THE WAR IN THE EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9580, 3 August 1894, Page 5

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

RENEWED FIGHTING. THE JAPANESE REPULSED WITH HEAVY LOSS. '-' WAR DECLARED. THE SINKING OF A TRANSPORT. STORY OF THE SURVIVORS. " Press Association.— Telegraph.—Copyright. .■■';■ Shanghai, August 1. -> The Japanese are withdrawing their forces from Seoul, in order to renew the attack on Yachan. ■ •» - It is reported that they have already twice attacked the Chinese position there, and ' been repulsed with heavy ' 1055. .", ><:■.>•'U.' w.v- V}-"':-' ' • '^fThe Chinese repulsed the Japanese inland, ;;■ near Chimulape, with ; heavy loss, i :'.; .-:i: i■■ ■-'•?:• ■■'■':'.■■: : :'r''-°y'\ China has stopped the transmission of messages on the Japanese cable., ; , It is expected here that war will be declared to-day ; but it is reported that Japan has already taken this step." .' The, Japanese Government assert that negotiations for peace through the mediation of Great Britain were nearly concluded when China demanded that Japan should withdraw the.whole of the ships from Chinese ports, otherwise she would : declare war. They also assert that the flying of the British flag on board the Kowshung was merely a ruse. ! London - , August l. The Japanese Government has' expressed regret to the Premier for the sinking of the Kowshung, stating that their commander was unaware that the Chinese transports were British vessels. Captain Goldswortby was saved by the Japanese. Japan has notified the Powers that war has been declared, and Lord Kimberley,Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has informed the various Embassies of the fact. . , ' , London, August 2. The survivors of the Chinese transport Kowshung, including Captain Hannekin, a German military officer, declare that the Japanese cruiser Maniwaha boarded and ordered the Kowshung to follow, though it was pointed out, and the Japs warned that the British flag was flying. The troops on the transport threatened to kill their officers if the summons was obeyed, and Captain Hannekin explained the position to the officers of the Japanese warship. The latter took little heed of the explanation and signalled for those on board to quit the vessel. \ Finding demand nob obeyed, the Maniwaha fired a torpedo at the Kowshung with disastrous effect, arid on the vessel sinking machine guns were directed on the troops struggling in the water. The Chinese troops fought heroically to the last, and even fired on a few of their comrades who attempted to escape from the Kowshung by swimming. ' / It is alleged that the Japanese warship made no attempt whatever to save life. _■ ' ' /.. s The Japanese official account is totally at variance with the above, and declares that a treacherous attempt on the part of the Chinese cruiser Chingnen to torpedo the Maniwaha provoked a conflict. Nine Chinese transports with troops have left Cheefoo for Corea. . Heavy guns are being mounted at the forts in Taku. It is believed that a European military officer is assisting the Chinese.