Tsaochnang, May 26, Everyone is impressed with the wisdom of keeping the troops round Paotzeku within reasonable dis-lance of the bandits. It has been asserted, in fact, that there are really insufficient. troops to patrol the district efficiently. It is of supreme importance that—the bandits have no chance to escape to the rear mountain ranges. Once through the cordon and the hide-and-seek game would. be renewed, with the accompanying hardships to the captives. It would then be impossible to remain in touch with them, and the bandits would have access to a much larger and gore advantageous district even than they have at. present.
As far_as is known, no actual attempt has been made to break' through, but there is always the possibility, and if the troops were withdrawn, the bandits would be free to do-it. Kept isolated Paotzeku, the bandits must be at a disadvantage from the purely: military point of view. Paotzeku has been besieged until quite re cently, and it is well known that food is by no means plentiful.
A valuable addition to the forces on watch was reported this evening. Two aeroplanes have arrived at Lincheng. It is not stated what kind of machines' have been sent, but it is thought they ave scouts. These will be extremely useful to keep an eye on any movements which may be suspected.
Further reports which have reached' the relief party confirm the assumption that the bandit chiefs are partially divided amongst themselves, though there is no actual split. The older element does not wish for enlistment in the army, but the younger chiefs, with "careers" before them, are anxious to get commissions.
There was firing at Tsaochuang, one mile from the coal-mine, last night. It is stated variously that the bandits were posting proclamations and were fired on by the soldiers, and that they. attempted to attack the town with the purpose of securing hostages. There were no casualties.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.