CHINESE DIFFICULTY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 6 April 1901, Page 4

CHINESE DIFFICULTY.

[I)Y ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT.] (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) China Refuses Russia’s Demand. Japan’s Bold front in the Matte?. London, April 4. China has notified Russia that owing to the attitude of the Powers she is unable to sign the Convention and that site cannot alienate the sympathy of all for tho sake of one friendship. Reuter’s advices from Canton state that the Court informed the Viceroy that a peaceable settlement of affairs is impossible. Prominent Cantonese are despondent over the situation. Tho Standard says that the Dowager secretly gave an audience to General Tungfuhsiang and begged him to maintain a large force of militia at Ninghsi to assist the Court in tho event of further complications with tho Allies. Dr Morrison states that tho remarkable firmness of China i s duo t) the initiative of the best progressive elements. Tho signature of tho Convention is unlikely unless the demands are materially abated,

Tho New York Herald asserts that Japan lias given a written assurance to China that she wall share with her the consequence following on not signing, even if it means war.

All tho Powers except Russia demand four executions, 91 degradations, limited to provincial officials. Every Viceroy and important Governor presented a memorial against signing the Convention.

Prince Chun states that every Chinaman is opposed to the convention except Li Hung Chang.