China and Japan.

Manawatu Herald, 4 August 1894, Page 2

China and Japan.

A fight took place between a Chinese ironclad and a Japanese cruiser. Many on both sides were killed. The cruiser was crippled, but escaped in a waterlogged condition. The owners of the Kawshnng, through the British Foreign Office, have made a claim for damages against Japan. It is believed the incident will seriously complicate matters. Reports from Shanghai state that the Chinese transports, fearing the Japanese fleet, have returned to Cheefoo. Britain and Russia will co-operate to secure peace, and all the Powers are moving in the same direction. Reports from Shanghai state that the Japanese sank the ironclad Chinhuyen nnd two cruisers on Monday last after a hot fight. All able-bodied Chinamen are debarred from leaving the Empire. The Chinese are making preparations for a prolonged war. I.i Hung Chang declares that if war is provoked China will fight to the bitter end. The Chinquen, one of the cruisers reported to have been sunk by the Japanese, reached Weihawai in a damaged condition on Sunday. The last engagement is therefore doubted. The Chinese Legation entirely discredit? the reported engagement between Japanese and Chinese warships. Japan has notified the Powers that war has been declared, and Lord Kimberley, Secretary of State for the British Foreign Office, has informed the various Embassies of the fact. ' The Japanese Government has expressed regret to the Premier for the sinking of the Kowshung, statiug that the Japanese commander was unaware that the transports were British vessels. The Japanese are withdrawing their forces from Seoul in order to renew the attack on Yackan. It is reported that they have already ' twice attacked the Chinese position there, and been repulsed with heavy loss. China has stopped the transmission of messages on the Japanese cable. The Japanese 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 port 3, otherwise China would declare war. The Government also asserts that the flying of the British flag on board the Kowshung was merely a ruse. The Chinese repulsed the Japanese inland forces near Chimulpo with heavy loss. . The Chinese transports with troops have left Cheefoo for Corea. Heavy guns are being mounted at the forts in Taku. It is believed that a European military officer is assisting the 1 Chinese.