CHINESE REVOLT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17095, 18 February 1916, Page 7

CHINESE REVOLT.

/ THE REBELLION' SPREADING. \ ••Sime.” »nd Sydney “ Sun ” Services. j LONDON, February 16. ! The Shanghai correspondent of “The Times ” says that tho rebellion is developing unfavourably for the Government. The* province of Kwei-chou lias declared its independence. Some of the Szechuan troops have joined the rebels, and the others are. wavering. The rebels occupy Suifu, which has been fortified, and have also occupied Luchow. The Government troops retired.

Tho rebels s'eem to be firmly established on the Upper Yangt.se. Other rebel armies are threatening Clning-king-foo and have crossed into Honan. The fighting hitherto has been of a skirmishing character. It cannot be assumed that the Government armies are beaten because they have retired. Kwang-tung and Kiang-si continue to profess their loyalty. Their troops are pressing against the southern border of Yunnan, but show no zeal in the Government cause.'

All the provinces arc withholding remittances from Pekin, assorting that funds are required for the provincial armies. The strain of keeping four divisions in the field will soon be an unbearable burden for the Government’s resources. Chung-king-foo and Szechuen havei announced their neutrali jtv, creating a ludicrous situation. \ ' =