CHINESE QUESTION-

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 304, 21 June 1898, Page 2

CHINESE QUESTION-

(by electric telegraph.—coyright). London, Juno 17. TriE Times states that tho HongkongShanghai Bank have agreed to advance the Chinese Government a loan of sixteon million taels, on obtaining the contract for tho extension of the Shanghai-Kurau railway to Muchwan g. M 7 PavclofF, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy at Pekin, protests against such a contract, urging that China is bound not to accept loans on security of railways north of Pekin except from Russia. Mr Curzeu has attempted to ndnimisG the extent of the Russian-French railway concession. The English newspapers show groat uneasiness in the matter, and urge a bolder policy on the part of tho Government. June IS. Lord Salisbury, speaking in the House of Lords, said that although an immediate catastrophe was not expected, the fate of China could only have one issue, unless her arm)' and navy were thoroughly re-organised. She seemed willing that Capt. Lang should re-organise the navy, Negotiations were now proceeding to secure men with a free hand for work in the Foreign Office. The Government intended to use every effort to support the English capitalists in China. From Shanghai it is reported that France claims Port Foochow, and demands railway rights in the province of Fokien. Russia is reviving her claim to Kinchow, in the Laotung Peninsula. Pekin, June 18. A violent altercation has occurred between Li Hung Chang and Sir Claude McDonald respecting the concessions made to Britain. Through Li Hung Chang's influence Weng Tung Ho, the Imperial tutor and head of the Imperial Revenue Department, who is an Anglophile, has been dismissed from office.