The Portland daily press., 1897-12-27
THE CHINESE SITUATION.
The Russians SAID To Be in Port Arthur
to Stay.

Berlin, December 25.-China has occu-
pied public opinion to the exclusion of
everything throughout the week. The
government and the foreign office con-
| tinue reticent, even the occupation of
Port Arthur having failed to elicit any
official statements, with the exception of
denial Of the extravagant utteranoes of
the Cologne Gazette and other usually
inspired papers. The reason for this ex-
ceptional taciturnity lies in the simple
fact that Germany herself does not know
where she stands, or how far the other
powers will permit her to go. Germany,
Russia and France are still negotiating,
and while there is strong pressure to
bring about another joint action OF these
three powers in the far East equally
potent influences are working to frus-
trate such plans. 1t depends largely upon
The outcome of these negotiations as to
what instructions Prince Henry of
Prussia will find awaiting him when he
arrives at Hong Kong early in February.
In the meanwhile the mission of Prince
Henry may be characterized as maiuIy a
NASRA0y VI Sp4S6A -O0S1CiSfA "a
diplomat in an interview with the CORE.
spondent here of the Associated Press.
said:
"Russia's occupation Of Port Arthur is
permanent. She thereby secures much
desired terminus for tho Siberian rail-
road, which will forthwith be extended
from Vladivostook to Port Arthur, max
ing Russia the undisputed mistress of
Manchuria and the whole of north China.
Her interests in China in no way collide
with those of France, whose sphere Of
action is in south China. Between them
is an immensesterritory which may event
ually be disputed between Great Britain.
Germany and Japan. A movement Ia
now on foot between Japan and Germany
to arrive at an understanding, as Japan
sees clearly that this course is the Wisest
Russia will not tolerate Japan In Corea.
as 1t would upset all the schemes she has
been preparing for the past two years
Therefore Germany Is the only friend
Japan can look for in the coming events.
That is, If she knows how to play her
cards and establish basis of mutual in
terest. for which / hear there is consider
able prospect
From missionary the correspondent
Of the Ass, ci ted Press learns that the
Bay OF Kiao Chou is by no means go
valuable as at first believed. Part OF the
A'.A SNA AAOoHSo 0hAiuS euToe mOuCDS Oh
winter .and ice breakers are required to
keep 1t open. The inner land is barren
and treeless and the nature of the ground
necessitates the erection OF costly and
large Notifications in order to hold the
bay and the adjoining territory against
attacks. If Germany concludes to retain
1t she will have to spend large sums of
money.
. Prince Hohenlohe, the imperial chancel-
lori much distressed at the sudden death
of his wife on Tuesday last. He spent
the previous three days at her bedside
without sleep and his ootogenarian frame
has been enfeebled thereby His physic-
ians are urgently advising him to retire
from public life, Mt any rate temporarily;
but the Emperor relies upon Prince Ho-
henlohe's patriotism to remain in office
in these trying times. The remains
of the Princess will be inferred on Sun
day in the family lot at Sohillingsfuerst.
The body was consecrated on Friday in
the presence of the ministers, military
dignitaries. etc., by the Prince Bishop
of Breslau, DR.. Kipp, in the conserva-
tory of the Chsncellor's palace. The En-
press and the ex-Empress of Germany,
sent floral wreaths.
AT the reconvening of the Reiohstag, |
the members of the opposition intend to |
make much of the fact that, according to |
official figures just obtained, the imperi- |
al treasury receipts for the current year
show decrease Of so,oe0,0OO marks