THE CHINESE QUESTION by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Nov 14, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 46.

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

By Editor

PERHAPS the most important item of the week in reference to the Chinese imbroglio was the announcement of the compact between England and Germany in reference to affairs in China. The terms of the compact were arrived at on October 16. The first article of this agreement declares the intention of the two governments to see that the ports on the rivers and littoral of China shall remain open and free to trade for the peoples of all countries. By the second article both governments agree that they will not make use of the present complications to obtain for themselves any territorial advantage in China, but will use their power to maintain the present territorial conditions there. Article 3 indicates that if other powers attempt to take advantage of the present complications to secure territory in China, England and Germany reserve the right to protect their interests there. This may mean that England and Germany would make war on such power or powers, or that they will themselves take

portions of the country. This agreement is looked upon with favor by the officials at Washington.

The Chinese peace envoys at Peking have submitted peace propositions to the representatives of the powers there. The envoys declare that the guilty Chinese officials will be surrendered to the courts for punishment, and that full indemnity will be paid for the destruction of the lives and property of foreigners. The propositions of the Chinese, however, are not regarded with favor by the powers. It is felt that the Chinese envoys have assumed an arrogant attitude, as tho China, instead of Europe, was to hold the position of dictating the terms of peace.

The allied expedition which started for Pao Ting Fu has captured that place, having encountered little opposition on the way. The French troops arrived first, and occupied the railroad depot. The troops are repairing the railroad and reconnoitering north and south of the city. The Russians have been meeting with serious opposition in the vicinity of Moukden, but defeated the Chinese, with considerable loss of life on both sides, and have occupied the city.

The rebels in the south of China are massing in the districts surrounding Canton. The Chinese authorities are calling for re-enforcements, as a battle with the insurgents is expected soon which will either crush the rebellion in that locality or give it greater impetus. The imperial troops are reported to have met defeat in a battle with the rebels in the province of Kwang Tung, and all the Chinese generals in this province are calling for more troops. The governor of Shantung reports a battle with the Boxers, in which he claims to have killed 2,000. There have been several minor engagements between the troops of the different nations and the Chinese at small villages in the neighborhood of the cities already occupied. The number of lives lost in these battles, tho considerable, is not given definitely. Circulars emanating from Prince Tuan, leader of the Boxers, have been widely distributed, urging his followers to exterminate all foreigners, and the empress dowager is reported to be making heavy collections from the viceroys, and punishing or threatening those who have been friendly to the foreigners. Sir Robert Hart, director of Chinese customs, takes a very gloomy view of the Chinese situation. He regards the Boxer movement as national and next to impossible to control. On the whole, the outlook for the restoration of peace in China in the near future is not promising.