Tsaochuang, May 26.
Mr. J. B. Powell, editor of the "Weekly Review of the Far East," riding a mule, entered the mines compound of 6.16 o'clock to-night after a long and weary ride. Mr. Powell stated that he was on 24 hours' parole and brought with him the bandits' latest terms which are the same as were presented by messenger four days ago, demanding incorporation in the army of 10,000 men, commissions for leaders, pay for six months in arrears and six months in advance, and the appointment of. Gen. Chang Ching-yao (former Tuchun of Hunan) as Tuchun of Shantung.
"It is the hellish uncertainty which preys upon the nerves of all," said Mr. ~—_—Powell to your correspondent. ''Eleven of us remain at the base of Paotzeku, while Major Allen, Major Pinger and Mr. Lee Solomon are at the summit. The bandit chieftains are quartered in a village a mile distant. Our guards are the lowest type of coolies who continually submit us to all manner of petty indignities and insults in the spirit of bravado. If we are displeased at their actions they spit rix our faces. Three nights ago we were preparing to dine when our head coolie guard, displeased, threw manure into the fire and our food. We complained to_ the chieftains without result. I verily believe that the coolies would kill one or two of us, but they are kept in constant fear of their chiefs.
"The majority of captives are in good health," continued Mr. Powell. All, with the exception of Musso, who is wavering, are bearing the strain well. The bandits prepared to take Musso to the summit of the hill but all of us entered vehement protests. The chieftains finally consented to his remaining in the temple with us, since Dr. Mertens has given orders that it would be unwise to move him.
"The food and medicines sent to us by the American Rescue Mission were a Godsend and are being regularly received," said Mr. Powell.
Another delegation of prominent gentry left yesterday night. They will pledge their homes and farms for the captives' release. The bandits seek an early settlement in order to return to their places in Shantung to permit of their harvesting crops in the near future.
A letter from Major Pinger states that he is now much better after an attack of indigestion. Major Pinger complains of lack of exercise and asks for indoor baseballs and medicine balls. The Captives' Club won the mahjong championship of Paotzeku from the Association of Bandit Chieftains, states Major Pinger, the members of the last named organization greatly respecting the prowess of their.captives.
It is evident that negotiations are now being conducted by order of the chieftains, since most of the recent demands are so exorbitant.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.