The Telegram. — 1895-12-31 (Weymouth, Dorset, England)

CHINA AND JAPAN.  The advent of 1885 found China and Japan in the throes of a death struggle for supremacy. There was little doubt as to how the war would end, and the capture of Wei-hai-wei and Port Arthur by the Japanese practically sealed the fate of the already disorganised forecs of China. Apart from the interest attaching to the final collapse of the campaign, Europe was intensely concerned regarding the terms of peace. At first it seemed likely that a Far Eastern question of grave magnitude would be precipitated. The claim of Japan to Port Arthur and the adjoining mainland not only met with violent opposition from Russia, but threatened to bar any effectual settlement of international claims. Fortunately, the original terms were modified to meet the views of Russia, Germany, and France, and the air cleared again. Egypt, though somewhat disturbed in the early part of the year by the vagaries of the young Khedive, has, on the whole, made favourable progress. Lord Cromer took the necessary steps to appoint a special tribunal for the protection of foreigners, which has had a marked effect in restraining native fanaticism. Further south, events of gteat importance have been transpiring. The partition of Africa has led to a spirit of colonising activity more widespread than could possibly have been anticipated. England, ever to the fore in I such enterprise, has entered upon the muchneeded railway project from the coast to Uganda. The work will be prolonged and costly, but it will open out a vast area now almost inaccessible, and will deal a death blow at the slave trade in one of its chief centres. In Aladag,ascar, as well as in China, the year has been a trying one to missionary enterprise. The French expedition to the former island, notwithstanding the deadly perils incident to its carrying out, succeeded in reaching Antananarivo, and is now in possession. Whether its advent portends difficulty to the representatives of other nationalities, and especially to the missionaries, remains to be seen. In China, however, the natural hatred of foreign residents culminated in June last in a series of attacks and outrages upon mission stations. At Ku Cheng both English and American subjects were massacred, apparently with the sanction of the local officials. Swift punishments followed, and guarantees were obtained against future attacks. The British empire in South Africa has continued to make rapid progress. The murder of Mr. Stokes in the Congo region by a Belgian official his naturally aroused great indignation, aud the result of the pending trial is awaited with profound concern. An expedition is now on its way to the kingdom of Ashantee, on the West Coast of Africa, where trouble has been brewing for genie time past. It is not expected that much fighting will be needed, but in any case the Government will insist upon C,oornassie coming under British supervision and the cessation of the degrading practice of offering human sacrifices. Across the Atlantic a territorial dispute has arisen between British Guiana and Venezuela, which has been complicated by the interference of the United States. The incident is only one of the signs that the Washington Government is being led into a vigorous attitude on foreign affairs. An amicable agreement will, of course, be effected, but it is not pleasant to contemplate the great English-speaking race of America driven to adopt a spread-eagle policy for purely electioneering purposes. Far more agreeable is it to note the increase of loyalty towards England exhibited in Canada and Australasia, where also the great principle of Imperial federation has during the year made rapid strides.  IA II •_2iP '• Ilk "1r . •.,