THE CHINESE PUZZLE.

Lake County Press, Issue 1064, 14 May 1903, Page 5

THE CHINESE PUZZLE.

H-uter's Pekin correspondent states that a large Russian force has reoccupi'd Niuchwang and garrisoned the forts at the mouth of Lias river. Russian troops at Niuchwang recently went to Port Arthur and other stations along the railway. A portion of them have now returned, bringing several large guns, aud others have been oidered to re-occupy Tien and Chwangtai. The Russians are constructing forts on the hills between Lianyung and Yalu and have accupnulated stores of coal, provisions and far material, and have bought many horses. There are indications of increased forces in Manchuria. There are now 14,000 between the mouth of the Lias river and Port Arthur. The Daily Telegraph, commenting on Mr John Hay's (U.S. Secretary of State) policy of joint pacific pressure on Russia, declares that the latter considers the mobilisation of tne Japanese fleet a sufficient warrant for her defensive attitude at Niuchwang. Mr Hay does not share in that view. Reuter's Yokohama correspondent 6tates that there are persistent reports that Russian detachments have entered Oorea, ostensibly to protect the lumber concessionaires, and that a large Russian force is approaching Wihu. The Corean Government is protesting against the invasion. Mr Hay, considering America directly interested, and learning officially of the increase of the Russian garrison of Niuchwang, has asked President Roo evelt to authorise joint action by America, Britain, and Japan to compel the evacuation of Manchuria, without committing America to a formal alliance. The re-occupation of Niuch vang is interpreted at Washington as an attempt to secure a monopoly of the sea entries to Manchuria, and, at Pekin, as a reply to China's rejection of the conditions of evacuation; also as an intimation to the world of Russia's readiness to tight to maintain possession of Manchuria. The temporary withdrawal was merely a feint, awaiting the approach of a Rugsian sqadron, as Russia has established a consulate at Mukden Piplomatists in Pokin were astonished to learn on Thursday that, alt' ough there is plenty of available land at Niuchwang, the Russians had taken a large tract across the river and commanding the terminus of the Shanbaikwan railway, ostensibly for the purpose of a drill ground.