Defeat of Attempted Attack by Southerners From. Our Own Correspondent, Ichang, Jan. 18.
Following the looting of the city in the end of November a redisposition of troops took place and General Shun was sent up from Wuchang with, it is said, a twofold commission; to reassure the inhabitants and to checkmate the Southern leader Lan T'ien-wei who according to the native press has been ordered to advance on Wuchang via Ichang.
Part of the 13th mixed brigade which looted the city has been sent down river and disbanded, while the remainder has been incorporate ed in the 18th divi: Some 10 days ago this division moved out from Ichang in the direction "of Shihnan, the reported headquarters of the Southern army. Previous to this movement the town, which had been so recently stripped of its money and its fine clothing, was stripped of its able-bodied men, who were led away to act as baggage carriers to the troops.
Shortly after the troops had departed all sorts of rumours began to be circulated among the Chinese. One has been able to verify the rumour that part of the Southern forces—two tuan—had advanced to within 90 li of Ichang, but that, being unwilling to surrender, they had to beat a retreat. Yesterday General Shun's men brought in some 1800 prisoners and 1700 guns captured in the region of Yehshankuan, some 400 li from here. Reports brought in indicate that over 1500 of Li T'ien-ts'ai's men have joined with Lan's forces, and that the total strength of the latter's army is about 20,000. They are said to be poorly clad and badly equipped from a fighting point of view, and it is very certain that between Shihnan and Ichang they will be badly put to it to find food enough to keep body and soul io-gether.
While rumours of a Southern advance on Ichang were at a height a proclamation was placarded all over the city one night purporting to be from General Lan. It was, however, speedily torn down and no foreigner was able to verify its contents. Speaking generally it denounced General Wang Chan-yuan, Tuchun of Hupeh, and his soldiers and assured the people that he, General Lan, would soon arrive and free them from their oppressors.
General Shun, who has now been in Ichang nearly a month, has called on quite a number of the foreign community and would seem to be desirous of standing well with the foreigners. Whatever his qualifications may be, he certainly, on first acquaintance, inspires one with confidence in his ability to maintain order and command respect.
A Hvane Tr anp Two Livine Buppuas.
During the last week of 1920 in the town of Hanfeng in the south of Hupeh, a company of peasants to the number of 2000 banded themselves together under a leader who styled himself "Huang Ti." Attached to this band of religious fanatics are two living Buddhas. Setting out from Han Feng they proceeded to Lich'uan where they had a great reception from the inhabitants, who burned incense 10 them and kowtowed before them. After a short stay in that city, they continued their journey and in due course arrived at Shihnan, whence the news came to Ichang. Everywhere they went they were enthusiastically welcomed and worshipped. They claim to be invulnerable and that the soldiers cannot harm them. This story is well authenticated.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.