Tue political world at home was startled some months ago by the despatch from Hongkong to the London Times of a: telegram announcing the conclusion of a treaty between China and Russia by which the latter Power was authorised to use Port Arthur as a naval station. We had ourselves announced some time before that when Wang Chih-chun went to Russia in the latter part of 1894 to congratulate the Czar on his accession, he made a secret treaty, but this has, of course, been strenuously denied at St. Petersburg. Nevertheless, these denials have not been fully accepted, and from time to time separate articles of the treaty have been hinted at. We are now in possession of a letter from Peking, of the important part of which we give a translation, containing a full account of.the treaty as agreed on, by the two Powers concerned. 'I'he writer is addressing a friend in Shanghai, and he.says.:—" Although there is a rumour -abroad about the existence of such a treaty, no one outside the actual cou-tractors knew its details, and I now note the contents in order to show how secretly things have been done, and also that you may have the pleasure of being one of the first outside to know the matter. Furthermore, although the affair causes one to greatly wonder and feel bitter at it, the matter is yet true and not empty words, and of this you inay rest assured, all the more as the copy I have seen contained the sign of Hsing Proceed" or " Consent given made by the various members of the Ministry of War at the end of the document.
"The several articles named therein are as follows "he Great Chinese Emperor being exceedingly grateful at the friendly acts of the Russian Emperor in forcing the Japanese to retrocede Liaotung with its several tons of cities, and for being the first to lend money to China to pay her war indemnity to Japan, his Majesty the Chinese Emperor is therefore anxious to display his gratitude by seeking methods wherein he might assist Russia, and for this reason his Majesty is willing to conclude a treaty of alliance with Russia. This being the case, if Russia should have any difficulties with any other Power in Asia, it is but right that China should exert her utmost endeavours to assist in every way her ally. To which end China allows Russia to use any of her harbours along. the maritime coasts of China to enter them at pleasure or leave at any time or to mobilise her fleet therein or for the purpose of repairs or to take in supplies, buy coal, etc. If there be any critical danger for Russia, China allows Russia to secretly recruit her forces in Chinese territory, to buy horses or to get coolies, etc, This is of course to be done quietly and is to be considered as secret: assist-Fanee given to Russi Should it so happen that remonstrances be made to China in the above matter, China is to reply that Russia being the stronger {and China the weaker of the two she has no help but to allow Russia to do as she pleased. If, however, China is desirous of manifesting further her friendship for Russia by openly aiding the latter country and attacking Rassia's enemies in concert with her, this shall also be permissible, but it should be dove as circumstances allow and must be the subject of further discussion, "At present the harbours of Russia although pleatifal in number still labour under the disadvantage of being liable to be frozen up several feet during the winter mouths, hence Russian ships cannot enter or leave them at will. The harm this will lead to in time of war would therefore be disastrous to Russia to a great degree: and this goes without saying. His Majesty the Emperor of China being therefore grateful to Russia for-her friendly help is willing to devise methods to assist his ally in this matter and now permits Russia to use Port Arthur to anchor her fleet and to accommodate her troops there. If, however, in order to avoid complications with other Powers it be deemed inadvisable to use Port Arthur as stated, then Russia shall be permitted to use the harbour of Kiaochou Bay, in Shantung province; there Russia shall be at liberty to enter or leave the harbour at will; to canton her troops; and she shall also be allowed to build barracks for her land troops and coal sheds, ete. in order to fill an urgent want on the part of Russia. If, again, Kiaochou be not suitable then Russia shall be permitted to choose any port or harbour on the maritime coasts of Kiangsu and Chekiang for her purpose. This is a further proof of the desire of China to strengthen the friendship she feels for Russia. It being, however, feared that the local authorities of the places visited by the Russian fleet, being ignorant of the understanding made with Russia, may make opposition, a secret decree shall, on the one hand, be sent to the various Viceroys and Governors notifying them of the case, and these shall on their part advise their subordinates not to prevent or obstruct the movements of the Russians, while on the other hand the 'I'sungli Yamen shall be instructed to appoint three interpreters who shall proceed to Shanghai with all haste and report to the Russian Admiral for service with his ships. It shall be the duty of these interpreters to assist the Russian and Chinese officials in their mutual intercourse and also to transmit to the latter his Imperial Majesty's wishes in the matter.
"If China on her part shall have any difficulties with other Powers, Russia shall use her endeavours to arrange the said difficulties; but if these good offices be of no effect it shall be the duty of Russia to give her help to China before other Powers, thereby binding firmly the alliance between the two countries, "China is also willing to permit Russian officers freedom of movement in the eastern frontiers of her possessions of Fengtien and Kirin and to navigate the Yalu river with its several affluents along these provinces, either for the purpose of trade or to assist China to police the frontiers of the respective countries, "When the Siberian Railway shall have been completed joining the eastern and western limits of Russia then China shall permit Russia to build a branch line through Heilungchiang, Kirin, and Manchuria down to Talien-huan in Fengtien, or any other point to be chosen by Russia. Nhe power over this branch line shall be held jointly by Russia and China, but after fifteen years when China shall have shown her ability to do so alone then it shall be permissible for her to buy the Russian share of the line at cost price, and she shall thenceforth have the sole control over the lines within her own territories.
"To provide against harm to the said line on the part of the Powers actuated by jealousy, China shall permit Russia to hold one of the islands near Talien-liman and opposite that port for the purpose of making it a rendezvous for Russian ships and land troops and also to fortify the same in order to protect the said Ialienhuan terminus and provide against disasters.
"The country about Vladivostock is of the utmost importance to Russia in this part of Asia, 'I'he Siberian Railway having been completed it will be necessary that Russia shall protect the line against the jealousy and hostile intentions of other countries. China therefore shall permit Russia to choose some points on the southern side of Hiinch'un [Chinese city opposite VIndivostock] to be fortified and for the purpose of storing supplies and troops, thereby forming mutual supports to the forts on the northern side[Viadivostock]. In this way the Russian cities there shall be freed from anxiety. This is really helping a neighbouring country to solidify her base and is an instance of the deep and lasting friendship China entertains towards Russia.
"Tf in the future, owing to Corea, Rinssia and Japan should come to blows, China shall grant permission to Russia to attack the western frontiers of Corea by way of the Yalu river, "The Siberian Railway will also be of great benefit to China. China is therefore willing to open markets for the sale of Russian goods and piece-goods and assist Russian trade in every way in order that unobstructed Russian manufactures may come into China in a ceaseless stream similar to the present condition of trade in Chinese Turkestan, "Tu the present crisis the military organisation of China is the most important to that country. China will
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.