WAR IN THIBET,

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1906, 31 July 1888, Page 3

WAR IN THIBET,

[PER PR33S ASSOCIATION. J Rangoon, Jaly 28. Information has been received here that 8000 Thibetans have massed at Jelppla Pass. The English troops will hold Guatong until the difficulty is settled.

The Calcutta correspondent of the London "Times" writing recantiy on this question eaid : — " Our endeavors to establish peaceful relations with Thibet are apparently fruitless, and the Thibetans ctlll mair.t"»ln an atti'uda of sullen hoa:ility. Tho political situation la rendered somewhat oinbat rising by the difficulty of retaining the Knropean troops m their present position doriug the forthcoming raioy 83* sou; Wera the European troops now withdrawn, m accordance with the arrangements iri contemplation prior to the recent attack, our action would afford encouragement to the Thibetan authorities, who would make a vigorous attempt to re-oocupy Sikklm On the other band, an advance into Thibet with so email an expeditionary force, compelled to operate In a hostile and mountainous country far removed from it b base, end carrying with it all the necessary supplies, wtuld simply invUe disaster. All that can be done at present Is to renter oar Guatong encampment impregnab't*, to garrison it with native troops inured to tho severities of the climate and accustomed to mountainous districts, and then patiently to await tbe result of the exorcise of Chinese authority. If this should fall, preparations ol a more seflous charaoter will hava to be made later for a march on Lhasa*, m order to bring tbe Thibetan Government to reason, and so dictate a permanent peace from tbe Thibetan capital. From farther details of the recent fight gathered from Thibetan prisoners, it appears that the right attack waa led by the Lhassa commandant m person, and that his hor3e was Bhot under him. The wounded prisoners are described as cheerful and happy, and as appreciating thoroughly the kindly and generous oianner m which they are treated. In many oases the villagers were forced to join m the attack, and m the event of refusal were subjected to cruel and barbarous punishments. One reousant was forced to endure the lingering torment of being slowly boiled to death m oil. Most cf the attacking foroe carried long matchlocks whloh when fired rested m the ground by means of tiro long prongs fastened to (ha middle of the barrel Those prongs when closed served tbe purpose of a bajo >et. With these match* looks good shooting waß made at 500 yards. In addition to other anna, each as spears, awords, and daggers,, the soldiets were equipped with fighting charms m the Bhape of dried tortolus aud various amulets m copper boxeß.