The Chinese Question

Feilding Star, 24 November 1891, Page 2

The Chinese Question

4 i I PER UNITED PItESS ASSOCIATION. I i Bangoon, November 23. 1 The Chinese troops have beeu overawed by the threat of the British officials to disarm them, and have recrossed the Kampoung on the borders of Northern Burmah. Melbourne, This Day. The Argus' special at Shanghai interviewed the General Li Hung Chang, prime minister of China, yesterday. He said he admired the English for their blunt honest characteristics, and he looked upon them as the natural allies of China against Russia. He ascribed the recent riots to the influence of the French Jesuits and a number of discharged soldiers. The latter, he said, wanted war in order to fill their pockets, but they would not get it. Concerning the attitude of the Chinese Government towards the rioters, he spoke very confidently. The Ministry was a despostic one, and had ordered the officials in the various provinces to enforce peace, and to show favor to capable foreigners settled in their territories. The General concluded in these words : " You may say that China is friendly, and that order will be maintained. 1 have telegraphed to Lord Salisbury, asking him to tell the English that the rumoured rebellion against the Imperial avithorities is fudge, and that a Eussiau invasion is not possible." Official telegrams received by the Chinese Government ascribe the recent raid at Mongolia to robbers, who massacred 100 Christians, burning the Belgian mission stations of Sankon " and Simchi. Troops have been despatched to the locality to punish the perpetrators,