CHINESE QUESTION.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 269, 2 April 1898, Page 3

CHINESE QUESTION.

A CHECK TO RUSSIA. LOKD SELBORNE'S SPEECH. OUTLOOK BRIGHTER. London, March 30. Prince Kung, the President of the Tsung Li Yamen, has refused to sign tho convention entered into between the Chinese Government and Russia embodying important concessions to Russia, and has resigned tho Presidency of the Tsung Li Yamen. Intense dejection prevails at Pekin. Many denounce Li Hung Chang, the Viceroy, as a traitor. Count MuraviefF, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a circular addrossed to foreign Ambassadors, states that Russia -will keep Ta-lien-wau Bay open for trade, and that the krgest hospitality .vill be extended to tho ships of friendly nations. Tho Russian volunteer fleet has been specially equipped with guns and ammunition. The vessels have also been manned by Imperial seamen from Vladivostock. Lord Selborno, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, speaking unofficially, said that England was still able to obtain anything she desired from China, but no human power could stop Russia occupying Manchuria. Many London underwriters are now charging os per cent, war premium. March 31. The Viedmosti states that Russia is indirectly taking China under her protection. She must do this in order to prevent Japan's western territorial designs. The Russian newspaper, Novoe Vreinya, says British predominance in the East has gone, and Britain's position will grow worse unless she arranges with her rivals in time. Russia will land 2000 troops at Port Arthur, and is sending 170 big guns for the armament of the port. Lord Selborno, iu the course of an unofficial statement, said the policy of the British Government had been to keep the open door to British interests and commerce in China intact. Britain had already obtained great compensations, and, if necessary, these would be increased. She had lost nothing she ought to have kept. The Standard Btates that a more hopeful feeling prevails amongst Ministerialists with reference to the position in the Far East. It expects the Government will announce the adoption of additional measures for the protection of British interests, including the establishment of a naval base in Central or Northern China. Nevertheless, there has been a great outburst of dissatisfactiou by the London and provincial press at the Government's want of foresight.