CHINESE QUESTION.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 242, 1 February 1898, Page 2

CHINESE QUESTION.

London, Januarayw. Reuter's correspondent states that the French Banks havo offered to provido the funds for the Chinese indemnity loan, which Russia had proffeired to raise, Russia undertaking to obtain concessions. Russia eulogises the difference between the terras offered by the French banks and the conditions demanded for the British loan. It is feared, the correspondent adds, that the Chinese Government will interpret the action of the British squadron in leaving Pore Arthur as a sign of weakness. With the object of overcoming the friction which has arisen between Great Britain and Russia over the Chinese indemnity loan, the Chinese Government suggests that each shall take half the loan, fixing its own financial terms, the othor conditions to be adjusted between themselves. The Russian warships at Port Arthur are experiencing great difficulty in coaling. The belief is current in China that the withdrawal of the British warships from Port Arthur indicates irresolusion on the part of England. Russia is inspiring rumours at Pekin that the ships withdrew under Russian pressure. The Times says it would not be necessary to open Ta-lien-wun Bay if the assurance were given that Port Arthur would be thrown open to commerce. The paper adds that France would be reluctant to support Russia's menaces if Ta-lien-wun is opened. The German battleship Deutschland, one of the two vessels comprising what has been described as the second squadron despatched under Prince Henry of Prussia to reinforce the German fleet at Kaio-chau, is waiting at the Island of Socotra, in the Indian Ocean; while the second vessel, the protected cruiser Gefion, has relumed to Aden to coal.