LIGHTING NEAR PEKIN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 196, 18 August 1900, Page 5

LIGHTING NEAR PEKIN.

REPORTED ATTACK .ON

THE CITY

HONGKONG, August' 17.' The Allies have captured Chang' Chiawan, with slight loss.

Five hundred CJiiuese were killed, and the remittiicu' fled, some to Tun»chow, three miles northward, and others to IVkin. LONDON, August IT. There are .unofficial indications tluit Peldn lias been entered by the Allies. An oilicial Italian message slates that the Allies' attack on the city began on Monday. HONGKONG, August 17. It is believed at Shanghai that tho hostile Manchus have escaped from Peldn to the westward. WASHINGTON, August 17. Mr Conger, the American Minister, has sent v cypher message through Wittingpang, which proves that he received messages from 'Washington, and that he. had himself repned. Mr Conger's message was presumably despatched between the sth aivJ 11th. It stated: ''Had been completely besieged since June 23; on]}' rifle lighting since July 17, but daily, and with it frequently desperate attacks; one last night."

lIOXGKONG, August 17

Li Hung Chang appealed to the American Government to urge the Allies to halt at Tung-chow, 10 miles from Pekin, lest by entering the capital they wound the feelings of the whole of the Chinese, people and shake the Empire to its foundations. If tha Allies hailed at Tungchow, an envoy from Pekin wouJd. .be1 sent to meet them and to negotiate for an armistice, while he himself would proceed to the capital. The Washington Government, in answer to this Appeal, and the proposal made by the Dowager Empress, stipulated that the Allies must first be permitted to communicate with the Legations and. ascertain for themselves the prospects of the safe transfer of. Ministers, and others to the inner gate, a distance of !!00 yards. If they are satisfied on this point the Allies will agree to arrange an armistice, and when Mr Conger, the United States Minister, is delivered up, instructions will be given to cease hostilities with a- view to arranging peace. WASHINGTON", August 17. The 'authorities here, with a view to saving time, have informed General Chaffee of the progress of Li Jlirng Chang's negotiations, and have axithoi'ised him, in the event of the acceptance of America's stipulations, to relieve the Legations, co-operating with the other commanders. The message adds that Mr Conger announces attacks by the Imperial troops, and that while they continue they can.nflt stop the Allies' advance. ThS'Powers support America.