China and Japan.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 17, Issue 17, 30 April 1895, Page 4

China and Japan.

THE PROTEST OF THE POWERS.

Russia has mobilised in Japanese waters a fleet of 22 warships, carrying 360 guns, while France is represented by 15 warships, carrying 250 guns. The ' Daily News ' asserts that Great Britain declines to interfere with Japan, as she considers that her interests are not injured by the terms of peace. The ' Shanghai Mercury ' states that Nankin, instead of Pekin, will be opened to foreign trade. On Tuesday, Germany, France snd Russia formally protested against Japan annexing territory on the mainland of China. The ' Times ' doubts whether the protest will be backed up by force. The Great Powers have, it is said, allowed the cession of Formosa to Japan, and have agreed to the payment of the indemnity, and the opening of certain Chinese ports to foreign trade. Russia, suspecting that Great Britain has obtained secret concessions, has forwarded to the Japanese Government a Note as to which of the conditions in the treaty of peace she will not give her sanction to. The 'Daily News' states that Great Britain shares the Japanese commercial privileges. Sir E. Grey, in reply to a question, said England had no engagement with Japan, giving her equal rights to trade with China, bat China's treaties with England gave ample security on that head. ' The Japanese Government have replied that they are unable to accede to the demands of the Powers, on the ground that to do so would expose the country to the dangers of a revolution, as the populace is drunk with victory, and would refuse to consent to any abatement of terms. Russia, however, adheres to her demands. The correspondent of the ' Standard ' asserts that there is a conviction in Berlin that the Japanese prefer to fight Russia rather than renounce the annexation of certain Chinese territory that she has captured. Many German newspapers, it is said, disapprove of supporting Russia in her opposition to some of the conditions of peace. Several Parisian papers, too, protest against France being dragged at the heels of Russia. The ' Novoe Vreraya ' states that negotiations between Russia and Japan have taken a favorable turn, and it is expected that the matters in dispute will soon be setMnd. Pekin is in an excited state, and many high Chinese officials are urging the Emperor to refuse to ratify the peace treaty.