THE WAR IN CHINA.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 20, 25 January 1901, Page 1

THE WAR IN CHINA.

WILL NATIONAL COMPLICATIONS RESULT ? (Specially Telegraphed From Auckland.) The latest report from the Far East is to the effect that England feels Russia is attempting to secure special advantages, and there is a strong belief that America may support Russia. It is hinted that Russia inspired unfounded charges of barbarity against the German troops. Dr Morrison sends the text of the Russo-Chinese agreement lor Russian protection of the Manchuria provinces of Fen-ting. Russia, he, says, consents that China shall resume Civil Government on certain conditions. The Tartar General Tseng undertakes to pacifv and protect the province, and assist in the construction of a railroad. IPc must treat kindly, lodge, and feed Russians engaged in military occupation and in the protection of the railroad. He must disarm and disband Chinese soldiers, delivering to Russians all ammunition in such arsenals as the Russians have not already occupied. A Russian political resident, with general powers of control, shall be stationed Moukden, to whom the Tartar Genera j Tseng must give all information regarding any important moves. Dr Morrison explains that the arrangement entered into will necessarily be extended to the provinces, when 'Manchuria will he de facto a Russian protectorate, Russia having already the right to maintain all troops necessary to the protection of the railway. An Associated Press despatch, dated Pekin, December 81, gives valuable data regarding the condition of various troops in China at that time. The first few weeks of severe weather have tested the resources of the troops, and the result has been to remove fears of any great privations during the winter. The coal supply, while not large, is sufficient, and there is no dangerous scarcity of food. It is believed there will be little difficulty in maintaining a coal supply by camel-train from the mines in the western hills. The American troops arc under canvas, and the winter camp is an object of much interest to the foreign officers, _ Inspection parties from various camps daily visit the camp, and express surprise at the comfortablo conditions. The men have adopted methods used at winter camps in the north-west, and well-banked tents, matting floors, and brickcd-up Sibley Stoves make the canvas homes as comfortable as barracks. Condensers have been installed, and there is an ample supply of condensed water, the lack of which has been severely felt. . Other ' contingents of the allied forces arc housed in the city, with the exception of the British, whose camp is directly across the plain, a few hundred yard's from Camp Reilly. The French are said to be somewhat short of winter supplies, but not to the point of deprivation. Foraging and scouting„ parties from all the forces except the American arc constantly in the field, and have destroyed many villages. The Germans are most active in this, and have pursued a policy, of reprisal when sniped at, and in many instances are reported to have destroyed villages which had been spared by other troops. Though the Chinese people show evidence of restlessness, both General Chaffee and Mr Conger (the American Minister) have expressed the opinion that there is no danger to be apprehended during the winter. Trade is being resumed, and supplies from native scources arc reasonably plentiful. Near by the villages havo been pretty thoroughly cleared out by foraging Europeans.