The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED MORNING. GISBORNE, FEBRUARY 26, 1901. THE POWERS IN CHINA.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 48, 26 February 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED MORNING. GISBORNE, FEBRUARY 26, 1901. THE POWERS IN CHINA.

Our cablegrams recently have given reassuring information from China to the effect that the Shanhaikwan railway is being handed over to the control of the British. Much attention has been given to the strange part that Russia has been playing in the Chinese drama, A correspondent, writing from St. Petersburg, gives the Russian side of the question. The writer relates that it is incorrect to assert that “ Russia has got Manchuria ” because Russia has occupied some towns, where a small number of Cossacks remain to defend the line. It has been officially declared that Russia has no intention to annex that great territory, but on the contrary to defend the integrity of China. _ It is very convenient to represent things in that way, for other nations then feel freer to act, but these steps of Russia are well-known to be but temporary, and the interests of Russia in China are considered to bo infinitely more important than those of other nations. The territory now occupied by Russia had been ceded by treaty for the construction of the railway. Of a separate treaty now concluded between Russia and China nothing here is known. What is known is that Russia has found it useless to leave a large army in Manchuria. The event of the day here is the official explanation in the St. Petersburg Ministerial Gazette of the rights Russia considers herself to have over the Yan Tsun-Shanghai Q-oun railroad, and the reason's of her unwillness to cede this railroad to the English. In this communication the history of this railroad is briefly but clearly exposed, as well as the cause through which it fell into Russian, hands. The part from Yong-Ku to Tientsin was handed over by the common consent of all the Admirals because only Russian troops were numerous enough to defend it during the summer months. It appears strange to raise the question as to what nation should own a railway in time of war, when the line is absolutely necessary for the common use of the allied armies. The Russians saved that line from utter destruction at a great cost of human life, rebuilt 100 versts of it that had been totally wrecked, and spent more than half a million roubles upon it. The “railroad was received on the order of General Waldersee, just as the English reoeived in the same manner the town of Tsin Yan Dao. But surely the English do not imagine that General Waldersee has the right to give as final property anything to anybody.’’ All these measures were due to the strategic urgency of the moment, having nothing to do with political or even financial questions. Had the Russian troops remained in the Pechili province no doubt the claims of the English would, have been ignored. The communication further says that Russia will not give up this line or any other of her defensive positions in Ohina, as long aS they are of importance. Russia ffias nothing against General Waldersee s again taking possession of the railroad, but finds that it is most undesirable that the English, under _ the pretext that the railroad was originally built by British capitalists, shouldpersuade General Waldersee to cede to them what belongs to China alone. The foregoing, it must be understood, is the aspect of affairs as judged from the Russian standpoint, but the subject is put temperately, and it can hardly be said unfairly. The earn o correspondent gives a commentary on tfis general situation in China. The writer states that General Waldersee’s politics are entirely disapproved of in Russia, and he is blamed for his executions and severities. The writer then outlines the position in this foreboding style: —The hatred for the Europeans in China is growing stronger every day. The Boxers profit by this to organise resistance. We hear that in the province of Shan-si the German expeditions, for the purpose of ‘ ‘punishment, ’’ are exciting the populations. At Tai Yuan, near Pekin, large and wellarmed troops of Boxers have assembled, as well as regular soldiers disguised as Boxers. At Kai-Mi, recently occupied by the Germaus, although this place is near Kiao Chau, _ unmistakable symptoms of rebellion are visible. The Chinese are now fully persuaded that the Europeans will not be able to execute their plans because of the approaching frosts, nor even to approach the strongholds where the Boxers are incessantly recruiting. The people have become bolder, and openly attack the detachment of European soldiers, cutting off provisions, etc. According to the last information, in the province of Shantung the position of the allied troops is becoming intolerable. The men fall in great numbers from epidemic diseases; in short, the perspective of The coming winter is appalling. Par from being discouraged, the Boxers swarm at every turn, and notwithstanding the pretence to make peace,. the Chinese , Government is evidently only seeking to gain time. This is truly a sad condition of affairs. V . 1

The Harbour Board meets this afternoon.

Captain Edwin reported at noon yesterday : “ Strong easterly winds ; glass rise ; tides good.” The adjourned meeting of the Whataupolco Road Board will be held this afternoon at 8 o’clock. The Cook County Council has received ad wee of the granting of a further sum of .£2OO for Wairoa road metalling.

At Wellington a dividend of 20s in the pound has been declared by the assignee in the estate of James Cheetliam.

The petition in regard to the Harbor Board election is to be taken before Mr W. A. Barton, S.M., at 10 this morning.

Owing to the blocks of the ticket books not coming to hand in time, Mrs Scott has found it necessary to postpone the art union for a fortnight. The Balclutha Council have accepted a proposal by the Water Gas Engineering Company of Pahiatua to light the borough. Works are to be completed within three months.

There being several vacancies in the ranks of the East Coast Mounted Rifles applications are invited from persons wishing to join the corps. A meeting of the Holiday Association will be held to-day to consider applications for 12 o’clock closing on March 7th and 14th for the Cycle Sports and St. Patrick’s Sports.

The City Band has been engaged to play at the Turanga Church fete, to take placo on Thursday at Waerenga-a-hika. Arrangements are complete for the gathering, which promises to be a great success.

Considerable interest is being manifested in the Cycle Sports, to be held next Thursday week. It is expected that a large number of cyclists from outside will be present at the meoting. Yesterday afternoon, Mr Townley, Chairman of the Harbor Board, in company with Mr Dewing, manager for Messrs Nelson Bros., inspected the damago done to" the Taruhcru bridge by one of the firm’s boats on Saturday. Messrs Nelson Bros, will at once have it made good. Thirty-nine petitions for dissolution of marriage were presented at the Divorce Court sittings in Wellington during tho past year, and twenty-five decrees were granted. Five petitions for judicial separation were presented, and three granted, while three decrees dismissing petitions were recorded.

In their advertising column Common, Shelton and Co. notify that ihoy have received a supply of “ Danthoscia ” soed. Tho grass is being considerably discussed in all directions in the North Island, and intending purchasers are advertised to forward their orders early, as the quantity available is limited. The three poultry experts who recently arrived in Dunedin from Melbourne, hayo a six months’ engagement, which will probably be ronewed. Tho first consignment of poultry, a line of 100 ducks for export, will come to hand at the Dunedin depot about to-day. It is likely tho first shipment will be sent Homo next Sunday. The New Zealand Clothing Company (Messrs Hallenstein Bros.) notify a gigantic sale of travellers’ samples of boots and shoes, to the number of 750 pairs. Special bargains are also offered in mercery and clothing. The Clothing Factory is noted for the excellence of its stock, and there should be a big rush to secure the bargains.

It is understood (says tho West Coast Times) that writs have been issued for action for breach of promise, the parties being a well-known solicitor, and the lady an equally well-known school teacher. Heavy damages are claimed, £ISOO being the sum mentioned. The case will be heard at Hokitika in March. Last month the North Island Bacon Company paid away £I2OO for pork, tho number of carcases dealt with being 700. A considerable improvement in quality is reported. The directors are quite unable to keep level with their orders, which are to hand from London, Australia, and all parts of this colony. Christchurch Truth: We are inclined to think that the only benefit this colony will derive from the sittings of the Federation Commission will be that a little interest will be stirred up, and people will acquire some rudimentary information from whatever discussions may arise. The price the country is paying for educating the people by Commission is .a large one, however.

“ Colonial ” in the Christchurch Press : As a spectacular display, the Imperials make a fine show, but summed up, it comes to nothing but pounds, shillings, and pence—gold lace, feathers, and steel breastplates. I only hope that the public will realise now what excellent material we have for an efficient force, and will help and assist the Government to treat them a little more liberally.”

A sporting member of the Gisborne Third Contingent, writing from Pretoria, says: here over the result of the New Zealand Cup. I picked the three placed horses, and also made a wager that Tortulla would not get a placo, but as there was not much money in camp I only made a few bob. Tortulla was the favorite out here. Our boys are obliged to be temperate here, and I have not tasted liquor since I left East London, a matter of nino months ago.” The General Committee of the Dunedin City Council have recommended an all round increase of over £IOO in the salaries of members of the Fire Brigade. The special Tramway Committee are actively engaged in attending to matters concerning proposed electric system. They intend submitting several alterations and extensions in the line of route of the tramways as marked on the plan, forwarded by the well-known eloctricians, Messrs Moyes Brothers, in their preliminary report.

Catherine .Caulfield, a fine - looking young woman of '27,' being dissatisfied with her treatment by a railway porter, John Edge, fired several shots at him from a revolver in Spence-street, Melbourne. Fortunately, the shots went wide, and Caulfield was secured. She was subsequently before the City Court, charged with shooting with intent to murder Edge. The trouble is said to have arisen oyer an alleged breach of promise of marriage. Caulfield was in charge of a boardinghouse where Edge resided. She was eventually remanded for a week on light bail.

The full report of the evidence hi the Linwood (Ghristchurch) sensation is very startling reading, Sarah Jane Wilding, wife of the accused, stated that her husband had been of very intemperate habits, and had several times threatened her life. On the evening of February. 4th ho came home the worse for liquor, and began to quarrel about his food. He then clutched witness round the neck, and threatened to choke her. She escaped to the passage, when he caught hold of her a second time, pullet) her into a room and on to a bed. He then took a razor from his pocket (the one produced) and held it across witness’s throat, and attempted to cut her. The razor did not touch her throat, but in the struggle she clutched the razor and cut her hand. She freed herself and rushed outside, followed by her husband, who again threatened to put the razor through her. Three small children were in the house at the time, Wilding attempted suicide. He was committed for trial.