CHINA AND JAPAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2130, 20 December 1894, Page 35

CHINA AND JAPAN.

SnAKGHAi, December 12.

It ia reported that the Japanese have captured Ktnchow, and are commanding the road to Pekin. The invaders met and defeated 3000 Chinese troops at Kinkahua, the latter losing 100 men. Th« Chinese at first stoutly misted the attack, but afterwards orok<* and fled. The Japanese are now advanciDg on Tsohunkow. The Chinese loan, which was placed on the London market, has been withdrawn, the agents finding that Chinese officials had been guilty of duplicity in connection with the negotiations.

December 13.

The Japanese occupied Foochow, on the Gulf of Tian Tong, practically without bloodshed, their attack being unopposed by the Chinese, who are retreating to New Chwns;.

The garrison of Weihaiwei has announced that it will desert if attacked.

It is reported that Japanese divisions have landed on the shores of the Gait of Pechtli, and have taken up a poaition near Takir. The Japanese who landed between Tako and Shanghai Kwan are believed to be advanolng on Pekin.

December 14. The report of the capture of Kinchow by the Japanese turns out to be untrue. Piir.oo Kung has been appointed virtual Dictator of China.

Li Hueg Chang baa regalnsd his influence at Court, it being found that his services vrere indispensable to the country in the present crisis.

December 14.

The Japanese have sent 1000 sledges for the use of the army in Manchuria in order to enable them to travel over the snow.

It i 3 thought likely that Li Hung Chang will go to Japan as envoy to treat for peace.

December 15,

General Tachile's forces checked the advac cc of Major Yon Hannekin after sharp fighting. The Chinese were the offensive party.

A further war loan of 50,000,000d0l is to be raised in Japan.

Shanghai, December IG. Thff^ Japanese advance force met 5000 Chinese troops at Songbuaagtcbang, on the Mukden road, where some severe fightirg took place. The Japanese were unable to advance, but they gained a very strong defensive position.

The Chinese are protesting that they are able to protect foreign legations. December 17.

In the engagement at Senghnangtshangthe Chinese wer« routed, losing 250. The loss on the Japanese side r/aa 100.

It is reported the Manchutians are petitioning the Japanese to depose the present dynasty reigning over China. The Japanese army is suffering terrible hard-hips from cold, and there is much disease in the ranks. Two hundred and fifty European and

American roaiinea have ariived at Ptkin It guard l he legations.

Loxdov, December 12.

Sir J. S. D. Thompson, Premier of Canada, who was expected to be likely to resign, died suddenly ab Windsor Castle immediately after he had been sworn in as a Privr Councillor.

Sir J. S. D. Thompson waß suddenly seized with illness while at lunoheon at Windsor Castle. Brandy was administered, and the stimulant caused him to revive, but tho improvement was only temporary for he aoon afterward* fell back and expired suddenly. It is thought the cause of death was heart disease. The Queen has not been Informed of his death. An inquest will bo held at Windsor Castle.

December 13. Medical men have cci tided that Sir J. S. D. Thompson's death was the result of syncope, and no inquett is necessary. The Quoen was greatly grieved on hearing of his. sad death.

Ottawa, December 13. The news of Sir J. S. D. Thompson's death caused a profound sensation throughout Canada. It is expected Mr Mackenzie Bowell, Minister for Trade and Commerce, will be summoned by the Governor-general to take charge of the Government.