CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 5 April 1898, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Russia and China. The Times states that Russia occupied Port Arthur for a week before the Russo*Chinese Convention wa<? signed. The Japanese newspapers characterise the suggested British navy demonstration in the Gull of Pechili as mere " bluff." Count Muravieff, the Russian Ministea for Foreign Affairs, has assured Sir Nicholas O'Connor, the British Ambassador, tbat Russia would respect Great Britain's treaty rights in China on the most favoured nation clause. Great Britain has ordered a naval demonstration in the Gulf of Pechili. The fleet at Shanghai proceeds direct to Chefoo. Li Hung Chacg is taking measures to arrange for the delimitation of the territory leased to Russia at Port Arthur. The German and Austrian press are unanimous in the opinion that British diplomacy has suffered a crushing defeat in the East, and that a severe blow has been dealt to her prestige in Asia. It is raported that Britain intend * to occupy the Island of Chung Ming, at the mouth of, and commanding the entrance of, the Yang-tse-Kiang. Only Russians are to be permitted on the railway extension works north of the Great Wall. Acting under Russian advice, the English engineers who began the railway have been prevented from

continuing their labours. The orders for railway material placed in England, America and Germany have been cancelledRussia is establishing a fortress and artillery troop at Possiet Bay. Sir Claude McDonald, British Ambassador in conference with the Tsung-li Yamen, demanded important concessions as compensation for the concessions to other Powers, and for the purpose of maintaining the balance of power. Russian agents are purchasing coal in Wales as a freight rate of 80 j per ton delivered at Ta-lien-wan.