Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-11-03

Wei-Hai-Wei, November 2.-All the
British warships here, the first-class
battleship Centurion, the first-class
cruiser Narcissus, the second-class
cruiser Hermione, the torpedo boat de-
stroyer Fame, the torpedo boat de-
stroyer Handy and the frst-class gun
boat Peacock. have cleared for action
and are ready for sea at an hour S
notice.
The first-class battleship Victorious
and the first-class cruiser Undaunted,
at One-Foo, are cOaling to their full
capacity.
The greatest secrecy is maintained
as to the meaning of these warlike
preparations. but there is no doubt
important instructions are expected
at any moment.
A large Russian feet is assembled at
Port Arthur.
London, November 2.-The dispatch
from Wei-Hai-Wei, announcing the
war preparations of the British naval
authorities there, is regarded here as
being of grave Importance, coupled
with the Anglo-French war prepare
tions. 1t is surmised that Russia,
prOfting by the present strained re-
latiOnS between Great Britain and
France, has decided to push forward
her aims in the far East by forcibly
Selling the valuable treaty port of
Niu Chwang, which Great Britain
cannot permit, it is said.
A dispatch from London on October
20 said cable message had been re-
ceived thAe from Shanghai as fol-
lows: "a Russian regiment occupied
the town of Niu Chwang (province of
Liao-Tong), and the forts at the
mouth of the river Lao on October Is,
thus securing complete possession OF
Niu Chwang. The native troops fled
without making any opposition, under
orders from empress Dowager and Ii
Hung Chang A British gunbOat was
in the river at the time. It's non-re-
sistance is regarded as the virtual
British abandonment of the whole of
Manchuria to the Russians and gives
Russia an invaluable strategic posi-
ton. Great Britain is certain to lose
the Niu Chwang trade, of which it has
had 80 per cent"
The Rome correspondent of the
Daily Chronicle says: France is
making great preparations at Bizerts,
about 40 miles northwest of Tunis.
Guns and ammunition arrive daily
and men are strengthening the forts,
working day and night. The object is
said to be to cut communication be-
tween Malta and Egypt in the event
of hostilities with Great Britain
GREAT ACTIVITY DISPLAYED.
Vancouver, B. c., November 2.-Ad-
miral Pallison's secretary, who had left
here for an up-country point, has been
urgently telegraphed to return to ES-
uuimault at once. All is excitement in
naval circles. The Scotsmen of Van
couver, recognizing the gravity of the
situation offer to raise a regiment and
place the same at the disposal of the
government for service either at home
or abroad.
London, November "A semi-oficial
note, issued this evening, relative to
the reports of a settlement of the
Fashoda question, says:
"The matter is substantially in the
same position as when the blue book
and yellow book were published. 1t
is not anticipated that France will take
further action until Major Marchand' s
arrival at Cairo on Thursday, when eX-
plantations will be forthcoming as to
his reasons for leaving Fashoda."
Sydney, c. B., November 2.-The
British warships Cordelia and Pelicon
arrived to-day from Halifax. Their
visit is regarded as extraordinary as
both were supposed to leave for home
to go out of commission. The ships
have submarine mines and heavy
guns aboard, specially prepared at
Halifax and it is reported that they
will mine the entrance to Sydney and
st. Johns, n. F., harbors.
Halifax, n. S., November 2.-The
British battleship Renown is in full
fighting trim and tonight the vessel
tested her electric search lights. This
week the Renown has taken on board
large quantities of ammunition and
naval stores.
Cairo, November 2.-Major Mar
chand and two other Frenchmen, ac-
companied by Captain Fitton, of the
Egyptian army, are expected to ar