AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 78, 9 April 1901, Page 2

AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

RUSSIA’S LITTLE STORY. MORE EMPHATIC PROTEST BY JAPAN. By Tolegraph—Press Association—Copyright Washington, April 0. Count Cassins, Russian Minister at Washington, lias handed to Mr Hay a communication showing tho disintcreotednoss of Russia throughout, and her determination that Manchuria should remain an integral part of China, together with a proposal for the withdrawal of tho troops as rapidly as safety permits. Russia notifies that the occupation of Manchuria continues until order and tranquility arc established. The Official Mcssonger, a St. Petersburg journal, explains that inaccurate and alarmist versions of the Manchurian [convention created obstacles which prevented China from accepting the provisional agreement, which was intended to ensure gradual evacuation. Final restoration was impossible until there was a strong Chinese Government at Pekin, able to guarantee Russia against a recurrence of the disturbances on her borders.

London, April 7. After Russia’s refusal to produce the proposed convention, the Japanese Government delivered a moro emphatic protest to China against the convention. FIGHT BETWEEN RUSSIANS AND CHINESE, N THE CHINESE ROUTED.

THE CONVENTION. Received April 8,8.4 G p.m. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 7, A battle between a thousand Chinese troops and a force of Russians was fought between Kobantsy and Sumningting. Several Russians were killed, and many slightly wounded. The Chinese lost heavily. They wero defeated, and fled northwards. The Russians pursued them. Advices from St. Petersburg state that Zangyn, the Chinese Minister, was threatened with disgrace, even death, if he yielded to pressure to sign the Manchurian Convention on behalf of China. He was twice seized with nervous apoplexy, and his signature thus indefinitely postponed. v Russian newspapers state that Russia has officially made the Manchurian question a purely Russian question. English newspapers declare that the designs of Russia have evoked an unprecedented display of patriotism in China. The Australian naval contingent has arrived at Hong Hong. The Governor welcomed their return to British' waters. Ho stated that there was general admiration of their conduct and patriotism.

A WOMAN PROPOUNDS A PUZZLE. RUSSIA WILL AWAIT EVENTS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 8. The Dowager Empress has asked the Yangtze viceroys what they recommend China to do in the event of Russia; retain) ing Manchuria. The principal viceroys urge the adoption of the reform scheme advocated by the Emperor in 1889, Reuter’s St, Petersburg correspondent states that a diplomatic note issued announces that sinco the Manohurian Convention has not been accepted, proof has been forthcoming of the friendly sentiments of China, and Russia renounces further negotiations. While remaining faithful to her original programme, she quietly awaits events. Received, 12.14 a.m., April 9. The allied generals recommend that the foreign Ministers at Pekin insist on six thousand troops permanently garrisoning nine points of the Pekin-Shanhaikwan railway, exclusive of two thousand troops stationed at Pekiu. Generals Chaffo and ' Wogack consider much fewer troops and the guarding of fewer points would bo sufficient. ‘ ' ,■■■ - AL"'

The allied generals demand the destruction of the Chinese forts, Shanhaikwan, Peitang, Taku, Tpngku, Reitsang, apd Yangfcsan.