EASTERN QUESTION.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 258, 12 March 1898, Page 2

EASTERN QUESTION.

London, Owing to the unsettled condition of affairs abroad serious perturbations have taken place in Wall-street circles, also on the Paris and London Stock Exchanges. Spanish stocks have fallen three per cent., consols J per cent., and 20 colonial issues have fallen £ to 1 per cent. The Times says Russian policy in the Far East is, by means of humiliation, to effect injury to Britain in the oyes of Oriental nations. Replying to a question in the House of Commons the Hon. George N. Curzon, Secretary to the Foreign Office, stated that the disquieting news contained in a cablegram published in the Timos with regard to Russia and China had not been confirmed. It is considered significant that the Queen entertained Baron Courcel, the French Ambassador, aud Sir Thomas Sanderson, Permanent Under-Secre-tary, at the Foreign Office at dinner in the absence of Lord Salisbury, who is suffering from influenza. The Queen's indiuposition is not serious. The Chinese Government have signed the assurance demanded by the Japanese Minister at Pekin that tho war indemnity shall be paid by May. The Corean Cabinet has decided to impeach Nun Chong Monk, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, for leasing Deer Island to Russia for a coaling station. March 9 The Appropriations Committee of the United States House of Representatives unanimously approved of the Defeuce Bill, which has passed the Senate without dissent. The vote authorised for an increase in the artillery forces is regarded in Washington as a measure of precaution and not a menace to Spain. It is belioved that war will be averted. President McKinley has stated that he is taking advantage of the unanimity of public opinion to obtain additions to the naval and military defences of the country, which have been needed for a long time. The Treasury will advance the money required to carry out the present programme out of the reserve. Sir Julian Pauncefote, British Minister at Washington, assured President McKinley of the sympathy of Britain in tho event of complications. The Americans are pleased with Britain's moral support. America is equipping a flying squadron.