China and Japan.

Manawatu Herald, 20 September 1894, Page 2

China and Japan.

A section of Chinese cavalry approaching Pingyang was attacked by the Japanese; arid fled for refuge to the neighbouring fortress; ..The" Japanese Ikougii t tip 1 their' artillery and opened a. dashing fire; and captured the position with all the stores and ammunition, A Chinese transport was wrecked at Formosa, and two hundred of those on board drowned. Twenty-one transports with ten thousand troops bave left Japan with the object, it is believed, of landing on the Chinese coast; The Central News Agency publishes a despatch from Seoul, dated Sunday; stating that the Japanese Cariiidnarted, Pingyang throughout Saturday, and during the night two flanking columns drew a cordon round 20,000 Chinese, who were completely surrounded at daylight. A panic ensued and 16,000 were killed, wounded or captured. The best drilled of the Chinese stood their ground to the last. The Japanese loss was slight. The engagement at Pingyang began at daybreak, -and continued all day. The Japanese .advanced in three columns, attacking on_ the centre, right and in the flank simultaneously. The Chinese were, strongly entrenched in front, but weak in the rear. GenerarWai, Commander-inrChief of the Manchurian army, was taken prisoner. The victory was brilliant and complete. Fifty thousand Japanese troops were engaged in the battle near Seoul. . , A report is current that Li Hung Chang has committed suicide in consequence of his degradation. Many Japanese noblemen have volunteered as soldiers. The war fever continues to rage fiercely. The Times considers the battle has changed the balance of power in tbe East, and may have far reaching effects. The victory was due to the Japan sse supremacy at sea enabling them to convey troops to Oorea. The Chinese loss in killed was 2,300. The majority of the 16,000 prisoners are wounded. They-sur-rendered within ten hours after the fight. The Japanese are fortifying Pingyang, and have completed a telegraph line to Seoul. Fiyiaj? columns are pushing northward to secure the passes and prevent reinforcements arriving. The Chinese stuck to their forts and were caught in a trap by the flanking column. The Japanese plaus were laid to this end, and they took the precaution to have a superior force before making the final attack. Whole regiments of Chinese were seized with a panic on finding retreat impossible and surrendered. The Mikado has warmly con* gratulated Commander Marshal Yumagata. : There is some alarm in Shanghai at the prospect of a possible invasion.