A. statement appears in the columns of the Chinese press to the effect. that negotiations are now proceeding in Peking with reference to the retrocession of Weihaiwei. The " Shunpao" states that Sir Beilby Alston, H. M. Minister, is in communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connexion with the matter and on behalf of the British Government has made the following stipulations:—(1) The port shall for ever be maintained as a commercial port (2) British gunboats shall be allowed to enter the harbour every summer for gun practice and no taxes shall be levied on foodstuffs for such gunboats. British naval pro-porty shall be properly protected (3) Foreigners shall be permitted to participate in matters for the ponefit of the port; (4) Foreigners who have legally obtained land, etc. shall retain it; and (5) China shall construct a railway to connect the port with the.nterior.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.