NEWS OF THE WEEK.
SEVERAL telegrams have appeared this week which point to a renewal of Russian activity in the Far East. It is again stated that Russia, France, and Germany are hurry- ing Japan to evacuate the Liau-tung Peninsula ; and it is aided that, though the first loan for the indemnity has been raised, none of the money has been paid, or will be paid, until the evacuation has been effected. According to another telegram, Russia has asked China for Port Arthur as a naval station, and the Government of Pekin is favour- able to the proposal,—a rumour not disposed of by a semi- official denial which the Russians are circulating through Renter. That would be a serious demand, as it would place Corea between two fires, and make a Protec- torate by Japan practically impossible. A correspondent of the Times, with special means of information, declares that the war has taught China nothing, and that the Chinese are assured in an Imperial proclamation that the secret of their defeat was the sweeping away of all coast- defences by a tidal wave. Note also that the Tokio corre- spondent of the Daily News confirms the stories of the bitter feeling in Japan against Russia, and of the resolve of the people to devote the bulk of the indemnity, and some additional taxation, to such an increase of the navy and army as shall enable Japan "without waiting for European com- plications " to avenge her insulted honour upon St. Petersburg.
