where sume 5,000 Chinese troops with 2 field-pi barded the station, killing 20 Russian employees, necessitating 'a rapid retreat on the part of the survivors towards Tashichiao, had the effect of hurrying up the Russian reserves from Port Arthur, and there are now sume 1,500 sol-Giers with 16 field-pieces at the junction. We shall doubtless soon hear that Liaoyang has been retaken, and the city razed to the ground. after which Moukden's turn will come, and an ample revenge be taken for the cruel massacre of the French Bishop and nuns and native conver s.
'CHWASG'S FUTURE, with satisfaction that we read that the Peking and Tientsin troubles will not in all probability lead to the splitting up of China between the Foreign Powers, but I would like to put the question as to what changes, if any, may be looked for in the treaty port of Newchwang. It has been remarked by more than one influential Russian that Newchwang will shortly become a Russian port. This statement has been made deliberately and in all seriousness. and I, for one fail entirely to sec how such annexation can be justified or permitted. From all accounts the Japanese arp. by no means inclined to relinquish their right of priority.
also have it on Russian authority, more or less reliable, that woless Newchwang becomes Russian, the prench line to the port will most certainly be closed in favour of that to Talienwan, so that with a'l pect I submit we are between the the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Seeing that the trouble in Liasyang—destruction of the bridges and line, etc.—is estimated by the Russians at a total loss of Roubles 8,000,000, it is only to be expected that they will endeavour to reimburse them selves as speedily as possible, in which connection I would point out' that there are Tls. 7,000,000 in the Moukden Treasury.
Tu conclusion, Jet mo mention that although the safety of the Foreign Community is assured, trade is almost bound to come to a standstill unless a British gunboat is sent over to reassure the native merchants; that with no trade, and the consequent exodus or revolt of the native population, we shall not be in a position' to afford these supplies to the troops at Tientsin which are sure to be required from the nearest ports; and last, but very naturally not least, in the opinion of one whose mercantile interests ire centred in the port, the abandonment of British interests to alien protection will effectually negative the right of Great Britain to interfere in the disposal of a treaty port which is one of the outlets, and the best outlet, to the trade of @ provines potentially the richest in China.
Later.
The sang leaves to-day, the Trym is expected about the lst inst. At a meeting to-dyy between the Harbour Master and the Treaty Consuls, it was agreed tu double the usual ' pilotage charges during the present crisis.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.