More news from China has been received this week, of
course of the usual kind. The Germans are asking, and, of course, will obtain, new railway privileges in Shantung, which, as the railways must be protected, will involve a virtual right to govern the whole province. The Italians have also asked - for a port, the point selected being Seaman, south of Nin,gpo, and as they are sending three cruisers to support their demand it will no doubt be conceded. At the same time, M. Pavloff, the Russian Minister, has protested against the terms of the Ninchwang extension railway loan which was granted to British subjects, and which he thinks interfere with Russian claims in Manchuria. This protest has greatly excited the Anglo-Chinese, who call upon the British Government to resist Russian arrogance with decision, and are evidently prepared, as they will not have to find the troops or pay the tales, to go to war at once. The protest seems to us merely a formal one intended to guard all rights in Manchuria, but if the Chinese yield to it, the Governm,nat will give them a warning.
At the same time, this new policy of using cruisers to collect mercantile debts strikes us as very dangerous and a little disgusting.
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