Tsingtao, "Oct. 16.
Another exciting chapter in the eventful history of Tsingtao and one that threatened to have a dire ending was enacted here last night, when Doth the native and foreign' popuations, or probably the half of the population that was aware of what was transpiring, trembled in anticipation of a salvo of shells from the two gunboats, the Shouho and the Tungan. The military authorities commanded by Gen. Pi, who arrived last evening from Tsinan, had just sent an ultimatum to the ships to surrender, following threats of an attack and looting. The answer was, "We must have more time, but. ook to your safety." or words to] that effect.
Gen. Pi immediately communicated with the consulates, although the time was past midnight. These officials had to be aroused from their bods. They then proceeded to thole respective nationals, oF as many of them as could be found within the short time possible. Then commenced one grand rush, by motor car, riesha and on foot toward the respective consulates. Subsequent ly a large party of British and Ameticans found their way to the Presbyterian Mission "Compound where the missionaries provided hot coffee to dispel ells and fears, Some came in various and incomplete modes of attire and others, when they became fully awake, recalled they had left their wallets on their boudoir table. One white-haired tourist who had been remarking what a charming spot Tsingtao the Uny- before, Had. to the. roust late when summoned in the dead of the night, grabbing up his Bible and] hairbrush and leaving his watch and. wallet, When he returned to his room at daybreak he found his wale et in the wastebasket, 'A. young American woman was devwailing the fact that she had forgotten to bring away her jewels. When she returned home after a. Jong search she found them in a hat box where she had placed them for safe-keeping while still half-nwake Some of the foreigners were even thinking of taking up temporary quarters on Mount Laothan, 26 miles away, which six-inch shells, it was estimated, would be unable to reach.
The management at the Grand Hotel offered rear rooms to all possessing rooms facing the bay. The hotel was in direct line and nearest to the gunboats and the guests were all but panic-stricken,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.