CHINESE CRISIS

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10574, 4 March 1912, Page 5

CHINESE CRISIS

CABLENEWS (United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

LAWLESSNEbS CONTINUES

CONFIDENCE IN PRESIDENT WANING.

FIRES CAUSE GREAT DESTRUCTION.

(Received Last Night, 5.5 o'clock.)

PEKING, March 2.

General Yuan Shih Kai, gratified that foreigners were not att-acked during the recent mutiny, which he said was due to unwarranted rumours stating that the soldiers' pay was to be reduced.

Nevertheless, the fact that the outbreak originated amongst General Yuan Shih Kai's own soldiers, has shaken the confidence which was placed in the President's authority. The plunderers deposited much valuable loot in the Foreign Office Compound, from where it was conveyed southward, by two trains which were commandeered by the mutineers.

The fire caused great destruction. The historic gate facing the entry to the Forbidden City has vanished, and the great maiket in the vicinity has been consumed, while rows of shops are in ruins. The disorder spread beyond the city, and firing was heard southwards.

General disaffection prevails among the troops, because the looters acted at the officers' orders.

Later advices state that robbery and incendiarism have been resumed in the southern and western-sections of the city. Four fires are raging, and the people are fleeing.

LEGATIONS PREPARE FOR A SIEGE. MUTINEERS STILL ACTIVE. Received This Morning,, 12.30 o'clock •V. :\ ; ;.V;;pfjqngV M&reh 3. : • The Legations. are preparing for. a seige. ' The mutineers have looted Paotingfu, and burned large areas of the city. TROOPS SUMMONED. BY FoßElg¥m ; INISTERS. Received This Morning, 12.30 o'clock. PEKING, March 3. The Foreign Ministers have decided to summon the available troops from adjacent ports. A thousand will arrive to-ilav