The Yiyang Maru came safely into port three days ago after her many tribulations. She left for Shanghai yesterday morning where she will be properly 17- paired. There is still no word of the release of the Japanese and Chinese captives held sy the soldiers er brigands in Szechuan, who are adamant in their demands for a ransom of $1,060,600. The leader informed cne of the Japanese Consuls that he took military orders from lis superior, Gen. Hsiong Keh-wu, out, as this was a matter of "private business," he would take orders from no one, and only the production of the dollars would move him.
The steamers have had a comparatively quiet time since Chungking fell to the First Army. Only a few shots have been fired. Now, however, an attempt is being made to stop communication with Chungking. The Commissioner of Foreign Affairs has notified shipping circles that he will not accept responsibility for the safety of steamers if they persist in going boyang Wanhsien. Needless to say, the steamers intend plying to Chungking so long as the water allows them to go, for the Northern Government did not give much protection or freedom from being fired upon even when they controlled the whole river to Chungking.
A very determined Northern offensive has now been decided upon, as the leaders cannot accept being driven out of Chungking as a conclusive proof that they cannot take the province. Gon. Wu Pei-fu has purchased the light-draught winter steamer Dabwar, and she left here two or three days ago on her-first trip up river. She is carrying men and ammunition for the Northern forces, and is said to be fitted with gung She will carry a regiment of men on board, and with her guns will be able to take part in any future. fighting. So there is no prospect of peace for the province of Szechuan.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.