REBELS, Oct. 19. Later.
Chinese official advices state that yesterday's hostilities were a mere skirmish. The real hostilities have not yet begun.
rebels have retreated to the native city of Hankow. The Imperialist troops have captured three rebels, some ponies, uniforms and ammunition. The men-of-war took no part in the engagement.
General Yin Chang's spies report that the rebels are deserting.
LOYALIST ORGANIZATION, A trustworthy informant, who was unsuccessful in his attempt to reach Hankow, has returned to Peking. He states that the movement of troops is proceeding well, and that the soldiers appear cheerful.
165
He saw a special train in which were the wife and family of the Governor of Honan, on their way to Peking.
Owing to the fact that the troops were already assembled ready for the manwnvres, the Government has been able to despatch them more quickly and better equipped than usual.
My informant states that he saw numerous field guns, an army balloon, and that provincial troops are everywhere guarding tha railway.
It is reported that 3,000 treey are guarding the bridge across Yellow River.
Yuan Shih-kai is expected to leave for Hankow to-morrow.—Our Own Correspondent.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.