THE CHINESE MUTINY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14932, 4 March 1912, Page 7

THE CHINESE MUTINY.

A SPREADING REVOLT.

TONS OF VALUABLE LOOT.

GREAT DAMAGE BY FIRE.

LOSSES TOTAL £3,000,000.

By Telegraph.—Preai Association.— Copyright.

(Receiver! March 3, 5.5 D.m.)

Pekin, March 2. The robbery and incendiarism on the the part, of the Chinese troops has been resumed. In the Southwestern sections of the city some fires are burning, and people, are fleeing for safety.

It is stated by Yuan-shih-kai that .the mutiny of his troops was due to unwarranted rumours that the pay of the soldiers was to be reduced.

He is gratified that the foreigners were not attacked. •

The outbreak, originating as it did amongst Yuan-shih-kai' s soldiers, has shaken confidence in the President's authority.

The plunderers deposited tons of valuable loot in the Foreign Office compound, whence it was conveyed southward by two trains commandeered by the mutineers.

The fires have caused great destruction and the historic gate facing the entry to the forbidden city lias vanished. The great market in the vicinity was consumed while rows of shops are in ruins

The disorder has spread beyond the city. Firing has been heard southwards, and general disaffection prevails amongst the troops. The looters acted on the officers' orders. Ten looters have been executed. The losses amount to approximately £3,000,000. ; -'"'-■«,

ALARM OF FOREIGNERS.

PREPARING FOR A SIEGE.

(Received March 4. 12.30 a.m.) Pekix, March 3. The foreign Ministers have decided to summon all the available troops from adjacent ports. A detachment of 1000 will arrive to-day. A Japanese battleship has been ordered to Taku to establish wireless communication with the Italian station at Pekui. The Legations are preparing for a siege.

The mutineers have „ looted Pao-ting-fu and burned a large area of the city.