Threatened Attack by Kuangsi Troops: Unusual Rainfall and Serious Floods From Our gwn Correspondent.
Pakhoi, Aug. 10.
For some weeks past considerable anxiety has reigned in the minds of the people of Pakhoi, and all sorts of rumours have been current as to possible political developments and fighting, with fears of consequent looting; but so far nothing untoward has happened, while the appearance of a Chinese transport steamer from Canton to support the present réyime has encouraged a rather more optimistic view of affairs. Only Jast month a large detachment of local recruits was sent away from here by sea to assist the Constitutionalist cause in Canton now if seems that reinforcements are needed here to assist the cause in Pakhoi. The people of Limchow (15 miles inland) have been {feeling still more nervous lately, and all the gates of the city have been kept closed' except the west gate; and outside that the numerous street gates have been kept closed except for just enough space to admit pedestrians, while large stones have been piled up behind them, and soldiers constantly on guard. About ten days ago a force of Kuangsi soldiers arrived to within 20 or 30 li of Limehow, but were unable to attack it owing to the extraordinary rainfall resulting in serious flood Afterwards reinforcements arrived from Pakhoi to defend the city, the latest news is that the Kuangsi_ soldiers have retreated. Meanwhile there is said to be a strong enemy force holding the district to the west_of Pakhoi, of which Yamchow (Chinchow) the centre, which may come to attack Pakhoi any day now.
AN EXTRAORDINARY STORM, The extraordinary rainfall mentioned above took place during the last week-end in July, and over 30 inches of rain fell in five days, causing serious damage to the road between Pakhoi and Limchow, which in several places is built. up 6n embankments crossing little valleys. Great gaps have been broken in these by the torrents of water that went. rushing down with great violence. A soldier on a pony, attempting to cross one of these, was seen to be rolled right over, but actually managed to keep his seat, and when the pony regained its footing he got safely across to the other side. 1t became necessary to use boats in many places, and indeed it was better to go round by sea and up the river, masher than attempt the road at all.
The thunder and lightning have also been of unusual violence,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.