WAR IN CHINA.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18184, 22 September 1924, Page 9

WAR IN CHINA.

PEKING THREATENED. LARGE FORCE CLOSING IN. (S T CABLE—?EESS ASSOCIATION— COPTEISHX) (Stdkit "Sxts" Sbbxzcz.) PEKING, September 19. General Chang Tso-lin, in telegraphing to Sun Yat Sen, says he is sending 180,000 troops to Peking by six routes. General Chang considers that this an an opDortune moment for striking the enemy a crashing blow. He eays the enemy's seasoned troops have been withdrawn northward from Yangtse, so if the southern troops movo northward, Wuchang can be captured without difficulty. The latest news from Shanghai indicates that tlie Chekiang armies are undermined by bribery, and large transfers have been made to the other eide, so that Chekiang 13 on the verge of collapse. General Lu Yung-lisiang has announced definitely that lie will hold out on tho Hwang-tu and Liu-ho line, making his headquarters at Lung-hua Arsenal.

There has been heavy fighting during the whole of to-day at both Hwangtn and Liu-ho.

SHANGHAI HEARS GUNS. PROGRESS OF LIN'S TROOPS. (BKtTrtJt'S TTLIGZAItS.) (Received September 21st, 5.5 p.m.) PEKING, September 19. An aeroplane dropped a bomb between two foreign ships anchored near Chinwang breakwater. No damage was done. Shanghai reports state that the French Consul-General has issued rifles, ammunition, and hand-grenades to sixty Russian cadets stationed in the French Concession who have seen active service in Siberia.

According to Mukden reports, in response to an appeal by Chang Tso-Lin for volunteers, five hundred Russians enlisted, and more are expected to join. According to reports from Shanghai, the boom of guns was clearly heard this morning. This docs not mean that the Kiangsu troops are nearer the city, but are bringing up more guns. There has been, heavy fighting all night. La's Shantung forecs are still holding out, but as Lu cannot obtain reinforcements he soon will have to shorten his line. Tientsin reports say that Chang TsoLin 's artillery yesterday shelled Shanghai. Kuan, a Chinese banker, was killed. The foreign residents telegraphed to the consul and protested. Mukden reports an engagement between Chang Tso-Lin ; s second army and the enemy forces near Jehol, which resulted in the flight of a whole Chihli mixed brigade. The entiro line from Chingchow to Chiaoyang as well as Suiehung is occupied by Chang TsoLin's troops.

LIFE AND SECURITY. OBJECT OF CHANG'S FIGHT. (Rc'ceivde September 21st, ll.uO p.m.) PEKING, September 22. A meeting was called by Chaug-Tsjo-lin at Mukden, at wliich the Consuls and other foreigners were present. He declared that lii 3 protection was adequate for all foreigners and their property so long as ha held his position in Manchuria. He asked all foreigners to leave Chimvangtoo station, th2 enemy headquarters, as it was intended to bomb it. He also asked the foreign gunboats at Chinwangtoo to stand clear, as he intended to bomb the enemy gunboats there. He added he was fighting for bis life and the seeurity of Manchuria, therefore lie would not stop short of half-measures.