THE WAR IN CHINA. SAFETY OF MINISTERS.

Otago Witness, Volume 02, Issue 2420, 2 August 1900, Page 37

THE WAR IN CHINA. SAFETY OF MINISTERS.

THE ATTACKS ON THE LEG ATIOES STOPPED.

MANY COtfFIBMATOKY MES-

SAGES.

HEAVY CASUALTIES IN

PEKING.

MASSACRE OF CHRISTIANS

HONGKONG, July 31.'

Acting Admiral Bruce telegraphs a message from Sir Claude Mac Donald, dated Peking, 21st: — "The Chinese troops from. June 20 to July 16 repeatedly attacked the Legation from all sides with rifles and artillery. Since the 16th there has been, an armistice. A strict cordon is maintained by both sides. The position of the Chinese barricade is near ours. All the women and children are in the Legation. Casualties -. 62 killed, including Captairi Strouts ; a number in the hospital, including Captain Halliday. The Legation all well/ except David Oliphant Warren,; killed." • Eighteen Europeans and all the Curls'* tian Chinese converts at Tungchou harg been massacred.

The China Inland Commission confirm* tha massatcre at Paoting fu, including Mb Bagnall and Mrs Bagnall, Mr Cooper, and several Americans. It adds that the station

at Haioi was destroyed, and Misa Searell and Miss Whitchurch killed. ' LONDON, July 30". The Secretary of the German Legation! at Peking reports that the members of the Legation were all safe on the 21st- of July.

The attack on the Legations ceased on the 16th insfc.

It was necessary, however, to send the speedieat relief to ensure their safety. Colonel Alaxeth, on the 30th, informec St. Petersburg that the latest news from Peking confirms the safety of Ministers.

According to the 3nessenger of the American missionaries, sent from Pekiftß*

the Legations were unmolested between the )Lsth and 18th. The Dowager Empress Ordered the bombardment to stop. The Japanese Commander of the Guards fet Peking reports on the 22nd that the bombardment ceased on the 18th.

The British consul at Tientsin on the 25th. reports that, according to a messenger {who was unable to reach the Legations, a strong body of troops, mostly commanded by Hwangsu, surrounded^ the Legations on Jbhe 19ta.

The Japanese Legation on the 22nd reports that 10 battalions of Chinese shelled the Legations continuously from June 15 till they stopped on July 17, possibly to renew it however, but decreasing. \ The British, German, Russian, American, half the Japanese, and half the French Legations were defensive. The Japanese have food for a week longer, but little ammunition.

Mr Fowler, consul at Chefoo, reports that the Austrian, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish Legations were destroyed, and the iTrench partially destroyed. - It has transpired that the Emperor of -Germany's " no""quarter " speech was not ■intended for publication.

The Emperor's utterances have caused ■fea immense sensation, although the German and Austrian newspapers are endeavouring to qualify them.

Lord Salisbury suggested to Germany tha r the Japanese troops should be employed in quelling the disturbances in China.

Germany's reply to this desire is described as being even more frigid in tone fcLan that of Russia to a similar suggestion

The newspapers here contrast; this reply with the Emperor's vengeance speeches.