THE TIBETAN WAR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1771, 2 August 1888, Page 3

THE TIBETAN WAR.

In our cablegrams it is stated that 8000 Tibetans are massed at Jelapla Pass, and the English troops will bold Guatong until the difficulty is settled. The following sent by the Calcutta correspondent of the London Times will doubtless be of interest“ Our endeavors to establish peaceful relations with Tibet are apparently fruitless, and the Tibetans still maintain an attitude of sullen hostility. The political situation is rendered somewhat embarrassing by the difficulty of retaining the European troops in their present position during the forthcoming rainy season. Were the European troops now withdrawn, in accordance with the arrangements in contemplation prior to the recent attack, our action would afford encouragement to the Tibetan authorities, who would make a vigorous attempt to reoccupy Sikhim. On the other hand, an advance into Tibet with so small an expeditionary force, compelled to operate in a hostile and mountainous country far removed from its base, and carrying with it all the necessary supplies, would simply invite disaster! All that can be done at present is to render our Guatong encampment impregnable, to garrison it with native troops inured to the severities of the climate and accustomed to mountainous districts, and then patiently to await the result of the exercise of Chinese authority. If this should fail, preparations of a more serious character will have to be made later for a march on Lhassa, in order to bring the Tibetan Government to reason, and so dictate a permanent peace from the Tibetan capital. From further details of the recent fight gathered from Tibetan prisoners, it appears that the right attack was led by the Lhassa commandant in person, and that his horse was shot under him, ihe wounded prisoners are described as cheerful and happy, and as appreciating thoroughly the kindly and generous manner in which they are treated. In many cases the villagers were forced to join the attack, and in the event of refusal were subjected to cruel and barbarous punishments. One recusant was forced to endure the lingering torment of being slowly boiled to death in oil. Most of the attacking force carried long matchlocks which when fired rested on the ground by means of two long prongs fastened to the middle of the barrel. Those prongs when closed served the purpose of a bayonet. With these matchlocks good shooting was made at 500 yards. In addition to other arms, such as spears, swords, and daggers, the soldiers were equipped with fighting charms in the shape of dried tortoises and various amulets in copper boxes.”