News from China.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2605, 23 August 1878, Page 3

News from China.

A CHINESE IMPOSTOR.

ABATEMENT OF THE FAMINE. The Press Agency telegraph a number of Chinese items :—

Canton, June 12. A curious personage has just been brought in here prisoner, with his wives, mother, servants, and suite, numbering twenty-one persons. About two months ago he took it into his head to make a claim for the Imperial throne, and pretended to have the power of healing the sick. He now asserts that he is the rightful Emperor of China, and has several hundred adherents. The authorities took no notice of the fanatic for some time, until his assumption attracted attention, when they had him and his family arrested and brought to Canton. His crime will find no mercy, and in all probability he will shortly be sentenced to death by the "lingering process," viz., exposed in the streets in an iron cage, and therein starved to death. A fire broke out the other day in Mat Shed Theatre, near Canton. The flames spread so rapidly that, before the audience could escape, forty people were burnt to death, and as many seriously injured. Foemosa (Taiaman Fu), May 22. A most destructive whirlwind passed over the city. It only laated a minute or two, but the shock was fearful. Roofs fell in, houses not very firm were scattered in ruius_; the strongest brick houses fshook on their foundations like a gigantic pillar. The whirlwind travelled along, carrying with it debris of all sorts. Its breadth was about 200 yards. About 20 lives were lost. Yokohama (Japan), June 18. A Japanese journal announces that Christianity is spreading considerably in various districts. A Japanese couple were lately married according to the Christian rites. Gambling here is the frightful source of innumerable quarrels, leading frequently to bloodshed. Yesterday one man was stabed to death and two more seriously wounded in a broil of the sort. Amoy, June 6. The Chinese are much exercised over a prophecy that a pestilence is about to visit the port. The holy Knan-si is said to have shewn himself, and pronhesied that on the 16th July, between 7 and 9 p.m., the destroying angel will come, and again from the 25th to the 27th July. Cholera is the. pestilence anticipated. Newchang, May 27. The Roman Catholic Bishop Ridel and three French priests are said to be prisoners in the capital of Corea, and great fears are entertaiued for their safety. Pekin, May 23. Rain has at last fallen in the famine districts. People are busy sowiug cereals. The Emperor has received the news with the greatest delight. The destitute are still to be supported until the harvest is reaped, and the grain is supplied for sowing where wanted. Refugees still flock to the capital, and fever has been raging amongst them. Jn fact, the epidemic extends all over North China. It has also been fatal amongst foreigners. Four deaths occurred here, and many more at Tientsin.