Tsingtao, Apr. 18.
The telegram from which it was inferred in a former report that Tenghsien had been evacuated by the members of the Presbyterian Mission has now been explained by following letter as referring to something else altogether. The author of that telegram wont by motor to Taian and from thence to Tsinan, but his object was to meet the Famine Relief Committee to Jarrange for the distribution of relief in the district where the war is now being extended. His letter goes on to explain that there has. been, in fact, a reverse for the Northerners, but it occurred at or near Yibsien, which is thirty odd miles southeast of Tenghsie This lotter also repeats the report already current to the effect that the reverse was actually due large body of bandits who attacked the Northerners, solely in the hope of capturing some amsnunition. While this roflesta little glory on cither side, it is a very highly probable story, for the writer has known for many years the fame of these rough mountain robbers who have plied their trade along the Kiangsu-Shantung border. was from such mon as these that the notorious Sun Mei-yao recruited his band for the now famous Viewed from the South, it seems that this amall force of bandits have been able to accomplish what the armies of Feng Vu-hsiang and Nanking have been unable to do all winter and spring. The south claims to have concentrated £50,000 men near Hsuchowfu, but, until theso- hungry bandits struck 2 blow for their own welfare, the Southerners were impotent. From the North, it bodes evil for an army. said to number 200,000 to be put to flight by a band of country robbers, but, on reflection, it is not surprising to any one at all familiar with the looseness of control on either side. Neithr has any real
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.