CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 12 June 1900, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

China.

Tientsin, the river port of Pekin where there are large British and other European settlements, is defended by volunteers under the command of Major Higgs, late of the Sixteenth Lancers.

A secret decree is reported to have been issued by the Chinese Government, prohibiting its soldiers from firing upon the " Boxers." A further party of three hundred marines and sailors has also arrived.

It is believed that the force now landed will ensure the safety of the foreign residents. Five hundred foreign soldiers, with ten guns, now guard the embassies at Pekin.

It is reported that nine hundred British sailors and marines have been landed at Tientsin.

The "Standard" stated that the British and French Governments have agreed upon the course of action to be pursued in regard to the disturbances in China. AMERICAN PROMPTITUDE. The authorities at Washington, learning that the Chinese situation has become worse, has given Mr Conyer the American ' Minister at Pekin, plenary powers to protect the United States Legation Consulates and interests. Mr Conger is hastening reinforcements from the American warships up the Peihb river by the light draft gunboat Helena. Troops have also been ordered to proceed from Manila to Tientsin. GREAT DAMAGE TO RAILWAYS. The damage done to the railways in northers China by the " Boxers "_Jias already reached £1,000,000. The railways bridges near Pekin have been burned. JAPANESE EXCITEMENT.' Japan has assumed, a threatening attitude, and is mobilising her fleet. The Tsung-!i-Yamen, or Chinese Board of Foreign Affairs, has assured Japanese Government that Russia has been informed that military assistance is unnecessary, that China is , able to suppress the disturbances. ACTIVITY OF THE REBELS. I Thousands of " Boxers " are burning and looting in the vicinity of the j | railway and preventing any attempt ' 1 at repairs. The Chinese troops are afraid t« I attack them, declaring that " Boxers " J are invulnerable. A strong Imperial edict has been issued censuring the Chinese troops for their cowardice, and directing the Viceroy of the province of Chili and ' the Commander- in-Chief of that province (in which Pekiu is situated) to suppress the revolt of the " Boxers." THE EMPEROR. The latest mail advices from the Far East state that speculation is rife in Hongkong as to the whereabouts and condition of the Emperor of China. It has been rumoured that his Majesty is dead, but the general belief is that he is kept in confinement. The Times declares that the interests of civilisation demand that the sinister rule of the Dowager-Empress of China shall be no longer tolerated, and advises Great Britain aud Russia to cooperate. THE BOXERS. The " Boxers" have' burned the Russian chapel at Tungtingan, thirtyfive miles north of Pekin. The French Consuls at Mongslee and Yunnanfu have been compelled to leave their posts, the Viceroy being unable to guarantee their safety. The Chinese officials report that four thousand Boxers surrounded fifteen hundred of General Nich's troops at Yangstan, twenty miles from Tientsin. Five hundred of the rebels were killed. They were armed chiefly with spears and agricultural implements. The losses suffered by the Imperial troops have not been stated. DETERMINATION OF RUSSIA. ht. Petersburg reports that Russia is willing that there should be collective action by the Powefrs in China, but she is determined to suppress the Boxers.