THE EASTERN QUESTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2888, 31 October 1895, Page 1

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

London, Oct. 27. The Standard says that the disguised or open occupation of Port Arthur by Russia will open up the whole Chinese question. If the reputed treat} Russia and Chiua has really been formed Great Britain and Japan cannot allow it to stand. Oct. 29. The Times Hong Kong correspondent states that a public banquet at Vladivostock in September Geuoral Donkofksy, Governor of Easteru Siberia, referred to the concessions, and assured his hearers that Vladivostock would remain the head - quarters, while Port Arthur would receive a portion of the fleet. The Times, referring to the alleged Russo-Chinese treaty, states that the highest diplomatic authority had declared that the treaty does not exist, and adds that it believes without doubt that the correspondent was misled regarding at Jeast the double approach to Port Arthur, but perhaps the Governor was trying to show the way to the people of St. Petersburg. Reuter's Agency publishes a statement that it has been authorised to deny that a Russo-Chinese treaty has been entered into. Shanghai, Oct. 28. The Emperor of Chiua has decorated the leading members of the Russian Foreign Office. T m Paris, Oct. 27. Le Temps referring to the attitude of Russia in the East, says that she ought to be allowed the fruits of her diplomacy. Other French papers concur in this view of the matter.

Sydney, Oct. 29. General Hutton, being interviewed, Baid that while deprecating any alarmist utterances, he considered the position of the East threatening, and that any developments in Chinese waters are of great importance to Australia. The necessity for a Federal Defence Force was more pressing than ever, aud he was surprised at the non-appreciation of developments bearing ou events since the war with Japan. The whole question had become more complicated with the Turkish-Armenian difficulties, and probable developments in the Mediterranean tended to something like a political revolution, Melbourne, Oct. 28. At a reception to-day Lord Brassey in referring to the Busso-Chinese treaty, Baid that the news from the East proved the value of our Imperial union. The colonies might not specially be concerned with regard to any arrangement botween Russia and China, but were most seriously concerned in the maintenance of free access for British trade to Chinese ports. "It is clear," he said, " that in proportion as the British Government upeaks, and speakß evidently to all the world with the knowledge that speaks with a united empire behind it, so it is certain that the representations which the Empire may find its duty to make, will carry weight and receive attention."

The military commandant, terviewed, said that i,ht> •* tu . lt j|_,„ W as serious, and that U»* t waH „ ot a time tQ, the A l , Jßt . rill i H „ deface fAV&> h " aC rat i„» r to increase tln>m. He that in the *>vont of possible complications Australia must bo prepared for war.