The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-01-12
AFFAIRS IN THE ORIENT
Relations Between China and
France Are Strained.
RUSSIA WANTS A LEASE
She Demands a Torpedo Station-A Case
of Piracy Several Villages Pill
Jagged Native Officials Con-
nive at Murder.

Vancouver, B. c., Jan. 11.-Advices from
the Orient brought by the steamer EN-
press of japan indicate that the rela-
| tions between China and France are very
strained and that the Chinese are trying
to keep on the best side of the British. It
is reported at Pekin that Russia has de-
| manded a lease of the Mao Tao islands
as a torpedo station. These islands lie
| across the entrance to the gulf of Pechil,
| south of Port Arthur. The acquisition of
these islands would still further strength
en- Russia's hold on the approaches to Pc
kin. 1t is reported that the French have
sent China an ultimatum threatening to
send an armed force from Tongking into
Szechuan to rescue the unfortunate Faith
er F7eury.
A case of piracy upon a Hongkong fish,
ing junk off Pinghoi. in Mrs bay, is re-
| ported. There were no firearms on board
| the junk and the crew made a gallant at
| tempt at defense by hurting stone ballast
| on the pirates. They were, however. over
| powered and five were killed and four
wounded.
| Tongking papers contain details of a
| pratical attack upon the town of Hanoi
on the night of Dec. by a band of 300
armed Annamite robbers, who had pill
LACED several villages en- route from Som
| tay. In Hanoi they were met by the ma
| tive and foreign forces. Four of the rob-
bers were killed and six wounded. Be
tween 70 and so arrests were made
General Parsons, chief OF survey of an
American syndicate which is to construct
a grand trunk railway from Hankow to
Canton. is making his preliminary sur
vey of the line. accompanied by nine Eu-
ropean assistants. If he meets with no
serious opposition from the Hunanese he
expects to reach Canton by the begin
ming of February.
Pritchard Morgan, NJ. p, has succeeded
in obtaining a concession of all the min
eral rights in the province of Szechuan,
the largest and probably the richest
province in China.
The trial of an American named Rich
ard Toulmn at the United States CONSUL
ate court of Canton for the murder of
Cheng Lei San, a compradore of Dosing,
was concluded on Dec. IS. Toulmin was
sentenced to hard labor for life.
The particulars at hand of the murder
Of Mr.. Fleming of the China inland mis-
sion of Queiyang, in Kueichou province,
and of a native evangelist, show that the
murder was connived at by officials
Christians have been massacred by the
emulators of Yu Man TIE.
Peter Rinehart, travelling in Thibet with
his wife. disappeared on the Goth of Sep
tember 1t is believed he was murdered by
| robbers. His wife arrived at Tachenlu
on Nov. 90
A supplementary treaty has been signed
between both Germany and France and
Japan substituting specific for ad valorem
duties on German and French imports.
A scandal has been raised in Japanese
political circles by the frank confession
of Moyama Uiunosuke. M. P, that he re-
ceived a bride of 1000 yen from the gov
eminent to vote for the land taxation bill,
which. however. he opposed. The Japan
csc land taxation bill has been passed by
both houses. Another important measure
adopted by the lower house is the amend
ment to press regulations, which has the
effect of permitting foreign journalists to
carry on their profession in Japan.
On Dec. 10 the Japan steamer Yay-
cyama ran into the P. & o. steamer
Brindisi while the latter was lying at
anchor at Baku, near Moii. The Yaycy
ANA sank almost Immediately. No lives
were lost The Brindisi was slightly dam
aged
News from Singapore via Hongkong re-
ports the wreck of the ship Earl of
Hopetoun. The vessel is a total loss. The
Earl of Hopetoun. full-rigged ship, un-
der command of Captain Rowley, was on
a voyage from Philadelphia to Yokohama.
When in Maclesfield channel, 800 miles
from Singapore, she struck a rock and
foundered. fortunately without loss of
life. A marine court of inquiry exoner-
ated the officers from all blame.