THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11462, 28 December 1897, Page 5

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press A asocmtion—By Electric TelegraphCopyright. Received Dec. 28,12.45 a.m.

SHANGHAI, Dec. 27.

China declares that if the HongKong Bank insists on the “ likin,” or Customs duties being placed under foreign control, she would prefer to raise a Russian loan of a hundred million taels on the security of her railways and mines north of the Great Wall. She would also- divert her commerce to the advantage of Russia, and appoint a Russian to succeed Sir Robert Hart, Inspector-General of Customs.

Received Dec. 27, 9.50 p.m, SYDNEY, Dec. 27,

There is considerable adverse comment upon the action of the Minister of Agriculture observing secrecy in connection with the supply of frozen meat to Eussia. It is considered that he should at least have first consulted the military authorities. The Military Commandant, however, sees no objection. Eussia must be considered a friendly Power, and the Government was only acting as a commercial agent in extending the trade of the colony. The [Russian Consul is surprised that he received no communication on the matter. He doubts if it is the Eussian Government which is acting, and thinks that probably it is some enterprising private agent negotiating for supplies of meat. The Hongkong Daily Press of Dec. 2 contains an unofficial statement that Eussia, Germany and Prance have agreed upon a policy of territorial aggrandisement in China, under which Germany is to retain Kiao-chau and eventually annex.the whole Shantung province. Prance is to have Formosa and Pokien province, and Eussia is to annex Corea and Manchuria and' the whole north-eastern portion of China as far as the Shantung border.