British and Foreign.

Southland Times, Issue 15171, 15 February 1902, Page 2

British and Foreign.

CHECKMATE FOR RUSSIA FRANCE MUST HAVE SOLDIERS GREAT CHAMBERLAIN^ FUNCTION (Ukitrd Fbess Association. —By Elbotrio Telegraph — Cqpybiqht) LONDON, Feb. 13. The Japanese Diet greeted the announcement of the treaty with enthusiasm and the Japanese press declares that it will assist peace. Chinese statesmen are surprised and delighted at the. treaty, which has given British prestige a tremendous impulse. Diplomatists at Pekin predict, as a consequence of the alliance, that the Manchurian treaty between Russia and China will not be sighed. German newspapers unanimously agree fthat the treaty is a distinct check to Russia and rather advantageous to Germany. The Paris paper Le« Debats says Britain has achieved a great success. In Manchester opinion is that the open door policy secured by the alliance will be of value in protecting Britain's important interests. M. Oassini says the treaty will neither hasten nor retard the evaluation of Manchuria. Germans resident in Durban have written a protest against the slanders on British troops. A committee of the French Senate has recommended two years' service in the army without exemption. Miss Stone's ransom has been relodged in Constantinople. The brignnds are afraid to negotiate for her release owing to the presence of numerous Turkish troops through a missionary's indiscretion. , • The luncheon and presentation; of an address in a gold box by the dity of London to Mr Chamberlain in recognition of his statesmanlike qualities and patriotism in the true interests of the Empire, was a great function. The gathering included many members of the Cabinet. Mr Chamberlain received a tremendous ovation. He insisted, now that the war was ending, the country must be careful thaifc its emotions were not allowed to overthrow its commonsense. <j;A boat brought to Vancouver has been identified as belonging to the missing warship Condor. The newspaper Deutsche Keicheanzeiger states that in official despatches Herr Holleben, German Ministeir at Washingtoo, on 15th April, 1898,^ regarded the. proposed note somewhat coolly, and mentioned Sir Julian Pauncefote as the initiator. The Kaiser entered his dissent from the note on the margin of a despatch. The Times says the opinion is held in Washington that Holleben's view was erroneous and that the Austrian ambassador was the originator and convened the meeting. Lords Pauncefote's and Cranborße's statements are regarded as conclusive.