China and Japan.

Manawatu Herald, 20 April 1895, Page 2

China and Japan.

The Times' special reporter in Shanghai telegraphs that the term 3 of peace between China and Japan include the independence of Corea, the retention by Japan of the conquered places, also the territory to the east of the Liao River, the cons cession of Formosa, an indemnity of one hundred million dollars, and an offensive and defensive alliance. Mr Foster, the American representative, confirms the report that the treaty of peace has been signed, but the conditions are still doubtful. The Standard asserts that Great Britain, Russia and France are in accord to prevent China becoming a spoil to Japanese ambition. Reports are published that Field Marshal Yamagata, of Japan, who took a prominent part in the Corean War until he was invalided home through ill-health, is really the Arch-Duke John of Austria, who has been missing since 1889. A secret society has posted a proclamation in many of the large cities of China, bearing the Emperor's name, in which it is stated that the Empire is finished, and that he (meaning the Emperor) is unable to govern any longer. The proclamation has caused intense excitement among the people. The Japanese have confiscated the British steamer Yinksang, seized at Taku, as a prize of war, on the ground of carrying arms for the Chinese. It is officially stated that the terms of peace include the payment of an indemnity of 200,000,000 taels, the cession of Formosa and the Liaotong Peninsula to the 40th parallel of latitude, and the opening to com* meroe of five new ports, including Tientsin, at which the dues are not to exceed 2 per cent. Japan is also to be allowed to open cotton factories and other industries in China. Li Hung Chang is returning to China. China merchants believe that the commercial effect of the treaty, especially the opening of Pekin, will be excellent and far-reaching, and tend to the immediate relief of the stagnation in the Eastern trade, though the establishment of Japa nese ootton factories in China will seriously injure the Lancashire factories. Trouble in Chitral. The Khan of Dir has captured the fort of Dir, and taken Umra Khan's brother Mahomed prisoner. He in-

tends to give up both to the English. The Panjkora River has been rei bridged. Colonel Kelly, with 800 Sepoys, has relieved Mastuj wherein was Lieutenant Brefchreton . They were compelled to carry the guns across the stream, as the bridges had been destroyed by the enemy. On approaching the enemy the Sepoys rushed a series of stonewalls, ' which were captured at the point of the bayonet after an hour's fighting. The casualities on the British side were only trivial. Umra Khan has requested an armistice, but this has been refused him unless he is prepared to make complete submission. The second brigade has captured Dir fort, north of Hidi Panjkora, wbich is a severe blow to the enemy. After severe fighting Umra Khan's brother surrendered to the British. Umra Khan lost 400 men at Panjkora. Some 9000 Momands and Bala* zais are massed at Mundiak. Two thousand men of the Second Brigade pushes forward at once tor Chitral, and the main body crosses the Panjkora. Captain Peebles died at Sadi of his wounds. Colonel Kelly reports that the principal leaders of the enemy have fled from the Mastuj district. Lieutenant Fowler and the rett of the prisoners taken by Umra have reached the British camp. About 1000 of Umra's followers have returned to their homes. Major-General Low continues his march to Chitral despite the assertion of Umra Khan that Dr Robertson, the British agent there, is no longer menaced. Colonel Kelly left Maafcuj on Saturday. Large bodies of the enemy were barring the road to Chitral, but dispersed when he approached them. The Government distrust Umra Khan's professions of peace and his assurance of his intention to flee the country if they are not agreed to. Colonel Kelly with a force of 500 engaged 1500 of the enemy entrenched in a deep gorge at Nisugal and defeated them, the casualities on the British side numbering only twenty.