China.

Manawatu Herald, 16 August 1900, Page 2

China.

"THE SOONER WE GET OUT

THE BETTER.

The Tsung-li-Yamen. through the Chinese Minister at Paris, has complained of the delay of the Legations in responding to the offer to escort the Ministers to Tientsin.

The Tsung-li-Yamen disclaims any responsibility for accidents resulting from such delay, and urges the Powers to instruct their representatives to proceed to Tientsin. M. Delcasse (the French Minister for Foreign Affairs) has replied that it is quite impossible to issue such an instruction until the road is safe. The whole responsibility will be with China if an accident occurs.

A cipher message from Sir Robert Hart (the Director of the Imperial Maritime Customs), dated the sth inst., says : — •* The sooner we get out the better, inasmuch as it is inconvenient for the Chinese Government and unsafe for ourselves,"

This message is interpreted to mean that China is anxious for the safety of the foreigners ; also that Sir Robert expected release sooner or later.

Mr Conger, the United States Minister, has been instructed to remain at Pekin, pending further advice.

The correspondent of " The Times " at Tientsin, under date the 3rd inst., states that the influence of the Tsung-li-Yamen at Pekin is growing, and is directed towards securing the safety of the Legations. GATHERING OF TROOPS AT SHANGHAI. The Viceroys of the southern provinces of China are urging the Powers not to land troops at Shanghai. A semi-official announcement at St Petersburg declares that the unexpected sending of 2500 British troops to Shanghai from Hongkong was totally unnecessary. The statement that Great Britain must ensure order because her interests are predominant is regarded as reckless. The United States has declined the Viceroys' appeal to prevent the landing of troops at Shanghai. ADVANCE OF THE ALLIES. After the capture of Yangtsun by the allied forces, the Japanese pursued the retreating Chinese with artillery. The Japanese are now advancing on Nantsaitsum at the vanguard of the allies. Their force consists of two battalions of infantry, a squadron of cavalry, a mountain battery of artillery and a company of engineers.