machine can
no arrested in it, course by its pilot at
any point desired and held motonless
.