THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN OUTLOOK,

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9399, 28 March 1898, Page 2

THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN OUTLOOK,

« =v= •WJB EASTERN TROUBLE.

Tho War Cloud Darkening.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright^ (Per Unitod Press Association.) (Heoeived Maich 27, at 10.20 p.m.) London, March 26. A quarter of the English portion of the Chinese loan has been subscribed, but the underwriters will provide the balance. The Russian and French demands created distrust, and militated against the success of the loan. China, has conceded to Russia a 25 years' lease of Port Arthur as a naval base, and asimilarleasoof Talienwan Bay as a fortified open port. The right to construct a railway connecting Petuna, Talienwan Bay, and Port Arthur has also been conceded. The Times Bays tho terras, ot the concessions are equivalent to cession, and will produce a profound effect in Qreat Britum, A hurriedly qonvened meeting of the British Cabinet was. hold yosterday, (Bqcelved Maich2B, at 9,50 a.m.) Hono Kono, March 20, It Is believed that Russia and China have agreed to prevent Britain acquiring Waiheiwai, and that Russia undertakes to protect China from the British in return for a concessiori in Gorea. Japan wjlj npt oppose Russia in the Liatong Peninisula. Tho Hong Kong naval yards are working night and day. TJie British warships in port are loading coal and ammunition, and are preparing for sea on Tjesday next.

SPAIN AND AFRICA.

Preparations for War,

vTAs.i[i>;qTqN ( Ma.rgh 26, Bre3.jd<jn.t Ifclf jnloy is striving to sup= press the war patty in the United States, . London, Mavoh 20, Spanish. s,tqcl?s arq falling, and Lloyd's quote five shillings per cent, as the premium between Manilla and London,

I^ter Particulars,

(Received Maroh 27 at 11.40 p.m.) America is hurriedly purchasing tugs and fast steam yachts, with a view to improving them iuto torpedo destroyers, President McKiuley has been requested to strike a blow before the Spanish torpedo flotilla arrives at the East Indies. The, Conservatives do not support President McKinley's efforts to promote peace with Spain. The financiers prefer war to the un. eer-tamty whioh prevails. Pending the official statement, all American repoits agree that the Maine explosion was external, causing a second explosion in the forward magazine. The Spanish rppp.vts deny that the explosion was external. President MoKinley desires to treat the Maine explosion as an incident in itself, preferring to intervene for Cuba on humanitarian grounds.