The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1897 IN CHINESE WATERS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume V, Issue 588, 29 December 1897, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1897 IN CHINESE WATERS.

Tiie Eastern question has been for many years the bugbear of Europe, and towards tho close of last year and the early months of this year the Turkish question, which is the Eastern problem with Europe, was strongly in evidence, Tho position has shifted to tho Far East, and on tho face of it there is much evidence of serious consequences. Tho high-liandcd action of (iermnny in seizing a strip of Chinese territory has been followed by the occupation of Port Arthur by the Russians. It is now well known that the German move was undertaken with the full knowledge and approval of the Russian Government, and that trouble is expected by these two powers is manifested by the warlike preparations. Kaio-Chau, the port occupied by Germany, is on the Shangtung peninsula and to the south of Weihaiwei, now in the occupation of the Japanese, pending the payment of the war indemnity by China. Weihaiwei has, according to the cables, been thrown open to tho British fleet in Chinese waters. Port Arthur, which has been occupied by the Russians, is on tho Leao-Ting peninsula and is remarkable as the scene of a great battle between the Chinese and Japanese. Port Arthur would bo of no value to Russia but for the trails-Siborian railway, a branch lino of which is to run through Manchuria, and Port Arthur would thus bocomo tho terminus. In addition to wintering Weihaiwei, the British are to have Port Hamilton, Oil the Korean peninsula and tho »stiw,d of hhiolpart. The island is a strategic' position of first-class importance hotww-ii .Cilicia, Japan and Korea. It commands tho seaway to the commercial centres of Nagsaki, Smionseki, Pusan, Intcliou, Tchifu, Tientsin and Kuill-Chang, besides blocking l-lio Sea of Japan and therefore of the great naval port of VI a. lives lock. It is only 150 geographical ;'piles from Sbangahai and is an exceilepi Ration for a foreign fleet. With Quelparl and Weihaiwei in the possession of the English, and with a powerful I! itidi licet in Chinese wators, tin re is nothing to fear from the aggro, sions of Russia and (i ci ninny. The latter lias nothing to boast of t'.s $ naval power and could he knocked out iu ft very short time. The impotence of tin, German navy is recognised by Gor mail publicists, and it is amusing to read that the help of Russia is roliod upon in cage of resishiiifio to German aggression. Tho “ mailed list ’’ ihat the Emporor talked about at the Iviol banquet was not made in Germany, hut Russia. Thu position, whether it it to bepqino serious or J

not, depends now entirely upon Great Britain and Japan. If British interests4iro in any way jeopardised we may expect to see some strong action taken. The British are proverbially slow to move, but when John Bull engages in* the game of war somebody lias to n ovo. Japan is the most keenly interested in the present situation, and it is not to be supposed that she can remain quiet. A strong Japanese squadron has already left Nagsoki under sealed orders, and prolonged Cabinet Councils are being held by Japanese ministers. Japan by herself will be unable to cope with Germany and Russia, but with the assistance of the British the seas could be swept clear. A rapprocehment between Britain and Japan seems to be the most probable thing just now, and the first blow must be given by Japan. The situation is extremely interesting, and not without a spice of danger to us in the colonies. With Russia and Germany strong in Chinese waters a raid upon these colonies is not an impossibility. The cables of the next few days should be full of interest and be very exciting.