NEWS FROM CHINA.

Evening Star, Issue 5229, 8 December 1879, Page 2

NEWS FROM CHINA.

SHANGHAI, October 24.

Professor Nordehskjold has left Japan in the Swedish exploring vessel Neza for Europe. During the voyage home dredging and sounding operations will be conducted and other efforts made to add to the scientific results already obtained. There is a probability of the Foo-Chow difficulty being amicably arranged. Japan has put forward a claim to the Islands in a very determined manner, and it is understood that China is not desirous of pushing the matter to extremes at the present moment. Commissioners are now on their way from Japan to Pekin for the purpose of arranging a settlement. China has just taken steps which show her sense of the growing importance of her relations with foreigners and foreign Powers. The Governor of the province of Fuk-Ben and Cheking has appointed Mr Hallar, Q.C., his legal adviser. This is the first time an English barrister has been given a general retainer from any Chinese official. There was a proposal about two years ago to give one to Mr Ny Chop (the first Chinaman called to the English bar), and who was to reside at Tientsin, but it was never carried out. It is expected that the Imperial Government at Pekin will adopt a similar course.

The subject of Chinese emigration is just now occupying attention. Two steamers have just left China with free emigrants for the Sandwich Islands, and more are to follow. Brazil and Peru are also asking for coolies.

It is said that a new treaty has been concluded between China and the United States respecting emigration. Its object ia to prevent criminal or diseased persons and prostitutes going to the States, but able-bodied laborers will be allowed to go as at present. The charge against the Swatow Opium Guild, an influential combination of Chinese merchants for endeavoring to stop foreigners trading in opium in Chinking, has not been formally decided, but the taoti having stated at the close of plaintiffs care tiiat the charge was not proved, there is no doubt what it will be. The English counsel left the Court after that expression of opinion on the part of the Judge before hearing the English barrister and solicitor who defended, or any of the evidence for the defence. The next step will be to take the matter before the British Minister, but ultimately it is almost sure to ! be Bent to the British Government for decision. The charge isfor the breach of a treaty which it is urged prohibits the Chinese combining to monopolise trade. This one Guild numbers between 20,000 and 30,000 membora, bo that it wields an immense influence. Practically, indeed, they can in many respects control foreign trade. It is balieved that the indemnity to be paid to Russia f >r the restoration of Kuldga will necessitate another foreign loan. Iso Tung Tang, the general who has been so successful in the late campaigns in the north-western provinces of the Empire, iB about to be relieved. Hf iB over seventy years of age, but strong and energetic. Hospitals uuder the management of foreign doctors continue to be established in the neighborhood of li.nt ir. Sir Harry Parker, the British Minister, has left for Eogl.-nl in consequence of the serious illness of Lady Paiker. Four Chinesegunboitp, named after letters of the Greek alphabet, hive arrived. They were built in England, and they appear to give great catiataciion to the Chinese authorities. At the present moment China is spending immense tsums c n warlike prepara. tions, and her own arsentls acd dock-yarc'B are fully employed. A telephone company is being formed at Shanghai. The Chinese Government appears to care very little ab-ufc the wrecking propensities of its subjects. A German vessel was lately lost on the Shantung Promontory, and the stores w»'?p appropriated by wreckers. The Gernun M nUfr r hun demanded and been paid 2,000 taels for the loss sustained. There fuve been many instances during the last ten years iu which wrecked British veatels have btea robbed, but no redress was obtained, Now, however, the Chinese have been taught a lesson.