CHINA.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXI, Issue 3573, 3 July 1903, Page 2

CHINA.

A HARBINGER OF PEACE. Pekin, June 27. Ms. Lessar, Kouropatkin, Alexieff and other high Russian officials meet at Port Aitbur in a few days to discuss Russia’s position in regard to Manchuria. Advices from Vladivosfock represent the Japanese newspapers as expressing satisfaction at the reapproechment between fche Japanese and the Russians, one describing Kouropatkin as a “ harbinger of Peace.” The latter is staying as the Mikado’s guest at Shiba Palace, where no foreigners, except those of Royal blood ever resided. London, June 30.

U. Cassini, the Russian Minister at Washington, is coming to Europe. It. is reported at Washington that the Manchurian question will shortly be entering on a more definite phase.

ASSEMBLING OP FLEETS

THE WAE INDEMNITY,

, Pekin, July 1. Fifty-two Russian warships are at Port Arth nr. The Chinese newspapers comment on the significant assembling of the British, American, and Japanese fleets north of the Gulf of Pechili. America favours the payment of the Chinese indemnity in silver and Russia and France are willing to pay the Customs on a gold basis since the imports are insignificant. Other Powers have warned Ghangohitnng that they will take strong measures to compel China to adhere to the protocol. In the event of non-com-pliance the Powers contemplate the seizure of the salt gabelle (that being the excise duty on salt) or the re-oc-cunatiou of Tientsin.

The Chinese Government makes no attempt at economy or the reform of its finances and the sums which are squandered by the Court would pay the indemnity in gold twof. Id.

London, July 1. The Daily Mail Tokio correspondent states that it is reported that Japan has sent a protest to Russia regarding Manchuria, also that England and Japan will each send a gunboat to Yala to watch the Russians. *=■