Next came the question of a steamer to take his troops to Chungking. General Wang was stated to have had orders from General Wu_ Pei-fu to seize the str. Kiangking, for the purpose. The vessel, which is commonly understood to belong to the China Merchants Steam Navigation Ca., flies the French flag and, when application was made to the local agent of the company for the steamer, he stated that it was not in his power to grant the use of her for transporting troops and munitions of war as she was under the French flag and he was only the cargo broker. He offered to accompany a representative of the Commander-in-Chief and one of the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs to interview the captain of the French gunboat, Craonne, in the absence of a French Consul.
The captain was interviewed and was informed that the Commander-in-Chief was very anxious to use the Kiangking for the transport of troops and war materials to Chungking. The captain replied that it was impossible as the steamer was flying the French flag and must observe strict neutrality. He added that he considered it his duty to prevent any attempt to seize the steamer and use her for such purposes. He was asked if he would give a written communication for General Wu Pei-fu but answered that he would himself telegraph to General Wu, giving his decision, and this was done.
It was feared that when the Kiangking arrived from Chungking some attempt might be made to seize her but she was not interfered with. The vessel arrived, discharged her cargo, reloaded and left for Chungking again this morning.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.