THE OUTLOOK IN CHINA

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4319, 30 March 1901, Page 4

THE OUTLOOK IN CHINA

Recent cablegrams referring to events in the Celestial Empire almost lead to the conclusion i that a Russo-German treaty exists containing mutual assurances on Chinese questions. Count von Bulow, the German Chancellor, has declared that the Fatherland’is indifferent as to the future of Manchuria. That possession of this fertile region in Northern China is the objective of Russia has all along been manifest. Russia," while professedly opposed to the partition of 'China, is determined to annex one of the -wealthiest portions of the Empire. She positively declines to extend the time for the signing of'the agreement that will practically give her possession: of one-seventh of Cliina; and one of the officially inspired journals of St. Petersburg justifies this attitude. even though the result should bo

the partition of the Chinese Empire. But the Chinese Court will not sign the ;agreement, and its action in this matter, is being supported by the vicerov.s; of the Southern provinces as well .as- liy ■' the 1 leading Chinese residents in sand I around Shanghai. With the assumption .of a policy of acquiescence in Russian demands cn the part of Germany, the position of the protesting nations is somewhat 7 embarrassed. Count ven Bulow may have shrewdly reasoned- that Russia would be! a more powerful ally in the Far,East than her neighbour across the North Sea; but on the other hand it. is hot prooabie

that; Germany would risk a misunderstanding with the British Government .at the present crisis. It is. undoubted that the result of recent developments has been to render more difficult than ever'the task of those who seek to maintain the integrity of China. From the 'excitement that prevails among .Chinese patriots it is clear that the danger , of; disintegration is real .and imminent. Japanese statesmen also recognise the gravity , of the crisis, and .seem to ' apprehend armed strife . in '’Northern China : and perhaps also in Korea. "Unless Russia should withdraw' I from her pretensions in Manchuria or I should succped in negotiating .that &1-J

liar™ with Japan which some of her statesmen desire, there will assuredly be trouble' Shoalcl such arise, Great Britain’s aim vriil be. to stand by *..to wealthy and populous central and southern provinces cf China, and to pretent the Empire falling to pieces. As amputation is sometimes necessary to save tlie life of a patient, so it may be politic to let Manchuria go. if thereby the rest of the Empire can be saved to peaceful pursuits, to commercial devolopments'aml growth in stable civilisation.