Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 96, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 August 1898 — ENGLAND AND RUSSIA. [ARTICLE]

ENGLAND AND RUSSIA.

Alarmist Reports of a Serious Diplomatic Tension—British Admiralty Preparing to Mobilise Its Fleet. London, Aug. B.—That extreme diplomatic tension exists between St. Petersburg and London was generally admitted Saturday, though the officials deprecate the alarmist reports which were current Friday. It is hoped ttat the firmer stand adopted by the marquis of Salisbury during the last few days, which seems to have already created some misgiving at St. Petersburg, will have the desired effect of arresting Russian aggressiveness. It is felt both here and on the continent that the outcome of the dispute in regard to the New Chwang railroad extension is the crucial point of the success or failure of Great Britain’s policy of the “open door.” As evidence of the f£ct that Great Britain appreciates the gravity of the situation, it is learned that the admiralty is preparing for all emergencies, and that it will soon be ready to mobilize.

There has been considerable discussion in parliament over the new situation in China, similar to that which arose when Russia vetoed the loan from the British government. This time the complications are caused by the contract for the loan which the Hong-Kong and Shanghai bank wishes to make to the Chinese government for a railway between Tein-Tsin and New Chw’ang, both treaty ports. The Russian minister has been objecting strenuously for six weeks, and Lord Salisbury has offered China a guarantee against Russia. It seems entirely clear that Russia is interfering with British rights secured by the treaty of Tien-Tsin. The obvious criticism upon Lord Salisbury’s method is that the offer of a guarantee to Peking, which China does not like to accept, is a less direct remedy than a determined remonstrance through the British ambassador at St. Petersburg would be. London, Aug. 8. —The Shanghai correspondent of the Daily Mail says: Russia is now practically in possession of New Chwang, and “the open door” in North China is already shut. The correspondent of the Daily News at Odessa gives, under reserve, a report that Russian charge d’affaires at Peking, M. Pavloff, will soon be removed, and he regards it as indicating a Russian backdown-.