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A writer in the New York _Sun_ has lately published a very able and
interesting article on the relation of the United States to the present
crisis in the East.
In this country we have been so absorbed in watching the rivalry between
the European Powers over China that we have given very little thought to
its effect on ourselves.
The writer in _The Sun_ shows that it may affect us very seriously.
He does not believe that there is any immediate danger of a war as a
result of the seizure of Kiao-Chou, and he adds that the present
excitement may be "for the purpose of finding out just what the
pretensions of the various Powers are with regard to China."
"The attitude of Great Britain," he writes, "is one requiring close
examination, because of the magnitude and far-reaching character of her
demands on China. Briefly stated, they are:
"First, that China shall accept a loan guaranteed by Great Britain;
secondly, that as security the customs administration shall be placed
under her agents, with a contingent control of the _likin_ or internal
customs; thirdly, the right to push the Burmese railways at once into
Yunnan and Sechuen; and, fourthly, that no cessions of territory shall
be made to any other power south of the Yang-tse-kiang."
The immense importance of these demands the writer very clearly
explains.
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