The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1897-12-30
FRENCH SEIZE MAILMAN.
All Excitcmcnt beyond the Pacific
Clash OF Arms Expected Every Day.

SiaSh OF ARMS EXpcctcu EVERY bnS.
Shanghai, Dec 29.-It is reported here
that the admiral Of the French fleet has
hoisted the French flag on Hai-Nan
Island (between the China Sea and the
Gulf of ToEnuin). The Chinese offered
no opposition.
London, Dec 30.-A dispatch to the
Daily Mail from Singa pore confirms the
report of the seizure OF Hai-Nan Island
by the French. HaiNan Island is off
the south coast of China and separates
the Gulf Of Tonquin from the China
Sea. 1t has an estimated area of 10000
square miles and population OF a mil
lion Chinese, exclusive of wild. tribes
in the interior. Some OF the mountains
In the centre rise above the snow line.
1t has several large rivers. The coasts
are generally rocky. but the west coast
is low and the south coast has some
good harbogs Timber is Il principal
product. This IS sent to AMMAN Siam,
and Singapore. Other exports are rice,
sugar, wax, pearls, coral, salt and n
little gold and silver. Its capital is
Iriong-C -Choo, a populous city on its
north coast.
London, Dec 2O.-According to a spe-
c!al dispatch from Shanghai, the
British admiralty has requisitioned
three Of the Empress steamships, be-
longing 10 the Canadian Pacific Rail-
way Company.
Berlin. Dec 29-Accordlng to the
Neueste Nashrichten of Leipsic, Prince
Bismarck disclaims all responsibility
for Germany's policy in China, but he
approves II and wishes it executed with
energy, on the assumption that it i'm
plies an entente with Russia.
Paris, Dec. 2a--The French press is
beginning to protest loudly against
French inaction in the far East, and
the alleged Subserviency of the Govern
ment To Russia
Berlin. Dec. S0.-The Tagliche Rund-
schau, on what 1t alleges to be the best
authority in London" declares that
Russia and China have been negotkat-
ing for many months; that China con-
sentGd last October to n temporary
Russian occupation of Port Arthur and
that England, hearing of this. demand
ed 4 cessiOn OF the islands at Hong
Kong, Il strip of coast opposite Kow-
Loon, and the mouth of the River Can
ton, hut knowing that France also
wanted compensation. England suE
gested that She would take Hai-Nan
Island.
Victoria. B. c., Dec 29.-Thc officers
and passengers of the steamship Vic
toria, which is just in from ,the Orient
say thai all is excitement on the other
side Of the Pacific. The people In all
walks of life expect that there will be
n clash among the great powers over
the seizure OF different ports of China
The British flagship Centaur, at Hong
Kong, has been ordered to begin no
work that would detain her in port
more than "A hours. Japanese papers
are anxious for England to make some
move, hui advise Japan TO take a prt-
dent attitude and watch the progress of
events.
The German admiral. in his procla-
nation 10 the residents of the districts
seized by Germany. advises them to
continue their peaceful avocations, and
warns them that any breaches of the
law will be punished
There were ut Nagasaki, on Decem-
Der Sth. nine Russian war ships. two
American cruisers, the Olympia lin
d1ck) and the Boston, and the French
cruiser L'Amorial.
Nine of the Chinese bandits who took
part in the murder of Chinese priest
at NcnC Chau-Fu. which Germany gave
Chau bay. have been apprehended and
much plumber recovered.
London, Dec 29.-A dispatch from
Pckin says:
The proposed arrangement for n
Russian guaranteed 4 per cent. loan of
100. 100000 taels is not yet ratified. The
situate Is disastrous. and the only
hope is that England will render finan-
cial help, as otherwise war Is the only
alternative. Sir Claude Macdonald, the
British Ambassador. has asked few
DAYS delay in order to refer the mat
tei 10 the home Government.