AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4084, 23 June 1900, Page 5

AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

THE BOMBARDMENT AT TAKU. OFFICIAL REPORTS. COMPLAISANCE OF THE CHINESE ADMIRAL. LONDON, June 21. British and Japanese official reports upon the capture of the Taku forts on Sunday morning last have been published. The Japanese report states that when tho Chinese massed soldiers around the forts, and tbo Admirals sent their ultimatum demanding tho withdrawal of tile troops before 2 o’clock on Sunday morning, the allies landed a force of twelve hundred men.

Their plan of action provided that at the expiration of tho time fixed in the ultimatum they should, if the Chinese showed no sign of complying with the demand, assault the forts in roar simultaneously with an attack by the warships from tho sea.

This scheme was frustrated by tbo Chinese opening lire upon the fleets before tho time stipulated, but both land and sea forces responded promptly to tho enemy’s initiative. Tire Japanese captured tho first fort on tho north, tho British took the second, and the, Gormans and Russians the two southern forts.

Rear-Admiral Bruce, second in coinman of the British flat, in his report to the Admiralty, states that the Chinese Admiral was present during the' bombardment. The Chinese. Hag was flying on the Imperial cruisers while the notion went on, and the Admiral agreed to anchor with the, allied fleet, meanwhile extinguishing tho /ires in his boiler furnaces. SLAUGHTER OF “BOXERS.” ENGAGEMENT WITH RUSSIANS. LONDON, Juno 21. The “ Daily Telegraph’s ” correspondent states that after burning the Catholic Cathedral and other buildings at 'Tientsin, tho "Boxers” invaded the railway station. ’ They came within fifty yards of the Russian troops, who tired fifteen rounds from their big guns,- and killed three hundred of the rebels. LI HUNG CHANG.

. . LONDON. June 21. Li Hung Chang, the famous Chinese statesman, who has been summoned to Pekin, declares that he is mediating for the cessation of hostilities. (Received June 22, 10.40 p.m.) HONGKCbxG, Juno 21. In response to a request made by the Consuls, Li Hung Chang remains at Canton, as it is feared that his departure for Pekin, whither he had been summoned, would be the signai'Tor revolution. AN OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION. (Received June 22, 10.40 p.m..) LONDON, Juno. Sl.,-.* A proclamation has been issued by the Admirals of tho allied fleets m Chinese waters informing the Viceroys, that the demonstration of armed- force is directed exclusively against the “ Boxers ” and’ others resisting tho march to Pekin to rescue the foreigners now at tho capital. AN INLAND REVOLT QUELLED. ( (Received June 22, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, Juno 21. Tho Viceroy of the province has succeeded in quelling the revolt in the inland province of San-Chan. ADMIRAL SEiMOUR’S EXPEDITION. (Received Juno 22, 5.40 p.m.) HO-,WRONG, June 21. The Japanese Consul at Shanghai reports that Vico-Aumiral Seymour’s joint expeditionary force' has readied Pekin. All. the diplomats are said to be safe. Rear-Admiral Bruce, however, reports to the Foreign Office under date the 21st inst. that ho had been without news of Vice-Admiral Seymour for seven days. The expeditionary force was then thirty miles north-west of Tientsin.

• uKIOUS POSITION OF AFFAIRS A TIENTSIN. (Received Jnuo 22, 10.45 p.m.) LONDON, June 21. Admiral Kompff, commander of the American squauron, Ims cabled to the United States Secretary for the Navy, that Tientsin, the river port, of Pekin, on the Peino river, ia being bombarded. He states that the American Consulato and a great- portion of the foreign concessions have boon destroyed. A relief force, including a hundred and thirty American marines,., are marching on the town. DESPATCH W TROOPS. (Received June 22, 5.40 p.m.) HONGKONG, Juno 21. Tiie Powers continue to prepare for the despatch of reinforcements to China. An entire Japanese division will embark in a few days. RUSSIAN ASSURANCES. (Receivde June 23, 1 a.m.) NEW YORK, Juno 22. Russia is assuring the Powers that her activity in China is strictly limited towards succouring the threatened foreigners, an announcement which is regarded as the direct outcome of the influence of Colonel John Hay, Socrotai'y of State in the McKinley Cabinet.