RINING with the seizure of the railway by the Russian forces and the ousting of Mr. Kinder, the story of the Imperial railway soon entered upon the diplomatic stage. The Admira's decided on the 16th July last year that the line between Taku and tientsin should be managed by the Russians, on the understanding that it was to be handed over as soon as circumstances might permit. Thereupon Russia took sole charge, but official notice was given to the effect that the line was already mortgaged to British bond-holders, to which Count Lamsdorff replied that "the line would naturally revert to former management," the Conipany being responsible for expenditure in the meantime. When, however, the Muscovites began shipping off railway material to Port Arthur, after destroying the offices and archives at Tientsin, the Hongkong. and Shanghai Bank began to move the British Government once more to action.
Then arose a difference of opinion respecting the jurisdiction given the Russians by the Adinira's. It was claimed to cover the whole course of the line to Peking. This Admiral Seymour denied. Tt was only the Taku-Tientsin section that was given into Russian control, as is proved by the minutes of the senior naval officers' meeting signed by Admiral Seymour and seven other Admirale, etc. Complications followed. General Gaselee- telegraphs on September 20th, 1900.. " Fengtai railway junction occupied by us on the 30th August.... Russian General now sends formal protest against our occupation... have told him... question for our respective Governments... meanwhile shall continue the reconstruction It had been pointed out by the Bank that special prominence and weight had been given to the stipulation in the terms under which the railway was constructed providing for British Chief Engineer, and making the line inalienable to any foreign power. Enclosed was a diary of events beginning with June 16th, the memorable day when Admiral Seymour's communications were broken. The Chief Accountant on that day "closed his offices at 1 p.m., after only locking all books, vouchers, and documents of any value, together with what cash there was on hand, in two large Chubb's safes, quite new and recently arrived from England." (It is interesting to remark that a late copy of the Limes" reports that the Chubbs have secured an official denial of the statement that the safes were of their monutactnre. The fact that they were broken open by Rnssians put the "safe" men upon their mettle.) The diary declares with detailed proof that "there is abundant evidence" to show that the rifling of the safes "had been done previous to the fire." Some $20,000 in money disappeared, together with securities for a much larger amount, and title deeds, ete., ete.
Later on Count Waldersee gave to the Russians control from Tangku. to Yangtsun, while the Germans occupied the remaining section to Peking, and this though " British capital. has constructed the entire line under British superintendence and control, and Mr. Kinder and his staff are furthermore ready to undertake the work." (Oct. 4th.) The same state of affairs existed at Shanhaikuan. Whereupon explanations were asked from the Russian Government, and the British, Japanese, and American commanders combined in recommending to Count Waldersee the restoration of the line to its own officials. On Oct. 29th the delayed Russian reply was sent: "Admiral Alexeieff is absolutely ignorant of the protest (above mentioned).... and "the Imperial Government (Russian) cannot conceal the fact that they are greatly perplexed at" the British persistence.
This is irresistibly suggestive of the injured innocence of the urifortunate youth caught poaching, "who's been a-catching' fish!
But the Russian depredations did not close here. At Newchwang we find them taking possession of 50 miles of material belonging to
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.