China and Japan.

Manawatu Herald, 12 February 1895, Page 2

China and Japan.

The Japanese fleet on Sunday, 3rd instant, fiercely bombarded the Lui-kung-tan forts. Admiral Ting ordered all the troops to fight to the last and until they were slain. On Monday the Japanese warships resumed bombarding the Chinese ships, and repeatedly hit guns, which were disabled. Though their crews fought with spirit, both the Ting Yuen and Chen Yuen were riddled with shot, and sank at their stations, amidst frantic shouts from the victors. The other Chinese ships are in a disabled condition, and their capture is regarded as a certainty. The Japanese are preparing to attack forts on Liu-kung-tan. General Obori was among those killed. The mines at the entrance to the harbour prevented the Chinese fleet from escaping at night. The Emperor has ordered the envoys to remain at Nagasaki, declaring that he has been deceived, and that he is just beginning to understand the situation. The Chinese loan has been a fail* ure. A Chinese envoy has arrived at Paris accredited to endeavour to persuade the Great Powers to intercede and arrange for peace. The western forts at Chefoo were attacked on the 7th, probably as a feint to cover a fresh landing by the Japanese. The latter's fleet chased and sank two torpedo boats from Weivhai-wei. It is believed that Admiral Ting and a European engineer, both of whom escaped when Wei-hai-wei was captured, were on board these boats. The Tinted correspondent at Chefoo reports that the Japanese have carried the remaining positions at Wei-hai*wei. Torpedo boats sank the Chinese warship Ting Yuen, and blew up three other vessels of the Chinese fleet, the Lai Yuen, Chen Yden^and Ping Yuen ; and the remainder were captured. All the forts on Liu-kung-tan were also captured. The news of the defeat of the Chinese is confirmed. The Chinese forces at Liu-kung-tan fought desperately, though withi out effect. Fourteen Chinese torpedo boats , which were at Wei-hai-wei escaped ' to sea. The Japanese hotly pursued them, and sank twelve. I The Japanese ships left Chefoo without receiving any damage, and landed a force 10 miles off Chefoo, . attacking the eastern forts. ; The Japanese troops are now being conveyed by transports to Chefoo. i The Chinese Government have corrected the credentials of the peace i envoys, and the latter will resume • the negotiations for peace,