THE FAR EAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1085, 31 December 1903, Page 2

THE FAR EAST.

By; Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. LONDON, Dec, 23. Mr W. K. Cromer, a member of the House of Commons, urges the. British Government to suggest to Rus sia and Japan that they submit, their differences to the Hague Tribunal. M. Lessar informed the. Chinese Foreign Office that the cold Weather prevented the evacuation, ol Manchuria. There was also danger, lie said, that Japan would invade Manchuiia. lie added that if Russia left the Chinese Government would he so alarmed at the prospect of being involved in war that they would prefer the status quo to continue, being satisfied for Japan and Russia to retain their preseut treaty rights in Korea and Manchuria, if they do not attempt to secure more advantages.

'the action of Russia in erecting forts in Northern Mongolia has seriously impressed upon the Chinese the steady advance in Mongolia. The occupation of Manchuria has prejudiced China against all railway, undertakings. New railway regulations Uneaten to hamper foreign enterprise. A sudden wave of pessimism liasswept over Berlin regarding the situation in the Far East. The Times’ correspondents at New York and Tokio show that the controlling party in Russia argue that Kotea is necessary for the consolidation of Russian interests. Herr Pavloff for months past has been audaciously endeavoring to strengthen Russia’s grasp of Korea. Reuter’s Agency states that an 'emergency ordinance which has been promulgated invests the Japanese’ (Government with unlimited credit for military defence. Other ordinances provide for the organisation of Imperial military headquarters in war time, the establishment of a War Council, anil war time ordinances to complete Japan’s preparation for any emergency. The officials at Portsmouth dockyard are enquiring as to the number of ex-service men employed. This is interpreted to mean that these meu will replace naval reservists if the latter arc summoned. SYDNEY, Dec. 30. The Japanese Consul-General is receiving numerous offers of service from Australians in the event of war With Russia. He does not think that ’the Japancso .Government would be disposed to enlist foreigners.

THE BRITISH SQUADRON.

By Electric Telegraph—Per Press (Special to Times). Received 10.15 p.m., Dee. 30. LONDON, Dec. 30. The armored cruiser King Alfred sails directly with relief crews for the China squadron. Vice-Admiral Sir Gerald Noel, at present commanding the home squadron, succeeds Vice-Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridgo in command China station.

TIME LIMIT DENIED. RUSSIAN WARSHIPS STEAMING FULL SPEED FOR THE EAST, •qqSr.HdoQ—uoi'gcroossv ssoij aoj—qd-crSoioj, ouqoaia Afi Received 11.20 p.m., Dec. 30. LONDON, Dec. 30, The Japanese Legation in London deny that a time limit was fixed for Russia’s teply. They state that a reasonable time will he allowed. Tlie Russian squadron at Bizcrla, after being reinforced by four additional torpedo boats, has been ordered to proceed to the Far East With the utmost rapidity. The captains of several JapSnese’ ■schooners arrested in August at Kamschatka for illegal fishing have been sentenced at Vladivostock to fifty days’ imprisonment.