The Far East.

Manawatu Herald, 28 July 1903, Page 2

The Far East.

TRADE WITH MANCHURIA. Prince Ching has written to Mr E. H Conger, American Minister at Pekin, refusing to open Manchurian towns to foreign trade He declares that it is impossible to open them while they are held by Russian troops. CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES Washington officials consider that Prince Ching refers to the situation as it existed a fortnight ago. ' They declare that China recently pledged herself to open two or more Manchurian ports, and the United States will insist, on China’s pledges being redeemed, PORT ARTHUR. The “Standard’s ’’Tientsin correspondent says that soldiers who are ostensibly immigrants are pouring' into Port Arthur. THE UNITED STATES INTERCEDING. It is reported that the Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State, is endeavouring to avert a war between Russia and Japan. Advices from Newchwang state that trains crowded .with troops, ammunition, guns, and foodstuffs are hurrying towards Dalny and Port Arthur, the southern sections of the railway being extensively fortified and lined with troops. Enormous shipments’ of coal are being landed at Port’Arthur. Immense activity in drilling and gun practice prevails in the Russian fleet. HOPES OF PEACE. The New York correspondent of The Times says the attitude of the United States is one of vigilance towards Russia and friendliness to Japan. The Washington authorities are hopeful of peace. The American newspapers consider that Lord Cranborne’s suggestion that England might come to some agreement if Russia would say what she wanted is significant. Feeling in St. Petersburg is that Russia will not commence a war and Japan is not likely to attack since England would not support Japan if she was the aggressor.