Tension in the Orient by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 3, 1904

Tension in the Orient

By Editor

Various and conflicting are the reports which come to us from the far East. There are threatened complications which may of themselves bring the powers into conflict, even tho the principal parties to the controversy are desirous of avoiding a clash. The Empress of China is arousing to the fact that the rule of Manchuria by the Russians may endanger her own dynasty. It is the Manchu dynasty that is now ruling China, and if that be cut off from the empire, the dynasty will be degraded in the eyes of the people, and may be overthrown. So there has been some talk of a conflict between China and Russia. The Koreans also are growing restless, and are attacking the property of foreigners, and threatening the foreigners themselves. Several of the powers, including the United States, now have marines at the Korean capital, much against the wishes of the Koreans themselves, and a dangerous element of the latter has been armed by the government. Some reports have stated that Japan is sending troops to Korea. Others state that Russia has indicated her unwillingness to allow Japan to send her troops in large numbers to Korea. At this date Russia has not given Japan her final reply; but both powers continue their preparations for war. With the tension in Korea becoming acute, with China showing signs of rising in opposition to Russia, and with Japan showing no signs of weakening in her attitude, it would seem that there is great probability of war in the Orient.

A number of serious disasters have been reported during the week, among which we note the following: By the bursting of a reservoir in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on January 18, about thirty persons were drowned, and hundreds rendered homeless. Three hotels and 176 houses were destroyed. The bursting of a large steam pipe at Johnstown, Pa., on January 21, resulted in the death of 12 men and the serious injury of 25. A disastrous tornado swept through Moundville, Ala., on January 24, killing 38 persons, fatally injuring 12, and seriously injuring 53. Practically the whole village of Aalesund, Norway, was destroyed by fire on January 24, leaving its 11,000 inhabitants shelterless. The financial loss is placed at $4,000,000.

Intense cold, and much suffering on account of it, are reported from nearly all the States east of the Rocky Mountains. Trains have been snowed in in many places. In several parts of the East the thermometer has been more than fifty degrees below zero. Among the poor, especially in large cities, this has caused great suffering. In some cities the hospitals have been crowded with frost patients. Stock has suffered also, especially on the ranges. In some sections the rivers have been gorged with ice and much property destroyed by their overflowing their banks.

The Congressional battle has begun on the canal treaty with Panama. It is generally conceded that the treaty will be accepted, tho the discussion is bringing out many strong protests against the course of the United States in the Panama affair.

German colonists in German Southwest Africa are being driven from their homes by the rebellious natives, and reinforcements are being hurried forward to quell the disaffected natives. German officials regard the situation as very serious.