The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1898-01-04

North Pacific squadron. He declines
TO discuss the probability of an Anglo
Russian imbroglio, and asserts that IN
case Of actual hostilities the British
Asiatic squadron is Of sufficient strength
to enforce any demands Great Brita.n
NAV have TO make. He denies that
there is any probability Of any Anglo
japanese alliance, remarking that Eng
lands combining with a fourth-rate
power like Japan would be a confession
Of weakness that does not exist. Cap
tain Rolfe asserts with positiveness
that the contingent to be sent west is
not for japanese reinforcement, but
rather to be used as a reserve for the
fleets in operation should a naval war
result from the political complication III
the Orient.
Officials Of the Canadian Pacific de-
clare they have received NJ orders Isl
prepare for handling troops or war ma
tarial.
FRENCH FLAG NOT HOISTED.
Paris. Dec. 3O.-The officials Of the
French Ministry Of Marine regard the
report of the occupation Of the Island Of
Hai-Nan. off the south coast OF China,
BY the French feet in those waters as
being an invention. During the day
rheIv was issued a eemi-offIclal contra
diction Of the report that the French
flag had been hoiustel over the island Of
Hai-Nan.
RESERVE FLEET NOT NEEDED.
New York, Dee. 3O.-ReGardins the
rumor tina the British government has
decIded 10 call into active service her
naval reserve feet, Bruce Ismay, agent
- the White Star Line, when seen late
-dav. said he had no official or other
information on the subject.
At the office Of the British consul
surprise was expressed at the report, IN
asmuch as Great Britain has a sufficient
naval force to cope with any emergency
that might arise in the east without
calling 20 her aid the services Of tie
naval reserve. The British consul here
has no official Information on the sub
ject.
WILL MOBILIZE RESERVES.
London, Dee. 3O.-A ews agency an
nounces that the British naya! reserve
VIII be modified.
According to recent estimates, the re
serve forces of the British Navy num-
Der about $4,000. OF this number it is
calculated that at least 10000 men
would be required in case of war to COM
p!ete the manning of the war-shlps Of
Great Britain, which are understood to
require a complement Of 10000 men,
whereas only 100000 are actually III
service. The naval reserve problem has
long been discussed by British authori-
ties and the general opinion appears to be
that the number of men available is far
short Of the number that would be re-
CURED in case OF war.
In addition to the men in the naval
reserve, Great Britain has a large re-
serve fleet and = numner OF reserve mer-
chant cruisers, including such vessels
as the Campania. Lucania. Etrnria. I'm
bria, Majestic, Teutonic. etc.
MR.. BROWNS SUPERCESSION.
Pekin, Dee. 3O.-TAe supercession Of
J. McLeavy Brown, the British super
!nteHdent Of the Corean customs. is 1T
present engaging the attention of the
British government. With the view Of
UNFOLDING his rights, four British var
vessels are understood to be OF
Chemulpo.
No, RRQ@ THE ISSUE.
London. 1ec~.-The Daily Graphic
asserts ION authority that the British
squadron was definitely instructed to as
semble off Chemulpo to support a strong
British expostulation with Corea on the
dismissal of McLeavy Brown, british
superintendent of Corean Customs) who
unuer the advice of the British consul
has twice returned the notice of dismiss
al served upon him.
With regard to Port Arthur, the Daily
Graphic asserts that there is every rea-
son to believe the Russians will adhere
to their pledge to eyacuate at the end
Of the winter and there is therefore 40
ground for complaint on the part of
England. Neither does the government
regard the occupation Of kiao-Chou as
calling for action, because British inter
ests are not threatened. According t0
the Daily Graphic both the Foreign OF
fee and the admiralty are agreed upon
this point.
ENGLISH-JAPANESE ENTENTE.
! London, Dec 30.-A special dispatch
from Shanghai says that communica-
tons are constantly passing between the
British and Japanese officers, and it is
understood that the Japanese ministers
i are trying to effect a rapprochement with
! England on the basis of a joint guaran.
tee of reform in Chinese administration
JAPAN PREPARING FOR WAR.
London, Dec. 30.-A dispatch to the
Daily Mail from Shanghai, dated yes
+, terday CThursday) says:
A British feet of eight ships and four
torpedo boats has arrived at ChemulpC
(the port of Seoul.) 1t is reported tina
there are two japanese cruisers in The
{ Yang-Tse-kiang river. japan is work
ing night and day preparing for war
1t is believed that that British anC
.JaDanese fleets are in close touch.