Hongkong, 30th July.
The Dutch Steamer Prius Alexander (728 tons net), of the Koninklijke Packetvaart Maatschappij in Amsterdam and Batavia, and the British Steamer Ban Hin Guan (199 tons net), of the Lim Ho Puah in Singapore, collided on Tuesday morning last in the Malacca Straits. The. Prius Alexander sank; the first officer, the first engineer, and ninety of her passengers and crew' wers drowned, while twenty, including the captain, have been saved. The Ban Hin Guan was badly damaged and was towed into the port of Singapore, where she was beached. Hongkong, 4th Aug.
Saturday and Sunday. Several launches 4 govern typhoon raged here. during were sunk, and a number of houses collapsed. A Slight loss of life is also reported, The following telegrams are from the " Kobe Herald":—
London, 23rd-July.
The Morgan Combine's arrangement for the purchase of the British North Atlantic Company is unexpectedly delayed: A conditional dividend has been declared.
The operatives at Bryant and May's Match Factories have struck work.
24th, July.
'The St. Petersburg newspaper, Novoe 'Vremya, complains that Japimese' emigration to Gorea is assuming enormous. proportions. It declares that the country is rapidly becoming " Japanese protect rare. The Coreans (the journal'adds) are visibly alarmed at Japan's activity.
London, 29th July.
The Novoe Vremya continues to publish inflammatory articles concerning Corea. The St. Petersburg journal deplores the diminution of Russian prestige in the Peninsula and urges the government to take immediate action to counteract Japan's influence. It suggests that a Russian Bank should be established at Seoul and Chemulpo and Russian Consulates at all Corean ports, and further that-increased evidence should be given of Russia's naval power The Novoo Vremya fears the establishment of an AngloJJapancse Naval Station in Southern Corea.
The British Chambers of Commerce meet to-day to discuss the proposed China treaty submitted by Sir James Mackay.
The following telegrams are from our Kobe exchanges London. 26th July.
"The " Cologne Gazette" announced yesterday that an Anglo-Japanese compact had been concluded concerning the: protection of Corea. The report was officially contra dicted to-day.
Baron Shibusawa delivered an address yesterday before the members of the London Chamber of Commerce. Mr. William Keswick, M.P., presided.
Baron Shibusawa laid emphasis on the mutual commercial advantages that may be derived from the new condition of affairs following upon the alliance, and invited the ce-operation of the knowledge, experience abject Of furthering the development of and capital of Western nations with the
japan.
"he subsequent discussion had reference to the question of markets. Baron Shibusaw promised to give consideration tv the matter of extending Anglo-Japanese trade.
The Naval Review at Spithead has been fixed for the sixteenth of August.
Proceeding apace, The decorations have operations for the Coronation are n revivified and rehearsals of the ''oro-nation procession resumed.
Tokio, 27th July.
Baron Komura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, a few days ago issued instructions to Mr. Uchida, the Japanese Minister at Peking, in regard to the reported conclusion of a secret Convention between Russia and China regarding Thibet.
It is stated that Mr. Uchida has been instructed only to report whether any new diplomatic situation is likely to result from the signing of the new Convention.
London, 28th July.
The statements emanating from St Petersburg alleging that important Anglo-Japanese action is pending in Corea are believed to be ascribable t" a desire to cover French designs on the Siam border.
Both the New York " Tribune" and the New York '*Sun" discuss the Marcus Island matter and both papers take an unfavourable view of Captain Rosehill's claim.
They do not hesitate to aver that America wishes to avoid c"ntention over the matter.
The cruisers Asama and Takasago are now visiting Antwerp. The ships are returning here to attend the Coronation Review.
Prince Komatsu has gone on a visit to Mecklenburg.
Berlin, 26th July.
From Vienna details of the new Triple Alliance Treaty are reported which, however, prove to be intention untruths.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.