FIGHTING IN CHINA.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12632, 8 December 1911, Page 3

FIGHTING IN CHINA.

WUCHOW HORRORS. (Australian Preai Specials. *t SHANGHAI, December 1. Nankin has fallen at last. The final engagement was of a terribly desperate character. Thousands of Manchus were mowed down at their posts, the defend* ers preferring to die fighting to being captured alive and suffering tne horrible deaths with which the incensed rebels had threatened them. The report of Nankin's capture has been semi-officially confirmed. The city of Hanyang is burning, and it is feared that all the foreign concessions will be destroyed. Some French priests are reported tp have been killed. HONGKONG, December 1. Traffic on the West River is practically at a standstill, and convn inicUj-.u: with Wuchow and Nankin has been severed. Horribly repulsive sr ppes have been witnessed at Wuchow, where the rebels have been avenging the recent massacre. In one instance 60 young Manchus, the sons of aristocrats, were beheaded. The hearts of the virtijis were then cut out, and after having been roasted were eaten by the rebels. Owing to the recent street disturbances among the rival Chinese factions here, during which several of the white police were injured, the Governor has proclaim ed martial law.

PEKING, December 1. The rebels' occupation of Nankin did not last long, the Imperials regaining Eossession of the city after a brisk attle. A concerted attack which was made on the loyalists to-day failed, the rebels losing heavily. Five British warships are now off Hankow. Two days ago Yuan Shih Kai's position seemed hopeless. On all sides it was thought that the Marichu dynasty was doomed, and "the friends of the Premier were urging him to capitulate. But the situation has changecl, and Yuan is now the real ruler of Cniha. He has removed several officers m the army and navy whoso loyalty was suspected, and has encouraged others, practically making order out of chaos. This explains the victories secured by the Imperials at Hankow. Yuan is now said to be fairly sure of negotiating a foreign loan, and the general opinion among the Legations is that the Manchu dynasty will be saved. The possibility of the rebels forcing their way to Pekin is, however, always imminent. Rebels m the capital have openly threatened to assassinate the Premier, but the latter told the British Minister that he dOep not fear an untimely death. Surely aiid certainly Yuan is turning the tide pf the rebellion. - ' ■ .

The. surrender of Wuchang by the rebels appears. to have been prompted by their desire to save the city 'from destruction. The revolutionists asked for a three-days' armistice with a view to inducing the other provinces to accept the terms offered by the Imperial Government.

After winning an earlier engagement, the rebels at NJngyuen. near Hankow, had their flank turned. A desperate battle was waged. .Thousands were killed, and unless the rebels are reinforced their position will be hopeless.