THE CRISIS IN THE FAR EAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2303, 21 April 1898, Page 17

THE CRISIS IN THE FAR EAST.

■i » ■ London, April 11. From Pekin it is reported that there are indications that distrust in the Russians is growing in Chinese official circles. April 12. Rr-ports from Pekin assert that foreign diplomatists declare that Britain has never asked Sir Robert Hart, head of the Chinese Customs, to favour British interests. April 13. The Times reports that Russia is expediting the construction of the trans-Siberian railway. Orders have been given to American firms to supply 32,000 ' tons of steel rails, which could not be obtained in EDgland in consequence of the strikes in the coal and other trades. The Pekia correspondent of The Times states that France haa nob secured exclusive rights lathe provinces of Kwantung, Kwangsi, and Yunnan. Great Britain and France have been granted railway concessions in Yunnan Fu. April 18. Mr Curzm, Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs, is ill through overwork. Pekin, April 11. Since acquiring the lease of Wei-hai-wei British prestige has been re-established at Pekin. Great Britain's disinterestedness in recent affairs is being recognised by China, wh:ch has conceded British territory extending 10 miles inland from Wei-hai-wei. April 12. Russia claims that the recent disturbance at Kicchau, near Talienwan, necessitates the inclusion of Kincban Biy in the lease granted to Russia. April 13. The Emperor of China replying to a reference by the Czar to cementing the ties of friendship between the two countries alluded to an alliance with Russia. Sir Robert Hart, Director - general of Chinese Customs, has completed new regulations for the control of the customs duties. It is intended to appoint 25 officials in proportion to the volume of trade between their respective countries and China. April 15. The Emperor of China has arranged a great welcome to Prince Henry of Germany. April 16. The Governor of Shanghai has granted a concession to an Anglo-Italian syndicate in the form of the right of working vast coal and iron deposits. Tokio, April 16. Two Japanese have been arrested at Port Arthur on a charge of being spies. St. Petersburg, April 12. The Russian Naval Budget allots 671 million roubles to general expenses, 195 million roubles, including 90 million recently assigned, for new warshipß. The Journal de Sfc. Petersburg, the organ of the Russian Minister of the Foreign Department, commenting on the lease of Wai-hai-wei to Great Britain, says that the leasing has not caused umbrage to Russia. The paper rebukes tha bellicose attitude of the patriotic press, and alludes to the pacific language of British statesmen in regard to China. April 15. Russia is chartering French steamers to convey stores for the Far East. April 16. Russia is sending 6000 troops and much war material to Port Arthur. Paris. April 14. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Hanotaux explained that the concessions granted to France by China include the lease of a bay in South China, the right to construct a railway from Tonkirg to Yunnan Fu via fche Red River, the non -alienation of provinces bordering on Tonking, and an arrangement regarding the organisation of the postal service. China also undertakes not to cede Hainan to another Power. April 17. Le Temps declares that the Chinese concession of Kwan-Chung to France will balance "the advantages obtained by Bogland in the opening of West River to her trade. Thursday Island, April 16. Eastern news states that the Russians continue to display activity at Port Arthur, while the Germans are busy at Kiaou Chau fortifying and surveying railways. As bearing upon the British occupation of Wei-hai-wei, it is staled that the Japanese fortified the place, and that the garrison is now twice as strong as it was 11 months ago. The Germans now occupy the whole of the Shantung Province. Eastern news states that rumours regarding the arrival of Russian soldiers at Port Arthur have been circulated. The Russians are arranging for the storage of 25,000 tons of coal. They are gradually overcoming the difficulty through the present scant supply.