It is quite evident that the rumours of a projected
al!iance between Japan and China, which have been so angrily denied, rest upon a solid foundation. The Russian Government does not act upon rumour, and M. de Giers, the Foreign Minister, has addressed a despatch to the Tstmg-li-Yamen stating that such an alliance would give great offence to Russia, and that the consequences for China would be most serious. This despatch was probably written to frighten the Empress-Dowager, and strengthen the old Manchu party, which dreads Japan, but there are reports that it comes too late, and that the Treaty, which is to be kept secret, has been signed. However that may be, it is clear that the Russians, who know the Far East, make no mistake as to the effect which such an alliance might have. They see clearly, what we pointed out a fortnight ago, that such an alliance might so reinvigorate China that her rulers might be able to defy external pressure from whatever quarter it arose.. Clearly, if the Mandarins feel able to resist Russia. they would feel able to resist any other Power, and those who think they would not be willing do not understand them. The notion, which has somehow gained a foothold here, that they would defy Russia in order to be able to cosset England, or Oermany, or France, is a product of Russophobia, not of sense. They are seeking in alliance with Japan, their secular enemy, deliverance from white control, and their plan for achieving it is a very clever one, though, like most Chinese political plans, it may fail.
