UNITED STATES & SPAIN

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 258, 12 March 1898, Page 3

UNITED STATES & SPAIN

TUITION SERIOUS. Washington, March 8. The American Government is securing the option with respoct to a number of warships at present under construction in European dockyards, with a view to preventing their purchase bv Spain. Mr Long, Socrotary of. the United States Navy, states that the United States is determined to bo ready in the event of an emergency. The report as to the demand made by Spain for the recall of General Lee is not official. It is reported that part of the Spanish navy has been ordered to Cuba. " f The American House of Representatives has authorised an increaso of the urmy by the enrolment of two additional regiments of artillery. The American naval authorities have ordered a naval officiul visit to Britain and France to inspect the various wttrships offered for sule. March 9. Sir Claude McDonald, British Ambassador at Pekin, practically confirms the Times' cablegram with regard to the menacing attitude of Russia, and the threatened invasion by that Power of Manchuria. Great excitement prevails in Japan in consequence of the recent developments in regard to China. The Government threatens to adopt a vigorous line of action. The Chinese Minister at St. Petersburg is negotiating for the settlement of Russian demands. The Tagblatt Berlin newspaper states that China will lease Port Arthur and Talien-wun to Russia for 99 y*ars. JJ.M.S. Hermione has been ordered to China to reinforce the British squadron. Russia is employing French steamers in the conveyance of troops to the Far East. A better tone prevailed on tho Stock Exchange to-day.