THE FAR EAST

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 8 July 1903, Page 28

THE FAR EAST

Russia and Manchuria.

JAPANESE FRIENDLINESS.

A GATHERING OF WARSHIPS.

THE TIENTSIN RAILWAY DISPUTE.

PEKING. June 29.

A Corean officer, on reaching Yalu, reported that 150 Russian soldiers had crossed the river, and were quartered in two localities. June 30. MM. Lessar, Kouropatkin, Alexieff, end other high Russian officials met at •Port Arthur a few days ago to discuss Russia's position with regard to Manchuria. Advices from Yladivostock represent the Japanese newspapers as expressing satisfaction at the rapprochement between the Japanese and Russians, one describing General Kouropatkin as .a harbinger of peace. He was staying; as the Mikado's guest at Shiba Palace, where no foreigners except those of royal blood have ever resided. j

July 1. Fifty-two Russian warships are at Port Arthur.

The Chinese newspapers comment on. the significance of the assembling of the British, American, and Japanese- fleets north of the Gulf of Pechili.

July 3. The final award made by M. Detring, the arbitrator in the Tientsin railway sidinc dispute, shows that the railway acquired the laud prior to the troubles of 1900. The railway company thus triumph over Russian claims at all points.

LONDON, June 30. M. Cas.sini, the Russian Minister at Washington, ls coming to Europe. It is reported at Washington that the Manchurian question will shortly enter on a more definite phase. July 1. While America favours the paymeut of the Chinese indemnity in silver, and Russia and France are willing to pay their Customs on a gold basis, since their imports are insignificant, the other Powers have warned Chang Chi Tung that they will take strong measures to compel China to adhere to the protocol. In th? event of non-compliance, the Powers contemplate the seizure of the salt gabelle or the rroccupation of Tientsin. I

The Chinese Government makes no attempt at economy or reform of the finances, and sums are squandered on the Court which would be sufficient to pay the indemnity in gold twofold.

The Duly ]\f;ii!'<= Tokio eorrr=ponclent state-, that it i« n ported that Japan protects to Ruv-ia regarding Manchuria ; vlso that England aud Japan will each

send a gunboat to the Yalu io watch the movements of the Russians.

ST. PETERSBURG, July 4.

The Svjet newspaper announces that it has received a communication from a Japanese newspaper stating that Britain and Japan have presented an official note to the Chinese Government declaring that China must demand tho immediate evacuation of Manchuria by Russia ; also that any Russo-Chinese treaty with regard to the civil administration of Manchuria must be subject to the approval of Britain and Japan, aud that they must previously be- advised of such a treaty. A reply is demanded within five days. Prince Ching, the Imperial Viceroy, it is asserted, counselled the Dowager-Empress to accept the terms. The United States Government, it is added, will support Britain and Japan in the demands. The Svjet pays that the note' of the two Powers places Russia under the necessity of preparing for eventualities, and adds that it is not by such manner or means that Russia will be constrained to evacuate Manchuria.