The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-25
DEBATE IN THE COMMONS.
Curxon and Chamberlain Discuss
Chinese and African Questions.

CurzOn and Chamberlain Discuss
Chinese and African Questions.
LONDON, Feb. A.-The parliamentary
secretary for the Foreign Office, Mr. Cur
zon, replying to question in the House of
Commons to-day. said Russia's pledge re-
speeding free ports in north China was con-
veyed in the following note: Count Mu-
ravieff the Russian minister for foreign
affairs has expressed great surprise at the
agitation which appeared to prevail in Eng
land both in the press and in official cir
cles on the subject of recent events in
China, where English and Russian interests
could not be seriously antagonistic. Count
Muravieff observed that various English
statesmen Of position have recognized that
it was perfectly natural that Russia
should wish for outlet for her commerce.
On the coast on the north Pacific any such
port will be open for the commerce of the
world and England, whose trade interests
are so important in this region, would share
the advantage"
In reply to a question as to the west At
rican situation, Mr.. Chamberlain said he
expected a friendly and satisfactory settle
ment, but under the agreement with France
he could not give details until the negotia-
tons in Paris were ended. The difficulties.
he observed, had not arisen regarding the
delimitation of the Say-Borua line, but in
the deliIntation west of the Niger. Speak
ing generally, he would say that the com
petition Of other nations had compelled
Great Briatin. to adopt more forward
policy in the hinderlands of her African
colonies From the French standpoint he
could only admire the French policy, which
had carved out for France an enormous en-
pre- from which she would in the future
derive well-deserved benefits. In cOnclu-
sion, Mr. Chamberlain asserted that the
Cabinet was united in its African policy.
He believed the country was also united,
and that while ready TO make concessions
for the sake of maintaining. peaceful rela-
lions with foreign powers the country
would not allow British interests to be sac
rificed
Mr.. Chamberlain continued; at is la
inevitable fact that we allowed ourselves to
be forestalled in Sierra Leone and Gambia.
and the government determined that the
the Gold Coast. Consequently, it decided to
raise frontier force under Captain Lugard
to occupy the hinterland of those terrific
fries. The creation Of this force is necessary
whether the difficulties with France are sat
isfactorily settled or not
Mr.. Labouchere's motion to reduce the
colonial vote was then rejected by vote OF
pa against n.
During the discussion of supply. r. Glib
Bowles, Conservative member for
Kings Lynn. complained of the grant of
$1,000 for the inquiry to the Boring sea
seals He described the mission as 'unnec-
essary and Impractical
George N. Curzon, under secretary of
state for foreign affairs, replied that the
United States government had constantly
urged Great Britain to revise the Paris reg
ulations earlier than the treaty provided.
Great Britain had always replied that the
question must be decided on the evidence of
experts. An expert inquiry was then sug-
gested; commission was appointed and it
was subsequently decided to continue the
commission.
Michael Davitt, Parnelite member for
South Mayo, said he thought the United
States had been badly treated by England,
and not England by the United States.
Sydney Buxton. Radical member for Pop
lar Clover Hamletsl, questioned the gov
eminent as to the progress of the Guiana
boundary arbitration.
Mr.. Curzon, in reply, called attention to
the length of time necessary for delivering
the cases, and said he could not promise an
early settlement