In view of the undaunted spirit of the Mahommedans in Welchow, the bandits changed their tactics, and instead of launching a second attack, they trled, to induce the defenders to surrender by sending representatives Into the city to open negotiations with the elders. In spite of flowery words and ample, promises, the city elders would mot surrender. When their overtures, were rejected, the bandits rallied for a general offensive on all sides of the city, but steadily the Mahommedan inhabitants held out.
Meanwhile, the invasion was reported to Gen, Ma Hung-kuei, Chal man of the Ninghsia Provincial Government, who sent a battalion of provincial troops to the rescue of the elly. By previous. telegraphic arrangement, the Mahommedans In the elly and the reinforcements latinebed simultaneous attacks upon the Red marauders, and drove them several 1{ from the city.
However, massing more men in the neighbouring districts, the bandits came back the next day, under the Gagement, during which.both side suffered heavy casualties, the bandits succeeded in occupying the eastern and southern corners of the city walls. Night found both sid hausted by the day's bloody battle, but the Mohammedans still held the city, refusing {0 surrender,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.