Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-03
CHINA TO LOSE RAILWAY.
The Trans-siberian Treaty Assures
Russia Possession.

Correspondent of the Paris Matin, writing
from Kharbin, says he was fortunate
enough to meet the French explorer, Chat
faujOn. and get from him information re-
garding the Trans-Siberian railroad. The
land construction of the railroad is only
leased to Russia by China for ninety-nine
years. Chaffaujon says the treaty contains
curious master clause. After stipulating
that Russia has the right to station along
the line as many troops as are necessary for
the purpose of protection, the treaty con-
tains the following:
China Could Never Refund.
IF, at the expiration of ninety nine years,
China desires to enter into possession of the
line she must refund to the company all the
expenses of construction and maintenance
of the line from the first" Chaffaujon says
1t is difficult to imagine China paying Rus
STA millions. representing expenses carefully
registered. for the construction and main
tenance of this fantastic, wonderful rail-
way. 1t may as well be admitted that
China finds herself caught by this stipula-
ton, and never can regain possession of ter
ritories leased to the railroad.
Railroad Surpasses Expectations.
The ST. Petersburg correspondent of the
Petit Parisien hears that the working of the
railroad surpasses all expectations, and that
the transport of troops is going on with the
regularity of clockwOrk at the rate of 1890
men day, with baggage. The correspond
ent hears also that the Russian plan of
mobilization in Siberia is giving excellent
results and troops are hurrying to the seat
of war by all routes The Russian plan is
said to be to remain on the defensive until
her overwhelming superiority of forces in
sures the success of final and complete
offensive attack.
China Buying Arms.
A cablegram from ST. Petersburg last
night says: A Russian correspondent of the
Associated Press at Shanghai telegraphs
that 1t is reported at Tientsin that four
thousand additional Chinese soldiers have
been posted in northern China, and that the
Chinese government has recently placed
large orders for guns and ammunition
The Chinese troops around Liau-Che are
being reinforced. Yuap-Shi-Kai the Chi
nese commander-in-chief, has 10000 men
near Junipin-Fu, while 1900 men are with
General Ma. Fresh troops are arriving In
the province of Pe-Chi-L.
French Money for Russia.
The report is current that a syndicate Of
Paris banks, headed by large well-known
concern, has opened a credit account of
considerable Importance with Russia, to be
drawn in installments. The price of the
issue is said to be 81, at per cent interest
The credit is to be covered by the issue of
"a public loan when circumstances permit
1t is impossible to verify the report, the
transaction being represented strictly
private.
Strength of Russia's Army.
A dispatch from st. Petersburg says that
by March 20 the Russian army in the far
east will consist of $4,000 infantry, 5000
Cossacks, 5000 artillery, 5000 engineers
and 25,O0O railroad guards, III 600 in ALL
These figures are probably based the
assumption that no hitch will occur in
transport arrangements during the next
three weeks. They are held to be approx
mately accurate as it is calcula ted the rail-