THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN OUTLOOK.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9399, 28 March 1898, Page 3

THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN OUTLOOK.

(By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.) (Per United Press Association.) {Received March 28, at 9.15 a.m.) London, March 2G.

The Times, dealing with the situation iri China, asserts Lord Salisbury's vacillation has assisted the rivals of Britain to effect a political and economic revolution in China and contends that it is imperatively necessary that England should reestablish her influence in Pekin. It also urges that a strong naval demonstration be made by the British fleet in the Gulf of Feechili. The Standard says Britain's recital of admirable formulas will not prevent tho partition of China, aud asserts that the members of the House of Commons re- „ gard the situation as exceedingly grave, and deplore the "official reticence of the Government in tha matter. The paper adds the Opposition would not oppose a vigorous policy if adopted by the Government, English journals generally complain of liord Salisbury's weakness m regard to British policy. - (Received March 28, at 9.30 a.m.) Influential merchants in London contend that the efforts so far made by Great Britain with the view of maintaining the independence of- China have failed. They nrge the occupation of the Island of of Chusaa and the Koroluon Peninsula as a necessary safeguard of British interests in the valley of the Yang ste Kiang and the island of Hong Kor.g. (Received March 28 at 11.20 a,m.) "Viscount Cross, Lord of the Privy Seal, in a Bpoech. said, a well-directed policy , would settle the difficulties with regard to ,China and the Niger, provided Britain was prepared to show that she is not afraid of ■war. - Pamh, March 27. M. Hanotaux in the course of an injier- ' view said England and France were willing .' to mediate between America and Spain. He added that the Powers ought to prop the Middle Empire. He referred to the Uiger difficulty as on the high grade towards agreement. London, March 27. * The Spectator, commenting on the interview, expresses its disbelief in Hanotaux'a oily sentences, and saysjfoo outlook is rapidly darkening.