TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 39, 15 February 1902, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

The movement that has for its object the presentation ot* a public testimonial to the Premier in recognition of the services he has rendered New Zealand and the Empire in connection with the South African war has been taken up in the chief centres of the colony with a good deal of enthusiasm. The suggestion originated in Christchurch, and already steps have been taken in Wellington, Auckland, and Dunedin to carry it into effect. Public meetings are to be held at these places for the purpose of giving the colonists generally an opportunity of subscribing to the movement, which is represented by its promoters as one of national importance. According to what was said !at a meeting of citizens held in Wellington this week, the idea is that the 1 testimonial should be accompanied by a purse of sovereigns as a practical mark of esteem. A word of disapprobation has been uttered by a few oppositionist papers, their principal objection being to the purse-of sovereigns project; but on the whole the proposal that a national testimonial be given to Mr Seddon has met with general sympathy, all shades of political opinion joining in the chorus of approval. As for the monetary part of the proposal, even the most extreme of Mr Seddon's political foes will admit that the colony is indebted to him for the manner in which he has shaped its Imperial attitude in connection with the war, and why should the general appreciation not be expressed in some tangible form ? Those who condemn this feature of the movement are not compelled to subscribe. But there should be no question as to the propriety of presenting to Mr Seddon, prior to his departure for London, |a hearty and unqualified assurance of the colony's estimation of his statesmanlike action in an Imperial crisis. Such an honor would considerably strengthen the influence that will be exerted at Home by the Premier who, it is anticipated, will be the most interesting colonial figure in the Coronation ceremonies.

The following particulars of the treaty which it was said has just been con eluded between Russia and China regarding Manchuria was received by a Vienesse journal from St. Petersburg on December 17th:—1. Manchuria will be given back to China, but Russian troops will remain until its pacification is complete. 2. Russia will withdraw half the troops now in Manchuria in two years. 3. The other half of the garrison will remain till they can be safely withdrawn. 4. Russia receives the sole right to construct her own railways in Manchuria. 5. Russia receives the sole right to undertake mining operations in Manchuria. 6. No Chinese troops may enter Manchuria who have not been trained by Russians, and whose officers are not Russians. 7. The railway from Shanhaikwan to NiwChwang to be returned to China, but Russia receives back all the money spent on this.