China and Japan.

Manawatu Herald, 27 December 1894, Page 2

China and Japan.

In order to prevent the occupation ofPekin, the Chinese Government has seriously begun negotiations with Japan for peace, and Chang, ViceFrcsident of the Council, and Shao, Provincial Governor, are being sent to Tokio as envoys, invested with fuller powers than the former envoys exercised. It is understood that the Japanese Government is not unwilling to en* tertain the proposals for peace. News has reached Shanghai that a severe engagement between Japanese and Chinese forces took place at Haitcheng on the 19t>h inst. The battle lasted five hours, and after four assaults the Japanese routed 10,000 Chinese. The garrison at Shanghaikwang tortured and killed two thousand officers and soldiers, who had escaped from Port Arthur. It was urged that this trai in punishment for their cowardice. The battle at Haitcheng was characterised by the fiercest and hottest fighting that has taken place during the campaign. The Japanese artillery, under Genera! Katsura, played havoc with the Chinese, but the latter fought bravely and tallied three times after the Japanese infantry had cut through' their ranks. ; - The loss on the Chinese side it stated to be 500 men killed. Japan doubts the sincerity of the Chinese overtures for peace, as it is reported that China is trying to purchase a squadron of the Chilian navy. ;_ .-: ■ ■, ,