NEWS BY MAIL

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4263, 24 January 1901, Page 7

NEWS BY MAIL

(Per R.M.S. Alameda at Auckland.)

SAN FRANCISCO, January 3

! The latest report from the Far Fast is to the effect chat England feels that Russia is attempting to secure special 'advantages, and there is strong belief that America may support Russia. It 'is hinted that Russia inspired the unfounded charges of barbarity against the Gorman troops. Dr Morrison sends the text of the Russo-Ohinese agreement for Russian protection of the Manchurian province of Fen-Ting. Russia, ho says, agrees that China, shall resume the civil government on certain conditions, such as the agreement that the Tartar General Tseng undertakes to pacify and protect the province and assist in Uie construction of the railroad. He must treat kindly, lodge and feed the Russians engaged in the military occupation and in the protection of the railroad. He must disarm and disband the Chinese soldiers, delivering to the Russians all ammunition in such arsenals as the Russians have not already occupied. A Russian political Resident with general powers of control shall be stationed at Mukden, to whom the Tartar General Tseng must give all information regarding any important moves. Dr Morrison explains that, the arrangement entered into will necessarily be extended to two other provinces, when Manchuria will be de facto a Russian protectorate, Russia having already the right to maintain all the troops necessary for the protection of the railway. An Associated Press despatch, dated Pekin, December Ist, gives valuable data regarding the condition of various troops in China at that time. The first few weeks of severe weather have tested the resources of the troops, and the result has been to remove fears oi any great privations daring the winter. The coal supply, while not large, is sufficient, and there is no dangerous scarcity of wood. It is believed there will be a little difficulty in maintaining the coal supply by camel train from thimines in the western hills. American troops are under canvas, and the winter camp is an object of much interest to foreign officers. Inspection parties from various camps daily visit Camp Reilly, and express surprise at the comfortable conditions. The men have adopted methods used at the winter Camps in the north-west, and well-bank-ed tents, matting floors and bricked-up Sibley stoves make the canvas homes as comfortable as barracks. Condensers have been installed, and there is an ample supply of condensed water, the lack of which Las been severely felt. Other contingents of the allied forces are housed in the city, with the exception of the British, whose, camp is directly across the plain, a few hundred yards from Camp Reilly. The French are said to be somewhat short of winner supplies, but not to the point of deprivation. Foraging and scouting parties of all forces except the American are constantly in the field, and have destroyed many villages. The Germans are most active in this, and have pursued the policy of reprisal when sniped, and in many instances are reported to have destroyed villages which had been spared by other troops. Though the Chinese people show evidences of restlessness, both General Chaffee, and Mr Conger, tho American Minister, have expressed opinion that there is no danger to bo apprehended during the winter. Trade is being resumed and cupplies from native sources are reasonably plentiful. Near by villages have been pretty thoroughly cleared out by foraging Europeans.