Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-01-22
The Chinese Crisis.

Intervention of the American Min
lister TO China, on his way home for
vacation. with orders to return to
Picking forthwith. is explained as due
70 the need of making every possible
provision to protect Americans In
China in case the present disorders
flame into a general attack upon for
eigners Doubt is felt as to the ability
of the central government at Peklng
to exercise authority for the protec-
ton of the foreign residents. Never
theless it is urgent that the repre-
sentative of this country should be on
hand in person to do whatever is pos
sible TO prevent a repetition of the
tragedies of 1900, when the Boxer re-
bellion swept China and took a heavy
toll of lives.
The present situation in China is
extremely delicate. Agitation against
foreign interests and influences mas
been fomented by factions, stimulated,
# is SUSPECTED, by the Russian govern
1nent. The disorder in the administra-
lion due to the conflict of the military
chiefs has seriously weakened the
prestige of the foreign powers. "A
false move might precipitate a general
outbreak. Nevertheless there is ur'
gent need of protection. In 1900 1t
was not possible to forestall the anti
foreigner demonstrations by the plac-
ing of troops in the affected areas.
Nor is it possible now, without the
virtual invasion of China by the
powers. acting in unison, and the pre-
cipitation of a state of war.
In 1900 the legations at Picking were
besieged by mobs of fanatics. The city
itself was beleaguered. An expedition
composed of troops representing sew
eral of the governments of Europe,
Japan and the United States was or
ranized and advanced to the capital,
relieving the legations and preventing
q general massacre. Meanwhile the
Boxers had slain many foreigners,
chiefly persons attached to missions
in the interior and business repre-
sentatives at the more remote points.
A far different situation exists to-
day in China from that of 1900. Then
there was at least the semblance OF
an established central government.
Now there are several rival govern
ments. Then the Picking government
was weakened by intrigue, but it was
nevertheless recognized, save by the
Boxer insurgents. Now the country
is overridden by bandits and by
"armies" headed by rival aspirants for
the central. authority. A specific
geographical and political division OF
the country has been undertaken.
Picking no longer stands for suprem-
acy in authority, yet it is the sole
governmental center which is recog-
nized by the foreign powers.
This country has scrupulously OBJ
served it's treaty obligations toward
China, and is in no wise derelict. It's
nationals are in China on legitimate
business and are entitled to protection.
To a great number they have with
drawn from their posts of duty to
places Of greater, though not absolute
" assured security. 1t has not yet
been considered necessary or advisable
20 order them out Of the country for
their own security, upon pain of los
ing whatever protection the home
government can render them, but
there is in progress a steady move
ment toward the coast, and unless the
anti-foregin agitation gains a sweep
ing momentum they will be safe in
the treaty ports, where warships are
stationed and to which troops can
be sent from the Philippines in case
of desperate need.
The situation is one of danger, and
the orders given to Minister MacMur-
ray to return to his post are indice
tive OF the gravity of the emergency.
-$-@@~-s--------