THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN OUTLOOK.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9387, 14 March 1898, Page 2

THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN OUTLOOK.

The Atmosphere Still Gloomy.

(By Electric Telegraph — Copyright.) (Per United Press Association.) Lounov, March 12. Repoits fjrom Pekin state that Sir Claudo McDonald on Tuesday strongly protested against tho leasing of Port Aithur, on the ground that it would distuib the balance of power. The Chinese authorities replied that thoy were unable to withstand tho pressure of Russia. The Standard says that the Czar's ukase in ordering a large expenditure for warships is the Czar's reply to Sir Claude McDonald. Tho same journal considers that the evil of a timid siurender and spnitless acquiescence in the attitude of Russia' in China would vastly outweigh tho advantages of a dishonourable peace. The Spectator advocates the mobilisation of a very powerful special squadron. The Admiralty have warned shipbuilders not to accept orders from the United States or Spain without first notifying the authorities. The Standard states that, with the exception of Austria and Germany, all the Powers have assured America that thoy will remain noutial 111 tho ovent of war with Spain. Const vntinoplb, March 12. Tho Porto has decided to pay threefourths of tho indemnity received from Greece in commutation of the Russian wai indemnity. Pkkin, March 12. Tho Governor of Manchuria, terrified at tho presence of 15,000 Russian tioops, has requested tho Chinese Government to send reinforcement, but no reply has been sent from Pekin. It is leported that tho Corean Cabinet has decided to release Alexieff and tho Russian military instructors from their engagements. Puns, March 12. The French battleship Messina mado her tual trip at Brest, but failed to answer the helm or attain contract speed. She cost a million and a quarter.