Russia and China.

Manawatu Herald, 12 May 1903, Page 2

Russia and China.

THE RUSSIANS RE-OCCUPY NIUCHWANG. Reuter’s Pekin correspondent states that a large force of Russians has re-occupied Niuchwang, the port in Southern Manchuria, and lias garrisoned forts at the mouth of the Lias river. China is latterly apparently willing, in connection with the projected commercial treaties of America and Japan, to open Mukden and Tatungan to foreign trade, but Russia’s coup at Niuchwang imperils the above treaties. Colonel John Hay, United States Secretary of State, considering that America is interested, and hearing of the Russian garrison at Niuchwang, has asked President Roosevelt to authorise joint action on the part of America, Britain and Japan to compel the evacuation of Manclmria, without compelling America, to a formal alliance, The temporary withdrawal, it is considered, was merely a feint, awaiting the approach of the Russian squadron. Russia has established a Con. sulate at Mukden. Diplomatists at . Pekin were astonished to learn on Thursday that although there is plenty of available land at Nuicbwang, the Russians had taken a large tract across the river Liao-ho, commanding the terminus of the Shan-hai-Kwan railway. This tract of country has been occupied ostensibly for the purpose of a drill ground. MILITARY ACTIVITY. The Russian troops at Niuchwang recently went to Port Arthur and stations along the railway line. Some of these have now returned, bringing several large guns. Others have been ordered to re-occupy Tien-chwang-tai. The Russians are constructing forts on tbe hills between Lianyung and Yald. They have accumulated stores of coal, provisions and war material, and bought .many horsqs. There are indications that the increased forces in Manchuria now number fourteen thousand between the mouth of the Liao river and Port Arthur.