CHINA AND THE EAST.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2671, 15 August 1887, Page 2

CHINA AND THE EAST.

The following summary of news from China and Japan was brought out by the s.s; Catherthun, which arrived at Cooktowri on the sth inst,, with China dates to the 18th July : A rebellion has broken out at Formosa, in the Kingyie district. About 100 rebels, either Taotist priests or men giving themselves out to be such, who wore trying to incite the populace, ■havebeen beheaded. '.•■.,., " The residents of Macao..'are complaining bitterly, that the working of the new Chinese Customs tariff ,is

tending to the'destruction' of their tea, : sale of fish, .and other- trades. '.. .. ." At the Jubilee celebrations at Pekin, the Einperer, as a mark of honor, postponed the solemn feast ,of the summer solstice, and with the Ministers hold a celebration. This is regarded as a momorablo deviation from the customs of the country and' a3 marking. good feeling between China and England. The Jubilee-was. also loyally celebrated at - Tienfs'isg,-Takhoi,-Foochow and Yokohama; ■'••■'

The marriage between the Empe'rcr of China will cost five million taela in the'prchase of Imperial robes,'silk,' satin, pearls/ precious ' stones ;4td porcelain ware,, six million taels of .the ( . Imperial Maritime Customs revenue being appropriated for the. payment of the amount, . A number of Japanese fishermen, who obtained a permit from the Corean Government to fish for a kind of shellfish much valued by Japan; Were interfered with by Chinese fishermen, who obtained information of their venture, and attacked the Japanese; A : fierce 'battle ensued, many' being' killed on both sides. The Coreans-. came down 'in large" numbers and' endeavored to part the combatants,! but the Chinese attacked.them, in' turn, and killed many. The Chinese, after a pitched battle, forced them to take refuge .in. junks.. China has been called upon '•-to pay indemnity, but it is expected, with the usual lack of honor, they will say the Chinese aggressors were pirates. The floods, in YangtseValley 'thisyear are assuming serious proportions. The river at Laukow has risen 45 feet above the winter low water mark, and the settlements appear.on the low land in the midst of a vast inland sea. The water has reached within a few feet of the top of the wall, wliioh shufa out the town from the plain. The northwest wall is covered with refugees anil thou- poultry and pigs, till not one inch is available. At Kinkaing tut whole bauk is coverod, and. the river extends in one unbroken sheet to: the foot of the Missonhilis, sonie miles away, the whole valley being, inundated and 'nearly all the towns underwater. Fifteen hundred towns along the banks are submerged to the eaves of the houses. The cotton and 'rice crops are lost, and great destitu'-. tion must' : ensue during.'the coining ..Winter.'-; The loss ; of life has been appalling but cannot correctly be ascertained,