Apology to Japanese, by Southern Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Hankow: Appalling Conditions in Wuchang: Rumoured Rebellion Against Northern Commande: Chen Chiung-ming, Moving?
There is no lack of repor ts of the fighting in Kiangsi and Hupeh, but they all ave very vague as both sides are resorting to a scientific war of propaganda and censoring each other's telegrams.
Marshal Sun Chuan-fang claims to have defeated the Southerners who ave being led personally by Gen. Chiang Kai-shek and there appears to be no doubt but that severe engagements have taken place, though all accounts of the battle are published and should be accepted by readers with reserve.
Wuchang is still besieged and appalling conditions exist inside the city, where many have died of starvation.
Numerous women and children were killed during " stampede which occurred when a report was circulated that the city gates would be opened, by mutual consent of the contending parties, for a short period to allow civilians to leave.
In pite of Southern assurances to the cout ry, foreign steamers have again been subjected to rifle fire from the banks of the Yangtze.
Two Japanese steamers and a Taikoo vessel were badly riddled but fortunately there we no casualties, The Southern Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at once called on the Japanese Consul-Gexeral and apologized, Peking, Oct. 1.
That the tide is beginning to turn sgaingt the Southerners as regards the military situation in Hupeh and Kiangsi seems to be indicated by the latest telegrams from foreign sources now reaching Peking.
Hankow messages dated September 29 state that there is ample evidence that Marshal Sun Chuan: fang's troops are approaching Hankow to the North of the Yangtze and that they have already reached Kuangehow, 40 miles below Hankow.
Large bodies of Kiangsu troops have been seen in the vicinity of Tayeh Lake, where the Cantonese are stated to have suffered a severe reverse, Indications point to this force moving Westward towards the Hankow-Canton line, thence northwestwards towards Wuekang.
The Southern military and civil authorities at Hankow appear to be much less optimistic in regard to the situation—Reuter, 30. is blow at the allied forces, The Southern troops stationed at Which are now going up River both Kao-an have retreated to the region land and water—Toho. jof Hsinyu and are now taking a new position there. It appear: nese Navy to-Act that General Chiang Kai-shek, Cor anghai, Oct, 1. mander-in-Chief of the According to a Tayeh telegram! Army is now staying at Hsinyu. Ax'dated September 30, the command the movement of the Anhui troop: ant of the allied forees in the town is slow, no big engagements have has notified those concerned that yet taken place. There are indiea- the Chinese squadron will commen: o. tiang that General Tang Song-ch. j bombarding Huangchow and E-cheng may come to terms with Marshzl) districts on September 30.—Toho. Sun Chuan-feng.
Oct. 1. cee Three steamers, with Marshal
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.