15 MAY 1875, Page 2

The Russian Government has concluded a treaty with that of

Japan by which the Southern half of the Island of Saghalien is conceded to St. Petersburg for ever. The whole island now be- longs to Russia. It is believed that it is full of metals ; and known to yield g,00d -coal ; while its position makes its owner, if a Euro- pean State and in possession of a fleet, almost irresistible in Japanese waters. If, as is stated, it is intended to work the mines and forests by means of convicts, Saghalien may prove a most valuable possession. One would like to know what Russia has given in return,—alliance against China?