China and Japan.

Manawatu Herald, 6 October 1894, Page 2

China and Japan.

There is frightful disorganisation in the Chinese army, and large quantities of arms and cartridges paid for cannot be found. Disorder is rampant throughout the service. The Chinese are displaying a violent attitude towards the European re.-iJents. It is expected India will send 6000 troops to protect the treaty ports. A telegram from Yokohama announces that Japanese troops are advancing upon Wizu. The official accounts of the battle at Pingyang, declare that only 12,---000 Chinamen were present, of whom 9000 escaped. This agrees with the later Japanese accounts and explains the small number of actual prisoners. The Chinese officials at Tallin fear the Japanese will capture the capital, owing to discontent with the present dynasty and unreliability of the soldiers. Five thousand Japanese soldiers have arrived at Possiefc Bay, close to the Russian frontier. The Chinese, in retreating from Pingyang, murdered and pillaged along their line of march, leaving a scene of desolation behind them. The Japanese fleet was sighted on Friday at a point on the coast 200 miles from Pekin. Troop 3 are being mobilised to prevent a landing. The Emperor, fearing the Japanese will be successful, is making arrangements to transfer the Court to Nankin. On 28 Ai September the Japanese fleet was 10 miles off Shan kaik wan. It is understood that China will not object to the landing of British troops in the treaty ports. At present there are three thousand troops in Hongkong. The Viceroy of Hankow is fortifying the city against an attack by the mob. The Japanese troops have reached Lanchu in the province of Kilia. The fugitives from Pingyang have effected a junction with the troops landed at the mouth of the Yalu River, and others from Shintung. The whole force is entrenched at Lann, where it is expected a decisive battle will shortly be fought. Lord Kimberley advises immediate co-operation with the Indian Government to insure the safety of British live 3 and interests in China.