The Chinese have since had a number of interviews with representatives of the Powers, ostensibly to explain their position, but principally to see what effect their action has created and how much resistance may be anticipated. At the same time they have hinted at' the possibility of some arrangement being come to. At one of these interviews, General Chang complained at exhaustive length against the policy of the company, in effect saying that had the company minded its own business instead of interfering with politics it would not have been necessary for the Chinese Government to take "'restrictive measures." He remained firm in his intention to "retain all lands not absolutely necessary to the working of the company." A long interview, in which the consuls insisted that: nothing should be done until the views of their respective governments had been ascertained, concluded with reciprocal promises of mutual assistance in terminating the crisis thus caused in the affairs of the railway.
Meanwhile a Chinese Land Department is being organized, with General Chu Ching-lan as Chief Administrator.
It is generally believed, says the "Russian Daily News," that this high-handed action was taken entirely on the initiative of the provincial authorities without the knowledge of Peking. It is expected to have a disastrous effect upon local business, which is bound up with the proper functioning of the railway. The whole affair is looked upon as a military adventure which may do infinite harm if not checked.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.