"L
*C
February 13, 1904.]
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
war.
129
China, compared with the rest of the Powers. In short, whatever the result of the war, could in no way be involved in the final the alienation of any territory of China settlement between Japan and Russia.
" of NICHOLAS II. When it is remembered | telegram to the Tsar), it is little likely that | too by what means Prince BISMARCK in- they will be capable of repair during the "fluenced the mind of his master in view
of reconciling him to the idea of war with the previously small difference of strength The significance of this, in view of "France it will be understood that similar between the Russian and Japanese fleets, is "and even less scrupulous means aro likely, not easy to over-estimate.
to be employed with the Tsar to convince ovidently laid her plans and carried them Japan has
That such an expression of determination "him of the necessity of war with Japan. out with precision,, and the heartiest con-ently logical cannot be denied. Japan and on the part of the Powers would be emin- " In any case, while taking into due account gratulations will be offered to her by her Russia may be fighting for the hegemony of "what is known of the character of the sympathisers throughout the world. It is North-eastern Asia, but the interests of "Russian Emperor, it would not be safe to not, of course, to be expected that this vein "found all hope for peace on the personal of success will continue without a break. future of North China, and neither the many other nations are involved in the disposition of the promoter of the Hague Russia's enormous resources must still come "Conference.” Now we see this passionate into play. Nevertheless, in naval matters Powers are prepared to see their treaty United States nor the leading European advocate of peace proceeding to the it will be difficult, if not impossible, for rights extinguished by the victory of either altar to submit his cause-that of Russia to counteract the effect of her recent Russia's insatiable aggression-and the defent. She will doubtless attempt to
disputant. If China does not become a fate of his despotic and tyrannous Empire restore the balance by vigorous action on
party to the war, the Powers on their own to the Almighty before drawing the land. Whether she can do so remains to be
behalf and hers should see that her territory sword against the small nation which proved. The Siberian line has yet to be
is not treated as part of the reward of dares to stand up against his forces in the tested in time of stress.
success. Of course, should China be drawn cause of civilisation. It is truly an unholy tow if it fails to serve Russia as well as she intensely difficult; but we take it that the It will surprise into the struggle, the question becomes farce. But the poor dupe of his unscrupulons hopes. With Russia the main question in Powers, if they make such notification as the Ministers cannot be blamed except for his the immediate future will be one of con- blindness. The Ministers in question, how-nections. Reinforcements and commissariat influence and possibly more than moral United States suggest, will also use their
If a violation of China's territory should suasion to induce China to remain impartial bring about her departure from an attitude of neutrality, that is a circumstance which
ever, are not blind.
(Daily Press, 11th February.) Hongkong certainly had no reason to complain of the amount of war news received in the Colony yesterday; and, as - confirmation of the main details came from several sources, there can be no doubt as to their authenticity. The course of events so far seems to have been this:- On the 5th instant the Japanese Minister at S. Peters- burg intimated to Russia that, in cone- quence of the delay of Russia's reply for twenty-two days, while Russia was actively preparing for war, Japan retused to wait any longer. On the next day, or on the 7th, the Japanese Minister was withdrawn from S. Petersburg. On the 8th instant Baron ROSEN and the various Russian Consuls were recalled from Japan. On the night of the same day part of the Japanese fleet reached Port Arthur and the torpedo-boats attacked the Russian fleet, disabling two of the best battleships and a big cruiser. These vessels were all lying in the outer roads; Port Arthur harbour is said to be incapable of bolding the whole Russian squadron there, possibly owing to the fact that the new breakwater has rendered it semi-icebound. Another attack on Port Arthur seems to have been delivered ou the next morning, that of the 9th instant, but full particulars have not arrived yet. In
alike depend on these being maintained. Japan will, we may be sure, spare no effort to break them, and with so brave and devoted a people all that is possible is within
attainment.
would have to be taken into consideration, THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA'S will be content to see troops marching for it cannot be expected that she
NEUTRALITY.
(Daily Press, 12th February.) ation which reached Hongkong yesterday Perhaps the most important item of inform.
dent's telegram appearing in another column was that portion of our London correspon- which referred to a circular Note addressed by the United States Government to the Powers. This Note, it seems, asked the gerent nations of Japan and Russia that Powers to join in a notification to the belli- they must respect the neutrality and integ. rity of China. This is the first decided step taken by the Washington Government since the state of affairs in the Far East grew really serious. It is true that, in pursuance of the terms of the recent coinmmercial treaty between the United States and China, Pre- sident ROOSEVELT has appointed represent. atives of the States at the new of Moukden and Antung in Manchuria; but open ports" the effect of these appointments, as long as the status quo in Manchuria exists, is nuga- tory. If Manchuria is to remain Russian, the accrediting of United States representa
the meantime on the 8th instant-an tives to China in Manchuria is valueless, aud engagement took place near Chemulpo. A the clause of the treaty referring to the new Japanese squadron escorting transports with ports is inoperative. Now, however, the troops no doubt intended for Seoul, of United States have male a proposal to the which Chemulpo is the port, met with some European Powers that the two nations at Russian warships and engaged with them,
war shall be warned to re-pect the neut. The Russian gun vessel Koreetz was exploded rality and integrity of China. The effect of by her crews, while the Varyag, a 6,500-ton such notification would be twofold. In cruiser, and a mail steamer with her were des- the first place, during the war any violent troyed. Japan also captured about the same act with China's territory on the part of time the steamers Mukden and Nonni, Chinese either combatant would call for joint action Eastern Railway vessels which left Shang- on the part of the notifying Powers. That hai on the 1st and 4th instants respectively. is to say, if Russia were to seize, say, the These were taken off Fusan, the Corean port Shanhaikwan-Newchwang line or any points facing Tsushima, where a portion of the in Manchuria not on the Russian railway Japanese Army and the squadron were con-line, or were to advance into Chili; or if centrated last week. The report about the Japin were to land a force in Manchuria Mongolia's capture, however, is not con- outside Russian-leased territory, the Powers firmed. Other reports, not substantiated would be called upon to interfere. Secondly, by telegrams, were current yesterday, but at the conclusion of the war the victorions up to the time of writing the above men- party would have no right to gain any terri- tioned details alone seem to be trustworthy. torial increase at the expense of China. Thus, f Japan has, according to these latter, scored Russia were to win, she could not claim full a highly important initial success. She has, possession of Manchuria as part of the in on way or a other, put five Russian spils, and in fact would have no further warships out of use, two of them permanent rights in the province then she already has ly. With regard to the other three, if they by trevy. Nor could Japan, presuming are seriously damaged (and this we may she were desirous of doing so, claim special surmise from the fact of Admiral ALEXIEFF's privileges in Manchuria,
or elsewhere in
over her borders and seizing her property without may attempt at resistance. The Chinese have been anticipating a Russian move against Peking on the slightest
collision should be provoked by Russian best troops on pretext and have massed some of their
aggression it would not be fair to charge the fault against China of departing from a neutral attitude.
the Liao River. If a
answered.
An all-important question remains to be What attitude are the other Powers likely to take up in view of the pro- position of the United States? tion, and if France is, as we believe, sincere Great Britain will assuredly welcome the sugges- in her expressed desire to secure the peace, of the Far East as far as possible she must also accede. Only the glamour of that most Russia can blind her to the propriety of one-sided of alliances which France has with
such a step; and there are reasons to believe that this glamour is less dazzling than of old. It is difficult to make out Germany's attitude. It has been suspected that there must have been some sort of understanding between S. Petersburg and Berlin before Russia drove Japan into war.
But we can see no indication that Germany is in any wise excited at the outbre k of trouble. She has not strengthened her fleet out here, por is there any news by telegram of such intention. The most recent German news- papers have not been markedly pro-Russian in tone; in fact, some of them have re- cognised that Japan's claims are deserving of respect. On the whole it may be said that Russia's policy finds few friends in Europe at the present moment. Whether the Powers as a whole will carry their / opinions to the logical conclusion and accept the proposal of the United States remains to be seen. Logic. does not always appeal to the high diplomatists. A great opportu- nity will certainly be missed if Washing- ton's overtures are neglected.
The following appointment was notified at the Admiralty last month :-Commander J. C. Watson to the lamar, to date Jan. 4 The fllowing appointments have been cancelled :— Naval Ca eis.--C. R. F. Perryman and J. Midshipman.-G. F. Hole, to the Blenheim.
E. B. Rotley, to the Blenheim.
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