Russia.

Manawatu Herald, 27 February 1900, Page 2

Russia.

When the Transvaal war is over it appears that there will be many little matters to set right with foreign powers. Russia as well as France are not backward in attempting to take advantage of Great Britain being engaged in war, but her late successes over the Boers may prevail on these countries to stay their hand. What we know at "present is that Eussia is endeavouring to get a very firm hold in China by coolly appropriating Manchuria, the northeasternmost division of China, by prohibiting the Chinese from settling or colonising there^lainiing she has Russianised the territory. This is, roughly stating, the seizure of 280,---000 square miles of a neighbour's territory, and though the cUmate is very severe in winter the soil is extremely fertile. This district is the favourite recruiting ground for the Chinese army. By losing this territory China naturally becomes so much thepoorer and weaker aniwoulfl

be' still further unable to withstand the demands of Russia and other Powers, for otherwise it has no geographical significance except to Russia alone, as the absorption of this district Would square the boundaries to the north-east of her kingdom . To keep Britain interested nearer home the, Russians have moved 20,000 troops in the vicinity of Kushk, which is only 80 miles from the important town -of Herat in Afghanistan, being the capital of the most westerly of the three divisions of that country. Herat is the pivot of the Central Asian question, and the position of a Russian army so close to it is considered a menace to the peace of that part of the world, as well as a menace to our Indian Empire, and as a hint to Russia hat such acts of hera Will be called in question the reserve fleet has been mobilised and is ready for sea. The progress of the Transvaal war is thus of greater moment than the mere subjugation of the Grange Free Staters and the Transvallers, as Britain is looked upon as the keeper of the peace of the world and all evil spirits are hoping for the time when she will be too much engaged so that they may work their own will. Britons will never let that time come cost what it may in money

Last Friday a sailmaker, named Dudley, died in Sydney of bubonic plague.

Mr W. Hunter's auction mart in Palmerston was totally destroyed by fire on Friday evening.

Russia having obtained very valuable railway concessions from the Shah of Persia, we are now told^that that potentate has been invited to pay a visit to England, This is something like locking the stable door after the steed is stolen. <t

Early on Saturday morning at a fire which occurred at Ashurst Miss O'Callagan was burnt to death. The fire destroyed the Commercial Hotel and Nelson's stables.

A harvest thanksgiving was held at AH Saints Church on Sunday. As is usual the church was prettily decoratedj and there was a fine display of vegetables and apples. Oats and flax wefe also in evidence.

An exceedingly hearty meeting of Church Of England people was held at Tokornattl last week, the Rev. H. Leach being present, when it was decided to make an effort to build a church room. The services are always well attended at every visit the Rev. Mr Leach pays to that district.

A student ''of nature seized with a laudable desire to be obliging met with a mishap the other day. An object most desired by the friends of Mr England is to secure for him that Italian queen bee which he imported from America, but which, with base ingratitude, forsook her hive at the earliest opportunity. The bee had been seen by few, and perhaps the late owner's description of her various excellent qualities led to the mistake which has taken place. Some time ago we mentioned that anyone who saw a black bee with yellow bands, the probable appearance of the cross with her majesty, were requested to communicate with Mr England. Thus on Saturday morning last joy was experienced in one household at the capture of a magnificent .black and yellow banded bee, which was carefully boxed and was duly handed to Mr England. The weight of the box troubled this bee-master and he opened it with much doubt as to what bee it could be, and when the insect crawled out and exercised itself on the window pane* the hopes of both bee-master and friend were dashed by the authoritative announcement that the specimen was a " humble " bee. These big bees are seldom marked in such a manner and an unpleasant thought is raised whether the Italian queen has not taken up her quarters with these aristocrats. Mr England, however, believes better of the to have been empress of his hives. We don't.

Wanted at Coley's mill two feeders.

The next English and European alail via San Francisco will close at the local office on Friday the 16th day of March at 8 p.m.

His Worship the Mayor convenes at public meeting for Thursday night of those desirous of forming a volunteer corps.

This morning a young man named Josephy Henry Murray appeared before the Justices (Meters Thynne and Fraser) charged with an attempted rape on Wednesday evening last, on Ellen Carrington. After evidence had been given the accused was committed for trial and bail was allowed, the accused for £50 and two sureties of £25 each.

We much regret to state that the illness Councillor Spelman has been suffering from is of such a serious nature as to have caused his removal to the hospital last week. Mr Spelman is much missed about town and his recovery is universally desired.

The following will Represent the Foxton cricketers in their match with the Palmerston North Cricket Association at Palmerston on Saturday:— Betty, Martin, Nye, Furrie, O'Dwyer, G. Kruse, Smith, Stansell, Bowater, Penny, Lyall. Emergency, G. Mitchell.