China and Japan.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 17, Issue 17, 26 April 1895, Page 6

China and Japan.

««». A PROTEST FROM THE POWERS. Lord Charles Beresford, speaking on Eastern affairs, said that Japan in 40 years had passed through phases of development; which occupied England 800 years. It had become the strongest naval Power in the East. Holding Port Arthur and Weihaiwei was similar to an enemy in possession of Portsmouth and Plymouth. The Japanese press report that the terms of peace include the cession of the Pescadores, Minkoro, Haicheng, Kuliencheng, and the right to navigate the Yang-tse-Kiang to Ching Kiang and Foochoo. The ' Standard's ' St Petersburg correspondent asserts that Russia considers that her prestige demands decisive action in the event of not being conceded a portion of the Chinese territory ; also, that there is grave discontent at the conditions of peace, and that while Russia is averse to declare war she is certain to insist on the cession of territory. The Mikado is said to bo desirous to visit the Emperor of China, to discuss the final terms of peace. China returns the Japanese prisoners without exchange. The St. Petersburg correspondent of tho 'Standard' says it is belie vad that the Czar is demanding a protectorate over Corea, the terms of which are equivalent to annexation, and that llussia considers her prestige will suffer if she allows Japan to seize tho Liaotung Peninsula. All the Chinese commercial arrangements and concessions to Japan extend to foreign countries. The statement that an offensive and defensive alliance is included in the treaty of peace, is denied. The Mikado has issued a proclamation stating that, though victorious, the road along which civilised Japan must march is long, and much romains to be done. Military defence must bo perfected in a spirit of modesty. China is raising a loan of L25,000,C00 for the purpose of paying the indemnity. France, Russia, and Germany have addressed protests to Japan against the terms of peace, couched in identical language. Le Temps asserts that the terms are a menace to Europe, and it is the duty of England to act in concert with the Powers. The Mikado's proclamation states that the result of the war forbids the heaping of insults on the Chinese. A meeting of the British Cabinet takes place to decide whether Great Britain will unite in the European protest against the peace conditions demanded by Japan. The French press betray anxiety lest England should hold aloof from the concerted action taken by the other European Powers, in regard to tho peace treaty. The Novoe Vremya states that in return for Germany and France supporting the opposition of Russia to the cession of tho laaofcung Peninsula and Japanese

preponderance in Corea, Russia has undertaken to support all commercial demands of Germany in the East, and also assist any action France may take in Indo-China.