A DESPERATE BATTLE.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 29, 3 August 1894, Page 2

A DESPERATE BATTLE.

CHINESE FIGHT HEROICALLY. THEY SHOOT COMRADES WHO TRY TO ESCAPE. (PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION). London, A.ugusfcl. Japan has notified the Powers that war has been declared, and Lord Kiojberley, Secretary of State for the British Foreign Office, has informed the various embassies of the fact. August 2. The survivors of the transport Kowbhung, including Captain Hannekin, a German military officer, declare that the Japanese cruiser Maniwah, hoarded the Kowshung although it was pointed out and the Japanese warned that the British flag was flying. The troops on the transport threatened to kill the officers if the sum mons was obeyed, and Captain Hannekin explained the position to the officers of the Japanese warship. The latter took little heed of the explanation and signalled for those on board to quit the vessel. Finding the demand not obeyed, the Maniwah fired the torpedo at the Kowshung with disastrous effect, and ou the vessel sinking, the machine guns were directed on the troops struggling in the water. The Chinese troops fought heroically to the last, and even fired on a few of their comrades who attempted to escape from the Kowshung by swimming. It is alleged that the Japanese warship made no attempt whatever to save life. The Japanese offlcals' report is totally at variance to the above and declares that a treacherous attempt on the part of the Chinese cruiser Chingnen to torpedo tho 'Maniwah provoked the conflier. The Chinese transports with troops have Jeft Cbee Foo for Corea, and heavy guns are being mounted at the forts. In Tonkin it is believed that a European military officer is assisting the Chinese. Shanghai, July 1. The Japanes9 Government asserts that the negotiations for peace through Great Britain were nearly concluded, when China demanded that Japan should withdraw the whole of her ships from Chinese ports, otherwise China would declare war.