In his message to Congress, President Roosevelt insists upon the necessity of the autonomy of. Moukden being maintained. The President described the present state of affairs as anomalous, but expressed the opinion that there would be a ful: development of commerce a8 soon as a settlement had been arriv.d at. He urged tue prompt establishment of a naval base in the Philippines.—** Mainichi, The Chinese Minister to St. Petersburg has repeatedly demanded an explanation of the re-occupation of Moukden, but so without effect. Finally, he sought an audi ence of the Czar; but tiis honour was deni ed him. The Chinese Minister then forwarded a note to the Czxr, pointing out the unreasonableness of the re-occupation of Moukden, and pointing out that the place is ths original home of the present dynasty. The Minister appeals to the Czar to issue an order to Viceroy Alexeielf to evacuate the place and transfer it to China promptly.—
Peking, 8th December.
The French Minister to Peking has sent note to the Government offering to act as arbitrator between Russia and China. He points out, that.the grant of some of the proposals made by Mr. Lessar in rogerd to.the evacuation of Manchuria is advisable if China really wishes to seo the. Russians withdraw from the three provinces. The Chinese Government are, however, firmly determined to reject the Russian proposal and they consider that the French Minister's proposal is made in the interest of. Russix. "he Chinese Government therefore are not likely to consent to the French proposal. The Government, however, ara eager to ascertain the Japanise view of the matter be fore they reject the ch proposal, and ai-kin and Na Tung called on Mr.
the day before yesterday and again London, 10th Decembe!
It is reported from St. Petersburg. thi great uneasiness prevails there. Should Russia suffer a reverse, it is thought that the results would be disastrous The "Bourse Gazette" hus become somewhat pacific, but the Svet Novosti" is taking an aggressive line. "the "Morning Post" has published a vigorous leader calling for a reassertion of British influence in the Far East. It urges support of Jupanese action.
Secretary Hay has otticially declared that, beyond veeing that her own treaty rights are respected, and that all obligations are carried out, the United States will remain unconcerned bythe Far Eastern embrog] It is stated that President Roosevelt is an-gard to the into Hions "f the present administration.
Five thousand tons of Cardiff coal were digpateted to Port Arthur la, November—Mainichi"
10th December.
The Corean Government have decided to demand from the Japanese Government the surrender of Ko Yel-ki, the assassin of U Han-zen. It is now expected that the Government will address an official note to the Japanese Legation on the matter in the course of the next few days.
The Corean Government have rejected the French demand for a concession to work the Shojx gold mine.—* Asahi." Soon, 11th December. diplomats here believe that the Yalu district will be divided between Japan and Russis. Negotiations on this point are now progressing.
The Corean Government have addressed note t" the Japanese Minister the surrender of the two men who assw-smoted U Han-zen. Several Japanese residents in Seoul contend that the Corean officials who instigated the crime should be summoned to the Japanese Court to give evidence,—Mainichi."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.