THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6091, 31 January 1898, Page 3

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

r j THE LOAN QUESTION. || A CHINESE SUGGESTION. ,j THE SQUADRON AT POUT ARTHUR. ; RUSSIA AND ENGLAND. A REPORTED ARRANGEMENT. 'FRENCH MILITARY. SECRETS. United Pre«B Association— By Klectric I eWruph— s Copyright. Received Ja- : 0,5.20 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 29. 1 With the object of overcoming the friction >whieh has ariecn between ; Gieab Britain and Kumhm over the Chinese indemnity loan, the I'hinene Government, stiffgeots thab each shall take halt" the loan, fixing jtn own financial lertnx, the other conditions to be adjusted between themselves The Russian warships at P-u-t Arthur are experiencing great difficultv in coaling The belief is current in China that the withdrawal of the British warships from Port Arthur 'indicates irresolution on the part of Kiij/lnn I. Rusm'a is inspiring rumours at Pt- kin that the shins withdrew under Kus- ■ sian pressure.' ) The xTimes sgys that ifc would not he necessary to open Talienwnn Bay if an assurance were given that Port Arthur, would bn thrown ot.en to commerce. It adds that Fr;inc« would be reluctant t-> sup|,oit Russia's menaced if Talienwan is opened. ! BERLIN, Jan. 30. ' The German battleship Deutschland, one of two vessels comprising . what has been described as the second j squadron, despatched under Prince j Henry of Prussia to reinforce the j German fleet at Kiao-chou, is waiting nt the island of Socutru, in thejndian ; Ocean, whilst the secoud vessel, the ; protected cruiser Gefion, has rtturiud to Aden to coal. Beceived Jan. 31, 9.40 a.m. j A German paper, the Berliner Tage j Watt, states that it has been arranged j for Great Britain to drop the pro- ! posal with regard to the opening of I Talienwan Bay, Russia waiving all ! opposition to British control of the Chinese customs. . ST 'PETERSBURG, Jan. 30. : The Hovosti newspaper says that ■ Russia disclaims any wish to disturb I the friendly relations between that" country and Great Britain. The I paper virtually admits that Russia purchased certain French military secrets, but insists that it was simply a caae of one friendly Power dealing with the affairs of another. At the worst it .was a breach o£ -official secrecy, and riot treason.- ■ . •