THE CHINESE WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 25 March 1901, Page 4

THE CHINESE WAR.

(by ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.)

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, March 29

Advices received at New York from Pekin state that an Imperial decree, dated from Singanfu, rejects oven the Manchurian Treaty.

The British and Russians were withdrawn from the siding yesterday as arranged also the Russian flags. Salutes were exchanged, the British declaring that no affront was intended, and they never ordered the removal of boundary marks. The Times St Petersburg correspondent states that after M. Lamsdorff’s assurances to Scott in reference to the modus vivondi regarding Manchuria, Lord Lansdowne asked for a copy of the actual draft of the Convention ; but Lamsdorff angrily and peremptorily refused, adding that he had offered a full and sufficient explanation.

Lamsdorff was indignant with Li Hung Chang for divulging the contents. The Australian Naval contingent volunteered for service at Tientsin siding, but Admiral Seymour objected. The military authorities are anxious to retain the Australians, as they are just the men they need. A Port Arthut regiment has been ordered to Tientsin.

Although trouble is suspended the British officers are not permitted to sleep in their quarters. The marines arrived opportunely, replacing in the dead of night the Sepoy sentries who were previously made a butt for the jeers of the French soldiers, who used the epithet “coolies.” General Baillond punished the offenders.

The French have been readmitted to the British settlement.

Dr. Morrison says that the amended convention abandons the annexation of Kingchu and confines exclusive commercial and industrial privileges to Manchuria. It omits the stipulation limiting to foreigners the right to lease land to the Newchang Railway Co., and insists that Russia shall make and guard the railway to the groat wall. It makes reparation for the infringements of Russia’s secret rights to the Shanhaikwan railway.