CHINA AND JAPAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 208, 9 December 1879, Page 2

CHINA AND JAPAN.

(From the Christchureh Press.)

Shanghai, Oct. 24.

Profi'BSor Nordenskjoid left Japan in the Swedish exploring vessels Vaga for Europe. The president of the North Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society at Shanghai invited the Professor to visit Shanghai, but he replied that he would be unable to do so. Dining the voyage home dredging and sounding operations will be conducted, and other efforts made to add to the scientific results already obtained. There is a probability of the Lao Ghoo difficulty being amicab'y arranged. Japan has put forward a claim to the islands in a very determined manner, and it is understood China is not desirons of pushing the matter to extremes at the present moment. Ambassadors are now on the way from Japan to Pekiu for the purpose of arranging a settlement. China has just taken steps which show her sense of the growing importance of her relations with foreigners and foreign Powers. The Governor of tin province of Fuhein and Chekinghas appointed Mr Hallar, Q.C., his legal adviser. This is the first time an English barrister has been given general retainers from any Chinese official. There was a proposal about two years ago to give one to Mr Ny Chop, the first Chinaman called to the English bar, and who was to reside at Tientsin, but it was never carried out. It is expected that the Imperial Government at Pekin will adopt a similar course. The subject of Chinese emigration is just now occupying attention. Two steamers have just"left China with free emigrants for the Sandwich Inlands, and more are to follow. Brazil and Peru are also asking for coolies.

It is said that anew treaty is concluded between China and the United States respecting emigratiou. Its object is to prevent criminal an diseased persons and prostitutes going to the States, but able bodied laborers will be allowed to go as at present. The Rteht Rev. W. A. Russell, Bishop in North China, died a few days ago at Nangpo. The deceased came to China in 1854, and was an indefatigable missionary and translator, and was held in great respect bv by both natives and foreigners. The charge against the Swatow Opium Guild, an influential combination of Chinese merchants foi endeavoring to stop foreigners trading in opium in Chinking, has not beeu formally decided, but the Taotis having stated at the close of plaintiff's case that the charge was not proved, there is no doubt that it wiil.be dismissed. The English Counsel left the Court after that expression of opinion on the part of the Judge, declining t* hear the English barrister and solicitor who defended or any of the evidence for the defence. The next step will be to take the matter before the British Minister, but it is almost sure to be sent to the British Government for decision. The charge is for breach of the treaty which, it is urged, prohibits the Chinese combining to monopolise trades. This ore guild numbers between 20,000 and 30,000 members, so that it wields an immense influence. Practically, indeed, thev can, in many r< spects, control foreign trade.

It is believed that the indemnity to be paid to Busda for the restoration of Kuldga will necesitate another foreign loan.

Tso Ting Tang, the general who has been so successful in late campaigns in the north-western provinces of the Empire, is about to be relieved. He is over seventy years of age, but strong ..nd energetic. Hospitals under the management of foreign doctors continue to be established in the neighbourhood of Tientsin. Sir Harry Parkes, British Minister, left for, England in consequence of the serious illness of Lady Parkes. Four Chinese gunboats, named after letters of the Greek alphabet, arrived. They were built in England, and appear to give great satisfaction to the Chinese authorities. At the present moment China is spending immense sums on warlike preparations, and her owr arsenals and docky-trds are fully employed. The Chinese Government appear to care very little about the wrecking propensities 0l its subjects. A German vessel was lately lost on the Shantung Promontory, and the stores were appropriated by wreikers. Th« Genua.) Minister has demanded and been paid 20 0 taels for the loss sustained. There have been many instances during the last ten yeats in which wrecked British vessels have been roobbed, but no redress was obtained. Nowj however, the Chinese have been taught a lesson.