The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-07-03
THE war or THE PANTHAYS.
Another Chinese Success Over tho
Mohamedans.
Wholesale Slaughter d Non-combstants- Birth
Commercial Interests 1t Imue-Ancimt
Routes Of Travel TO Be Re-Ntzb-
ished-The Rebellion SUP
posed To b Ended.

Momien reported in late news by cable a. hsv-
ing been captured by the Chinese forces ID not I'm
| the Empire OF Burmah, but Is the next important
city In one OF the departments OF Yunnan ruled BY
the late Emperor Sooiman who died from the
effects OF poison taken by himself when TaIeefoo
was stormed few months since. Momien was
surrounded as far back April last, and was GER
| tain to fall when another massacre as sweeping
and merciless as that that took place at Taleefoo
| was expected to add q deeper stain to the annals
| OF the war.
| THE CAUSES OF THE POSSIBILITIES IN WESTERN CHINA
may be stated as foll0ws:-
| The Panthays, or Mohammedan rebels as they
are called, have maintained their independence for
several years, and on many occasions inflicted Sc
we're reverses on the Chinese. They abhorred the
Buddhist religion and found the rule OF the MAN.
darns ntolerabe. The sultan Sooliman is de-
scribed to have been discreet, intelligent and
energetic man, and had gained the confidence OF
his people to O remarkable degree Having firmly
established his power. as it was thought, an expe-
ditiOn, under Major Sladen, was sent by the gov
eminent Of British India to explore his territory.
The Major was received with great kindness, and
in his report stated that the Emperor expressed
him his willingness to enter into commercial rela-
lions with the Western Powers. Sooliman was
also reported to be about opening q good COM
mercial and military road between Burmah and
Yunnan, and was anxious to receive the support
OF England secure the independence Of his king
dom.
EFFECT ON ENGLISH SHIPPING INTERESTS.
| The English authorities seemed to be anxious to
smooth the way TOR the establishment Of friendly
relations, and English merchants had already
established two steamship lines between Rangoon,
the great trade depot OH the Irrawaudy, and Man
dalay, the capital of Upper Burmah, and Bhamo-
IN
mercial centre In Burmah. Bhano was the ancient
emporium of the caravan road to Yunnan, where
the Dutch had formerly as many as fifteen hundred
factories. In connection with these lines another
between Glasgow and RangOon has been put in
operation, and thus the English appeared to be
ready to enter into commercial relations with
Western China, and to be particularly favorable TO
the claims Of the Panthays for independence.
A MISSION TO ENGLAND IN 1872
The Sultan SOOliman, who has In the meantime
acknowledged the Emperor OF Turkey Caliph,
mad fearful storm gathering over his
head. The Chinese were terribly enraged
by the recognition extended to him by
Great Britain, and determined to crush
his authority in Yunnan. Soolilnan sent his
own son, Prince Hassan, early in 1872
on mission to Great Britain at the very time o
a special Burmese Embassy was visiting the c0un-
try 1t appears that the Prince returned to Ran
COON dissatisfied with his reception in London by
the Secretary OF State for India. but having been
Hospitality entertained by the Chief Commissioner
OF British Burmah lie resolved to stay that gen.
teman's guest until the road should be opened for
him TO proceed via Mandalay and Bhamo to Ta1ee-
foo.
PRINCE HASsAN IN BURMAH
The road had been closed in consequence Of the
fighting between the Chinese and Panthays, and
therefore all trade or traffic from Bhamo towards
China was stopped. 1t was at this time, April,
1873, that q number OF Chinese officials, their
way to Mandalay with letters for the King Of Bur-
nah from the Chinese Governor OF Yunnan, visited
Captain LOwndes, the British political agent at
Bhamo, and gave information of the ial of TaeefoO,
and that the population were all slaughtered to
the number OF 5000, including women and chill
dren, while those who
ABJURED THEIR RELIGION
and ate pork were spared. BY the capture OF
Momien the Chinese have now dominion up to the
confines OF Burmah Proper and as they are said
to be firm allies OF the King OF Burmah, VINO de-
clares himself anxious to open trade through his
dominions, there is probability OF the Old trade
route being again revived and of Rangoon coming
into direct communication with China. The unfor-
tunate SOoman has probably been sacrificed to
these trading interests and his son, Prince Hassan.
appears to have had very narrow escape from
the havoc committed at TaleefoO. Whether or not
he fell at Momien is. OF course, unknown, but 1t
may be accepted as fact that the war for the pres
ent is ended What effect 1t will have on British
trade remains to be seen. The late Emperor placed
much reliance upon English influence and support,
and had some reason believe from the represent
atives Of the government Of the East Indies that
the Chinese would he held under some Kind OF re-
straint. The latter prosecuted the war in furi-
ously savage manner while all accounts agree that
the Mohammedans spared their prisoners and
fought cOurageously against immense odds.
A railroad to the frontiers of Burmah Is contem-
plated.