THE FAR EAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 16

THE FAR EAST.

THIS OPEN DOOJR POLICY.

QUESTIONS Ob" KAIL WAY COKSTKUCTIOH. London, August 2, In the House of Lords Earl Kimberley asked what the Government were doing to safeguard British intere&ts and in the matter of railways i" the i'.s.ng-lse-kiang Valley. Lord Salisbury replied that it was no parr, oi" che Government's duty *o corstr.ri'ct or provide capital for the construct son of railways. The Chinese Government had always been extremely well deposed towards Great; Britain, and he was au;v mat Britain would get concessions equal to those gained by other nations. The policy of an " open door in China would still be maintained. Sir Claude Macdonald, British Minister in Pekin, had been instructed to inform fhe Chinese Government that Grea6 Britain would support China in resisting any Power committing an act of aggression on»account of China having permitted British subjects to make or support her railways or public works. The newspapers generally consider the Premier's reply disappointing. The Times says it is not of such a nature as to inspire confidence in the Government's policy iv China. The Standard states that Sir Claude Macdonald accused Li Hung Chang of betraying China to Russia. Li Hung Chang threatened that Russia would demand Sir Claude's recall. Li Hung Chang supersedes the late Prince Kung as President of the Tsung-li-Yamen.

Shanghai, August 3. An extension of time lias been obtained in connection with the finding of capital for the const-ruction of the Chinkiang to Tientsin railway, on the ground supported by the British syndicate Negotiations with .the Hongkong Shanghai Bank for a loan of 16 million teals, which was to be given in return for a-con-tract for the extension of the Shan-;hai-Kwan railway to Niu-chwan'g. have been abandoned. The abandonment was made in deference to a protest from Russia that borrowing from foreigners is contrary to th» Russc-Chinese agreement. -^ The commissioner who was to arrange for the purchase of land for a Russian railway to Kirin has been obliged to return to Port Arthur, the natives having revolted against a forced sale at low prices

August 4. Sir Claude Macdonald, British Ambassador, forcibly informed the Tsung-li-Yamen that Great Britain would not tolerate interference on the part of any other Power with British contracts' and the railway

loan M. Pavloff, tlie Russian Ambassador, immediately reiterated Ins protest,. August 5. The report that the railway loan negociations had been abandoned is not confirmed. The opposition of M. Pauloff, the Russian Ambassador, is increasing, and the situation is grave. The Chinese regard it as likely to affect the whole future of the country. August 8. The French Admiral has asked for reinforcements at Kwang, Chuan on the ground that the natives have taken up a hostile attitude. The Shanghai-Hoosung railway has been completed. It is stated that the Tsung-Li-Yamen has ordered a commissioner to return to the Kirin district, purchase land for a railway, and to allow the Russians to a.t conjointly with the local officials in settling the matter.