THE CHINESE QUESTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1754, 23 June 1888, Page 1

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

Sydney, June 20.

There is a possibility of a deadlock between the two branches of the Legislature oh the 1 Chinese Bill; the Council haying made some amendments to the Bill. The House has agreed to some of the amendments but has disagreed to others.

June 21.

Lord Knutsford has communicated with His Excellency the Governor by cable, suggesting . whether it. would not be advisable for the New .South Wales Parliament,to deal with the present Chinese Bill so as to bring it in harmony with the Bill drawn up by the,Chinese Conference recently held in Sydney. Government have replied, ; explaining their position, and stating that they are pledged to proceed with the Bill as it is. London. Juno 20.

The Chinese authorities are endeavoring to arrive at some satisfactory solution of the difficulty-in' Australia; It is freely stated that China is dissatisfied with the Treaty of Tientsin, and also appears rolucr tant to ratify the treaty with America, and it is possible that , the action of the Chinese Minister, who took part in the negotiations with Mr Bayard, Secretary of State for the United States, with respect to the latter Treaty, will bo repudiated by the Chinese Imperikl Government. Should this be done, it is not thought likely that a treaty with England on behalf of Australia on a similar basis to the American treaty would bo entertained by the Chinese Government. It has been, officially suggested that it would not bp advisable for Lori Salisbury to negotiate with the Chinese authorities for such a treaty, as the latter would,regard it as an unneces snry affront; and an iseiduous attempt to eingle out Chinese for restriction. The Australian action is condemned as offensive and uncalled 1 for. A leading Chinese authority suggests that Australia should imitate Bismarck’s passport policy, and amend‘the Immigration Act so that provision be niade that no Chinese shall enter Australia unless able to furnish proof that he is approved of by the British Agent at the port of embarkation. The same authority expresses the opinion that some such course, as -this would nrel the difficulty in Australia, and would be agreed to by China, and that the latter would accept a modified restritcive policy of this ‘character by foreign powers.