WAR IN CHINA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 191, 18 August 1900, Page 3

WAR IN CHINA

, [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.] i.PBB PBBSS ASSOCIATION. BRITISH MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. THE DOWAGER-EMPRESS MAKES AN' OFFER. Received 17, 9.2 a.m. London, August 16. Speaking at Godalming, Mr St. John Brodrick said that Great Britain was prepared, if necessary, to land troops at Shanghai for the protection ef British life and property, and was determined to risk everything and put forth all its strength and resolution before allowing British interests to go down in any part of the world. Count Waldersee's appointment would give general satisfaction and help to strengthen the ties between Great Britain and Germany. Washington, August 16. Advices received here state that the Dowager-Empress, through Mr Conger, offers to surrender the Ministers anywhere outside Peking if the city is not entered or bombarded, submitting all outstanding questions to arbitration. The authorities doubt whether' Mr Conger has received any of his Government's messages since the siege began. ! Hong Kong, August 16. The Japanese on Sunday occupied Tungelow, ten miles from Peking. Suikunijo, Viceroy of Shanghai, is ready to welcome the British to Shanghai, but objects to international occupation. Many native merchants returned to the city when British protection was promised.

Admiral Seymour ordered three transports in the river not to land troops pending reference to Lord Salisbury. The Canton defences are very formidable. The river is mined and the torpedo boats at- Whampoo are reidy for action.

The Bogue forts threaten to fire if another warship is sent. Sx Petersburg, August 16. It is offiually announced that the Czar has assented to Count Waldersee's co-ordinating in the operations against the rebels in China. The Czar fully adheres to the policy upon which there was a complete understanding with France and the other Powers, Russja strives ouly to securejjspeedy restoration of order and the best relations with her neighbour, China.

THE ALLIES' COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. FRANCE SATISFIED. (Hcceivod 18, 1210 a.m.) Paris, Augu3t 18. Tt is semi-officially announced that Fiance informed Germany that Count Waldersee's exalted rank naturally entitles him to become Commander-in-Chio''.

APPEAL FROM LI HUNG CHANG. AMERICA'S REPLY. (Received 18, 12.20 a.m.) Hosg Kong, August 17. Li Hung Chani;, in a reply to the edict appointing him, appealed to Washington to urge the Allies to halt at Tung Chou, lest by entering Peking they may wound the whole of the pooplo's feeling and shake the Empire to its foundation. He added that the Peking envoy would meet tho Allies at Tung Chou and negotiate for an armis- ' ticc. He would himself proceed to' Peking. | Replying to the Dowager and Li Hung Chung, Washington stipulates that the Allies shall communicate with the Legations and ascertain the prospect of the safe transfer of Ministers and others to the inner gate, a distance of 300 yards If satisfied on this point an armistice will thereafter bo arranged, and when Mr. Conger is delivered the United S'utes will instruct her troops to cease hostilities | with a view to ar. angir g peare.

FIGHTING IN MANCHURIA. CHINESE FORCE EJECTED BY THE RUSSIANS. THE ALLIES REPORTED TO HAVE ENTERED PEKING. Received IS, 1.50 a.m. Honq Kokg, August 17. A desperate fight occurred at Sangshan, in Manchuria. The Russians, though outnumbered, ejected 4000 cavalry and twelve guns from a strong position. The Allies have captured ChangGhiawan with slight loss. Five hundred Chinese were killed, and the remainder iled, some to Tung Chou, three miles northward, and others to Peking. Great Britain is showing an inclination to send the Indian troops to the northward iustead of landing at Shanghai. British firms at that place have urged Lord Salisbury to reconsider his decision, which is calculated to incite the populace. The Consuls are equally apprehensive of trouble unless Shanghai is adequately protected, and recommend the respective Governments to support the 'landing of the British on the international basis of reinforcing the British with troops, since Russia has undertaken the provisional administration of Neuchang. Japan heartily supports Great Britain landing troops at Shanghai.

LiKDON, AugUßt 17. Theve nro unoffi ial indications that Peking has been entered, An official Italian message spates that the Allies' attack on the city began on Monday, * Hong Kong, August 17.

It is believed at Shanghai that hostile Manchus escaped from Peking to the westward.

Wasuinoton, August 17,

Mr. Conger sent a cipher message through Witingpang which proves that lie had received messages from Washington and that he had himself replied.)

The authorities here, with a view to saving time, have informed General Chafee of the pi ogress with Li Hung Chang's negotiations, and have authorised him, in the event of the acceptance of America's stipulations, to relieve the Legations, co-operating with the other commanders, The message adds: "Mr, Conger announces that the attacks by Imperiul troops, while they continue, cannot stop the Allies' ad' Y«jw;!j fpWWS m toW®*\

Mr. Conger's message was presumably | despatched between the sth and 11th, [and stated that they had been completely besieged since June 23. "There had been only rifle fighting since July 17, but daily, and with it frequently desperate attacks—one last night."