Trouble in Chitral.

Manawatu Herald, 23 April 1895, Page 2

Trouble in Chitral.

Colonel Kelly had a sharp brush with the enemy on the road to Chifcral. His casualties numbered 20. Captain Baird was killed in a sortie from Chitral. Fighting ia now going on at Miankalai with a large force of retiring tribesmen. The Government has decided to make a treaty with Umra Khan, but the terms will be kept secret until they are accepted. Mianakalai was occupied after 8000 of the enemy had been dispersed, and the road is now clear to Dir. The Second and third Brigades have crossed the Panjkora Kiver in the vicinity of Mamugai, the enemy fleeing at their approach to the Malakai country. The Indian Government has offered Umra Khan an asylum in India. Sher Afzul is opposing the relief of Dr Robertson, the British agent in Chitral. It is reported that Umra Khan has fled to Asmar, in Banjaur. Resisistance is now limited to the Chitralis, who are opposing Colonel Kelly's advance. The Brigade has crossed Jambatai Pass, and expect to relieve Chitral on Saturday next. The passage by the Jurabad has been tried by the troops, who suffered terrible privations. Dir is three marches distant. News has been received that the Chitral garrison was sorely pressed on the 16th, the enemy's miues being carried within ten yards of the forts. Major«General Sir R. C. Low has ordered Colonel Gateacre, on reaching Dir, to advance with 500 men at all hazards. The Highlanders are following with supplies. It is reported that the only pass leading to Chitral is impassable for the troops owing to the snow. Colonel Kelly is meeting with many obstacles in his march to the relief of the Chitral garrison, consequently only slow progress is made. On the 17th Chifcral was said to be still safe.

China and Japan. The territory to be ceded to Japan includes the Pescadores Islands, Haiching and Kulienching. Japan will not occupy any place as guarantee of the fulfilment of the treaty except We-hai-wei; The Chinese war party are ffiUCn disgusted with the terms of the treaty , v and the garrison of Formosa threaten^ to kill their officers if the island is given up. The Times doubts whether any PoWer can interfere with the treaty t and the tiaily News concurs in thid opinion 1 ; . . i Colonel Maurice, of the Strategist, who was interviewed to ascertain his opinion upon the terms of peace, said he thought that if Japan has secretly obtained the right to control the development of China she will become the most formidable Power in the world. If she insists on the Chinese receiving the same right of entry into Australia as the Japanese, her augmented navy will supply a very powerful force to establish that claim. The precise terms of the treaty will only be published after its ratification. Advices received at New York from China state that any commercial concession to Japan will be conceded to all nations. The treaty of peace is to be rati* fied at Chefoo three weeks hence. United States, German and French agents are said to be starting almost immediately for Chinese ports, with a view of opening up trade.