The Trouble in China.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 110, 19 February 1901, Page 2

The Trouble in China.

London, February 15. The Emperor directed his astronomers to select au auspicious day for his return to Pekin. Three officials included in the Ministers’ list refused to comply with the Emperor’s request that they should commit suicide. British and Continental capitalists have acquired, for £'1,000,000 sterling, the works of the Chinese Engineering and Mining Company, and the Kosping coalfield. This ts the largest transfer ever effected in China. February 16. The Times Pekin correspondent says that the action of the Imperial Court in not returning to Pekin is not inexcusable in view of the foreign Ministers’ decision to begin the construction of the Legation’s fortress alongside the Imperial Palace, and the accommodation for 2000 troops with their equipment and stores capable of withstanding a three months’ siege. > The correspondent states that France and Germany, with a view to subsequent commercial transactions, annexed acres of private property at Pekin, while Italy grabbed the Imperial Maritime Customs Buildings and gardens. The Chinese attacked a Russian force beyond Shan-hai-kwan, killing four officers and forty m=n. Russian reinforcements have been sent. February 17. Viscount Cranborne, Under-Secre-tary for Foreign Affairs, said that the Powers had been far too lenient with China. Britain had opposed an expedition into the interior to enforce punishment. Sydney, February 16. The Telegraph’s China sped d correspondent states that the Australians have received instructions from the Admiralty to return home as soon as possible after the winter breaks, and they will probably start early in March.