The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-08-04
4 Decided Victory Over the
Chinese in Korea.
DECLARATION OF WAR BY CHINA.
The Campaign Placed in Charge of
yiceroy Ii Hung Chang.
Army of Japan as Valiant as the Navy
A small Reverse Spurs the Japs TO
Decisive Triamph-Tke sinking OF
the kow shung.

-
says Tie preamble Of an imperial edict
Just Issued recites China's claim in Korea.
its hundreds OF years sazerainty over that
country and the constant assistance it
has rendered the Vassai king 10 sub
due rebeliions. China, il continues,
recently sent forces to Korea with
this object Iapan, without right. also
sent troops and refused to withdraw
them. She has further sunk transport
carrying Chinese soldiers, and her action
has been condemned by other powers. The
emperor places ali the military authority
under Viceroy Ii Hung Chang, who will
protect the rights of the empire. lie also
orders the capture and destruction of
Japanese ships wherever found. 1t is
probable that copy of the edict will be
communicated TO the representatives of
foreign powers today.
A dispatch to the Standard saws: Ii is
reported that there has been fresh coli
lision between Chinese and Japanese
troops in Korea. 1t seems that after their
recent defeat the Japanese assembled their
available strength and took the offensive,
achieving decided victory over the Chi
nese. Details are expected tomorrow.
WASHINGTON CITT. Aug. 3.-0fficiaI noti-
fcation of battle between the japanese
and Chinese land forces in Korea was re-
ceiyed at the japanese legation here to-
night from the foreign office at Tokyo.
The telegram stated that on July p por-
tion OF the Japanese troops at Seoul
marched against superior force of Chi
nese infrenched al Shanyeng A battle en-
sued. and after heavy fighting the Chinese
were put completely TO rout, a
large number of prisoners and muni-
tions of war being captured by the
Japanese. On the morning of the 30th the
Japanese proceeded To march against
Gasan. Shangyen is situated between
Seoul and Gasan, where the fight between
the Japanese and Chinese, resulting in the
loss Of 1000 japanese, is reported to have
occurred. Ii is the opinion of legation
officers here that the reports from Chinese
sources, containing rumors of the defeat of
the Japanese at Gasan, are probably gross
exaggerations, though no dispatches re-
fcrring TO fight at the latter place have
vet been received.
NEW York, Aug. A special to the
Tribune from Washington City says: Pres
ident Cleveland has practically decided TO
unite with Great Britain. Germany and
Italy TO preserve foreibly the neutrality of
what are known as the treaty ports of
China during the war The Chinese gov
ernment has been fully informed
oe this intention. and 1t is
understood that the emperor will submit
without protest TO the forcible occupation
of his principal ports. 1t is not q question
of pride with him, but of prudence. He
realizes that he is in no condition to resist
the policy of European nations,
and that an empty remonstrance
would do more harm than good.
The Japanese government assents
cheerfully 10 the arrangement. and has in
timated that a siAilar occupation OF her
principal commercial ports would meet
with no resistance. The plan was sug-
gested by the British premier, but the
negotiations have mostly been conducted
in Washington City by Sir Julian Paunce-
fote, the British ambassador; Baron Saur-
ma-Jeltsch. the German ambassador Baron
Fava the Italian ambassador, and Secre-
tary Gresham. An earnest attempt has
been made TO bring NJ. Patenotre the
French ambassador. and Prince Cantacu-
zene, the Russian minister. into the nego-
tiations. but under instructions from their
governments these diplomats have kept
away rom W asnlngtoH NAl}. secretary
Gresham has not vet announced the formal
assent of the United States To the agree
ment. bur all the conferences have been
held In his office, the memoranda are in his
hands, and ne has so thoroughly COM
mitted this government to the pan that it
would be impossible for him 10 withdraw
now without the sacrifice of his dignity
and the respect of those with whom lie
has been negotiating
LoSpoS, Aug. S.-A dispatch from Tien-
tSin says that all deserters from the troops
marching TO Taka viii be beheaded today
BEKLlS. Aug. IA dispatch from Ger
man official source at Tientsin says the
German gunboat Iltis witnessed the sink
ing of the Kow Shung Ii is added that
the crew OF the Iltis rescued $50 Chinese
who were struggling in the water.