THE OUTRAGES IN CHINA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2170, 26 September 1895, Page 15

THE OUTRAGES IN CHINA.

„ Shanghai, Septomber 21. America is reported to have re c jived China's consent to an independent inquiry into the recent outrages on American missionaries in Ohingtu. A deoree attributed to the Emperor of China is being largely circulated among the students, commanding thoae faithful to Confucius to stone and hoot Christians and behead them without mercy. The circular goes on to say that the authorities must eradicate such vermin and throw them to the wolves and tigers. September 22. The German mission at Swatow haß been looted. Sydney, September 22. News by the China steamer states that Chinese prisoners have been subjected by tbe authorities to revolting tortures, and as a result of the confessions that have been wrung from them six of the actual murderers of the women and children in Kuoheng have been convioted.

The steamer Airlie brings news o? an attack on the Roman Catholic mission at the village of Wa Nai, near Ho Yun, a town on the Eaifc River, six or eight days' journey by boat from Canton. It appears that the ill-dfected, to the number of about 120, had brought nn accusation ftgaiuttfc the Christians of having disturbed the fengshui, but they averred thit they had no intention of rising agaiutt the missionary, as was alleged. Affairs were in thiß position when on the 2nd July, at 6 am , a. baud of 300 bandits appearel at the north-eas*; of the village and attacked the orphanage, which was situated about 400 paces from the remainder of the group of building*, and pillaged and burnt it. The children fled at the approach of the robbers, and only oue, nure rash than the rest, allowed Litnself to be taken. This child was cut to pieces. Another building between the village and (he school was also burnt. At 9 o'clock arjother band of about 900 arrived from the south, and was followed by still another from the west. All the t>u> lying buildings were soon in flames, and ozrrsi from tbe village, where the chapel wai, was completely blocked. It was impossible to [ly. The missionary saw the danger, the cries of " Kill " apprising him of the fate that awaited him and his flock if they fell into tbe hands of the robbers. It was necessary to defend themselves or die. Hastily come old muskets were prepared, and the buttle commenced all along the line. With three dead and several wounded, the enemy had to give way and seek what cover the nature of the ground afforded for protection from the bullets. Daring the whole night they continued to howl and attack the village. The Christians, who had only 29 combatants amongst a number of frightened women and children, did not leave their cover, bat availed themselves of the darkce js of the night to make loopholes so ai to be able to fire from the interior of the houses without risking their lives too much. On the morning of the 3rd flags were flying all around. It was a veritable eiege, and to leave was impossible. Women took part in the affair, carrying faggots to burn the houses, and robbing the fields of their crops. The battle recommenced, and two robbers were killed and sevtral wounded. On tbe 4th ths bedegers received reinforcements, bringing their number up to fall} 2000, with from 500 to 600 tifles and three caution. A heavy rain did not damp fchoir ardour, and they nvide four assaults, eßch as ineffective as those of the previous day. On the stb tbe rain evidently annojed them, and they retired. The little garrison profited by this to make a sortie and seize the supplies of wood that had been brought up to burn them, for they had none left themselves to oook their rioo. At the same time bamboo Ladders intended for the assault were captured,

and a linjjlh ot *all .vhich nffoi'dud cover to the Mieuiy via* {uillo.l down. Tho tioiae aroused the robbirs, who, with horrible cries, prepared for ano her alt auk. On the 6;h some soldiers of the Ho Yun mandarin arrived under arms, but they were diiven away and put to flight. Tbrtte severe assaults on the village were made. One of the enemy's cannon burst, killing seven men, but it also damned the chnpel. More reinfercenients airivt d from all parts, and there were more thau 2000 men surrounding the villnge. The flghling between the bssiegerß ar<d the besiegeJ was continued on the 7th, Bth. 9th, 10th, and 11th. On the 11th 200 additional sold'ora RUgtmnted the mandarin's force, and the rising watt effectively quelled.