ABSTRACT
In 1890, the tsarist government became concerned at the news that a survey had been made by Kinder, a British engineer, for construction of a railroad from the port of Taku to Hunchun, that is, to the Russian border, through Shanhaikwan, Chinchow, Mukden, and Ninguta. The admission of American banks to the consortium constituted a threat to the interests of tsarist Russia and Japan, since the main purpose of these banks was to gain ground in Manchuria; both countries therefore protested against the American expansion. The speeches of Japanese politicians revealed the expansionist aims of Japanese imperialism against Russia, while the occupation of Formosa and the efforts of Japan to dominate South Manchuria confirmed that her intentions toward China were no less aggressive. Russian and Chinese subjects enjoyed special privileges inside the Concession Zone of the Chinese Eastern Railroad.
