Peking, Apr. 21.
A telegram from Canton dated the evening of April 19 reported! that Gen, Shen Hung-ying's troops were still retreating uorthwands. It was, however, reported that the Kuomintang forces were unable to press the retreating enemy closely owing to a shortage of ammunition.
Reports indicate that the fighting so far, though it has resulted inj several hundred casualties on each side, has only been of a preliminary nature and that heavier fighting is likely to ensue in the near future. Gen. Wu Pei-fu is reported to be hurrying reinforcements of men, naunitions and supplies to the assistance of his nominee.
The outcome of the struggle cannot yet be determined, but as usual it depends largely on what money is forthcoming for the payment of troops and the purchase of ammunition. If Dr.. Sun Yat-sen can obtain sufficient arms and amminition, reports from Canton indicate that he may be able to follow up his initial successes owing to the fact that he is receiving the support' of many Cantonese troops and: civilians, in addition to the help of. the Yunnan forces.
The most important appointments contained in the mandate issued, last night were Gen. Hung Chao-lin is appointed Tupan of Defence of Swatow. General Yeh Cha is given the title of Huaiwei Chiang-chun. General Chung Ting-chi is made a member of the Chienchunfu or Military Board in Peking. General La Tsung-ya is made Military Commissioner at Cheuching and T.ooyang in Kuangtung. General Teng Peng-yin is made Military Commissioner at Chitmgchow and Aichow. General Yin Chi is given command of the &th Division, General Li Yun-fu of the under Gen. Shen Hung-ying, in the north and west of Kuangtung.
Shiuhing, large city on the West River, half-way between Canton City and Wuchow, has been recaptured by the Kuangsi forces, ter the Constitutionalists had been in possession for three days. On the North River, the Constitwtionalists have been defeated, the Kuangsi forces driving them back with much vigour.
It is stated that the Constitutionalists might have continued their victories had they not attempted to follow up their victory as fast as they did. Their munitions are said to be exhausted. The Kuangsi forees, og the other hand, have received support from Marshal Wu Pei-fu in, the form of men, arms, ammunition and funds, hence their renewed vigour.
Further reports state that the fighting near the White Cloud Mountain resulted in heavy losses on both sides, each having several thousand killed or wounded.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.