THE COREAN QUARREL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVI, Issue 2275, 3 August 1894, Page 2

THE COREAN QUARREL.

WAR DECLARED. THE JAPANESE REPULSED. THE NAVAL ENGAGEMENT. THE STORY OP THE FIGHT. CONFLICTING STORIES. EXTENSIVE PREPARATIONS BY THE CHINESE. Dg Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. Received August 2, 7.29 p.m. London, August 1. Japan has notified the Powers that war has been declared, and Lord Kimberley, Secretary of State for tho British Foreign Office, has informed tho various Embassies of the fact. The Japanese Government has" expressed regret to the Premier for the sinking of the Kowshung, stating that the Japanese commander was unaware that the transports were British vessels. Captain Goldsworthy was saved by tho Japanese. Shanghai, August 1. The Japanese are withdrawing their forces from Seoul in order to renew the attack on Yaekau. It is reported that they have already twice attacked the Chinese position there, and been repulsed with heavy loss. China has stopped the transmission of messages on the Japanese cable. Japanese Government asserts that the negotiations for peace through Great Britain were nearly concluded, when China demanded that Japan should withdraw the whole of her ships from Chinese ports, otherwise China would declare war. The Government also asserts that the flying of the British flag on board the Kowshung was merely a ruse. Tho Chinese repulsed the Japanese inland forces near Chimulpo witli heavy loss.

Received August 3, 0.45 a.m. London, August 2. The survivors of the Chinese transport Kowshung, including Captain Hanuekin, a German military officer, declare that tho Japanese cruiser Maniwha boarded tho Kowshung, though it was pointed out and the Japanese were 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 sink the vessel. Finding the demand was not obeyed the Maniwha fired a torpedo at the Kowshung with disastrous effect, and, on the vessel sinking, machine guns were directed at 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. The Japanese official account is totally at variance with the above, and declares that a treacherous attempt on the part of the Chinese cruiser Chingueu to torpedo the Maniwha provoked the 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.