RUSSIAN AGGRESSION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 8, 4 January 1913, Page 5

RUSSIAN AGGRESSION.

The feeling among the Chinese as a nation against Russia is very bitter. Recent cables have indicated that there is a certain tension between the people of the two countries, but the real attitude of the Chinese towards the Russians is, according to the leading Chinese in Sydney, not disclosed by the messages that have reached the dairy press. Russia wants territory, and has seen fit to “pick upon” China for the accomplishment of this purpose. The Russian has his eye, for a start, on Outer Mongolia, and, should ne succeed in acquiring this slice of country ,he will want to come further into China. Indeed, the design is to gradually move eastwards until connection has been established between Port Arthur and Mongolia. For their part, the Chinese are determined that Russia shall not make any inroads upon their Empire. They detest the Russian, and “are prepared to shed their last drop of blood in the effort to block his aggression.” The various provincial heads have intimated to the Republican President (Yuan Shih Kai) ithat he need not be afraid of any threat Russia may make, and that the soldiers in the provinces are prepared to fight without pay to assist in repelling Russian advances. All they ask for is food and raiment.

The Chinese Merchants’ Association in Sydney has received a cable from the Merchants’ Association in Hongkong, inviting contributions towards the war fund, as the people of the nation are determined to stop the invader, if possible. A similar appeal is being made to the Chinese all over the world. It is said that the Chinese are spoiling for a fight with Russia, and that they will only be too glad of an opportunity to try conclusions with the present disturber of their national peace. In the course of conversation with ft ‘Daily Telegraph’ representative, it was pointed out by one of the merchants that, the invasion of Mongilia by Russia, and consequent encroachment upon Chinese territory by the same Power, would affect the foreign nations having in+erests in China more than China herself, “and ' r ,1 -" foreign nations let them do it they will suffer most.”