AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 77, 6 April 1901, Page 2

AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

DEFIANCE OF RUSSIA. A SHAMEFUL SCHEME THAT IS FAILING. JAPAN PREPARED TO FIGHT RUSSIA. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright London, April 4.

Dr. Morrison, tho Times correspondent, states that tho remarkable firmnoss of China is duo to the initiative of tho best progressive elements. It is- unlikely that the convention will be signed unless the demands are materially abatod. Tho New York Herald" asserts that Japan has given a written assuranco to China that it will share with her tho couquonccs following on not signing, evon if it means war.

a China has agreed that Killanusua Island, Amoy, should bo converted into a foreign settlement on the model of Shanghai The New York Herald reports that Japan lias promised to support China in not signing tho Manchurian Convention. Tho Morning Post stales that the Japanese Ministor at St. Petersburg lias protested against any coercion of China. Tho Tokio correspondent of the Times reports that Russia replied to tho Japanese protests expressing unwillingness to discuss with a third power a convention which is.of a temporary character. 'Die terms of tho convention will bo published hereafter, and, if objectionable, representations would then be possiblo. President v McKinloy is pleased at tho firmness of China in refusing to sign the convention.

In a conversation concerning tho Manchurian Convention, Li Hung Chang told Dr Morrison that China did not daro divulgo its secret agreement with Russia ; neither would China daro forbid tho threatened annexation of Manchuria, nor to cancol the conditional pledges. He was convinced that tho convention would ultimately bo signod. He treated the attitude of the Southern provinces with indifference. He concluded tho interview with a statement that a respito of twenty years would enablo Cliiaa to again bocomo strong. Tokio, April 3. Tho President of the Japancso House of Peers, in a warlike speech, declared that Japan could easily expel Russia from Manchuria. PEACEABLE SETTLEMENT IMPOSSIBLE. CANTONESE DESPONDENT. THE DOWAGER’S MISCHIEFMAKING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 4. Advices through Reuter’s agency state that the Canton Court has informed tho Viceroy that a peaceable settlement of affairs is impossible. The Cantonese arc despondent over the situation. The Standard says that the Dowager secretly gave an audience to General Tungfu Hsiang, and begged him to maintain a large force of militia at Ningshi to assist the Court in tho event of further complications with the Allies.

CHINA REFUSES TO SIGN-

THROWS THE RESPONSIBILITY ON TO THE POWERS. CANNOT SACRIFICE ALL FOR THE SAKE OF ONE. Received April 5, 9.55 a.m. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 4. China has notified Russia that owing to the attitude of the Powers she is unable to sign the convention—that she cannot alienate tho sympathies of all for the sake of one friendship. PUNISHMENT OF CHINESE. STRONG OBJECTION TO THE CONVENTION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received April 5, 6.49 p.m. , London, April 4. All the Powers except Russia demand four executions and 91 degradations, limited to provincial officials.

Every Viceroy and important Governor has presented a memorial against the signing of the Convention. Cliing states that every Chinaman is opposed to it except Li Hung Chang.