CHINA AND JAPAN.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1809, 8 December 1879, Page 3

CHINA AND JAPAN.

[By TBr.KQRAPH.J

[CORRESPONDENT OF PRESS AOENCY.I SHANGHAI, October 24

Professor Nordenskjold left Japan in the Swedish exploring vessel Yega for Europe. Tho president of tho North Branch of tho Royal Asiatic Society at Shanghai invited the Professor to visit Shanghai, but he replied that ho would bo unable to do so. During the voyage home, dredging and sounding operations will be conducted, and other efforts made to add to tho scientific results already obtained. There is a probability of the Lao Ohoo difficulty being amicably arranged. Japan hag put forward a claim to the islands in a very determined manner, and it is understood China is not desirous of pushing tho matter to extremes at the present moment. Ambassadors are now on the way from Japan to Pekin for the purpose of arranging a settlenient.

China has just taken steps which show her sense of the gowing importance of her relations with foreigners and foreign Powers. The Governor of the province of Fuhien and Clicking has appointed Mr Hallar, Q. 0., his legal adviser. This is the first time an English barrister has been given general retainers from any Chinese official. There was a proposal about two years ago to give one to Mr Ny Chop, the first Chinaman called to tho English bar, and who was to reside at Tientsin, but it was never carried out. It is expected that the Imperial Government at Pekin will adopt a similar course.

The subject of Chinese emigration is just now occupying attention. Two steamers have just left China with free emigrants tor the Sandwich Islands, and more are to follow. Brazil and Peru are also asking for coolies. It is said that a new treaty has been concluded between China and the United Slates respecting emigration. Its object is to prevent criminal and diseased persons and prostitutes going to the States, but ablebodied laborers will bo allowed to go as at present. Tho Right Rev. W. A. Russell, Bishop in North China, died a few days ago at Nangpo. Tho deceased came to China in 1854, and was an indefatigable missionary and translator, and was held in great respect by both natives and foreigners. The charge against the Swatow Opium Guild, an influential combination of Chinese merchants for endeavoring to stop foreigners trading in opium in Chinking, has not been formally decided, but the Taotis having stated at the close of plaintiff’s case that the charge was not proved, there is no doubt that it will be dismissed. Tho English counsel left the Court after that expression of opinion on the part of the Judge, declining to hear the English barrister and solicitor who defended or any of tho evidence for the defence. Tho next stop will be to take the matter before the British Minister, but it is almost sure to be sent to the British Government for decision. The charge is for breach of the treaty which, it is urged, prohibits the Chinese combining to monopolise trades. This one guild numbers between 20,000 and 30,000 members, so that it wields an immense influence. Piactically, indeed, they can, in many respects, control foreign trade. It is believed that the indemnity to be paid to Russia for the restoration of Kuldga will necessitate another foreign loan.

Tao Tung Tang, the general who haa been bo successful in late campaigns in the northwestern provinces of the empire, is about to be relieved. He is over seventy years of age, but strong and energetic. Hospitals under the management of foreign doctors continue to be established in the neighborhood of Tientsin. Sir Harry Parkes, British Minister, left for England in consequence of the serious illness of Lady Parkes. Four Chinese gunboats, named after letters of the Greek alphabet, arrived. They were built is England, and appear to give great satisfaction to the Chinese authorities. At the present moment China is spending immense sums on warlike preparations, and her own arsenals and dockyards are fully employed. A telephone company is being formed at Shanghai. The Chinese Government appear to care very little about the wrecking propensities of its subjects. A German vessel was lately lost on the Shantung Promontory, and the stores were appropriated by wreckers. The German Minister has demanded and been paid 2000 taels for the loss sustained. There have been many instances during the last ten years in which wrecked British vessels have been robbed, but no redress was obtained. Now, however, the Chinese have been taught a lesson.