Tt was reported in local mandarin circles yesterday that owing to the high-class troops Sent by the Chinese Government to enforce neutrality in the region west of the Lino river, the Russian military authorities in Moukden are evincing a decided dislike against the men, fearing, so goes the report, that these Chinese troops will not be so easily disposed of should circumstances arise, as the Manchurian "braves" they (the Rus-sins) have been hitherto accustomed to deal with during the past three years or #0. In consequence of this it is now stated from Peking that a threat has been sent to the Waiwupu that if these troops of General Ma and Viceroy Yuan Shih-kai be not sent back inside Shanhaikuan the Ruscian military authorities would certainly march upon Peking. This report, though coming straight from Government circles in the North is, however, taken cum grano salis by the mandarins in Shanghai.
The Arms and Ammunition of the Mandjour.
Tt is stated that the Chinese cruiser Nan-shui, in whose hold the arms and ammunition of the Russian dismantled cruiser Mandjour have been deposited for safe keeping by the i Taotai, is in such a leaky condition, owing to lack of repairs for many years, that it is feared that the cargo in question will be injured in no time and so render the Chinese authorities liable for large damages when the war is over. In view of this it is probable that a better place than the rickety old Chinese cruiser will be selected for the purpose, and it is reported that the Commissioner of Customs and Taotai are now considering the best place to store the warlike Russian cargo placed in their custody.
Salt Smugglers versus " Braves."
Sangkiang dispatch reports a pitched battle on the 6th instant between salt smugglers and gamblers on the one side and Chinese soldiers, assisted by villagers of the town of Liihongehén, on the other. There were four soldiers, two villagers and nine smugglers killed as a result of the fight, the latter being forced to retreat in disorder. The cause of the fight has not transpired as yet.
12th April.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.