China and Japan.

Manawatu Herald, 16 February 1895, Page 2

China and Japan.

The Chinese Government, after consulting the Foreign Ministers, has instructed the Peace Envoys to return to China. General Tai committed suicide, owing to the desertion of his officers. , Ohefoo is crowded with wounded Chinese soldiers, who are in a pitiable condition. The leading foreign residents are taking refuge in Shanghai. Conflicting reports have been received as to the actual state of affairs at Wei-hai-wei. An official statement published at Yokohama represents the forts on the island of Typis as being silenced, two ironclads and two cruisers sunk, and 18 torpedo boats captured or destroyed ; but it is added that the remaining Chinese warships and some forts still resist the Japanese. News has been received that Admiral Ting sent a flag of truce to the Japanese Admiral before the storming of Liu-kung~tan, offering to surrender on condition that the lives oi the Chinese and foreigners were guaranteed. j Members of the Bed Cross Order are assisting the injured Chinese, and their aid has prevented large numbers from dying on the roadside. Japan now threatens only to conduct peace negotiations in Pekin, and hints that the terms imposed will be much harsher, owing to China's refusal to continue negotiations. The Japanese granted Admiral Ting's terms, and the officers and men will receive the honours of war. The prisoners declare tbat seven foreigners, of whom five are English* men, are on Liu-kung-tan Island, in Wei hai wei Harbour. They have five months' provisions and plenty of coal, but are short of ammunition. The Chinese are fortifying Foo« chow. The Tientsin correspondent of the Standard telegraphs that Li Hung Chang, with Prince Eung or Sir Robert Hart, will act as peace envoys for China.