Birmingham age-herald., 1894-09-12
The Ctinese Troops in Corea Far
 ing Badly and
GROWIlIa DISHEARTENED
The Japs in Excellent Trim-A Treaty Between Corea
 and Japan.

LONDON. S,pt. 11.-A dispatch 10 the Times from Wei Hai-Wei today says that a compasy composed of foreigners, after examining the incidents of the naval fight of July Z6, declares that the Japanese were the aggressors. The Chinese, the commit- tee adds, were careful 10 avoid the appear ance of provoca ion, but the Japs waylaid the Chinese, selecting good position. The Chinese senior ship escaped, making running fight while greatly damaging her pursuer. The second Chinese ship fought until her ammunition was exhausted and two of her guns were destroyed. The same morning, it appears, the Japs arriy1sa from seoule and attacked the Chinese SAshan. Taese operations were evids91y well con csrted. ~
 Times disparcS5 eorecas eollpe:ed at to weis tde Hai- Wei and isl7 2 perfect fighting trim. The Chin- Yuen Y been repaired aud is recruiting seamei!s freely. An excellent esprit de corps exis among the Chinese sailors, and they are waiting orders to en- able them to assert the supremacy of China in Corean waters.
 Continuing, the Times correspondent cables that both the Chinese and Japanese armies la Corea are seemingly inactive. The Japs have ordered the Corsans to cut their hair as token of subjection. The Coreans refused to do so, preferring to fight for their liberty.
 dispatsh received here today from Shanghai says tn at advices received there from various sources say that the Chinese army in northern Corea is in a deplorable condition. The Chinese generals are re- ported to have proven themselves to be grossly incompetent and the officers of the lower grades are discontented and disheart- ened, while the rank and file of the Chi nese army are exhausted and dispirited. What roads there were iu that portion of the country month ago have been washed away by the floods, and consequently it is impossible to transport guns. ammunition and food through Manichura into Corea for the Chinese army. Quantities of guns, ammunition and food previously sent southward have been blocked in different parts of the country by the bad state of the roads, and food and ammunition are said to be spelling all along the route southward. As result food ie becoming very scarce in the Chinese army, although they are doing their best to live on the country's products, But the country is poor, and although the Coreans profess willingness to help the Chinese they send In very little in the way of supplies.
 According to the dispatch referred to the pretense of the Chinese naval activity is absurd. The Japs are said to be maintain jug snch strict blockade of the Corean coast that not even the smallest vessel can get through. Hundreds of Chinese sol diers are reported to have died of want and exposure, and much sickness is said to exist in their ranks. On the otber hand the Japanese are said to be much better prepared for active operations. They have succeeded in keeping their lines of com munication open, and have pushed their forces forward until they are now threat- eniug the Chinese flank. The position of the latter, with winter rapidly advancing, threatens to become untenable.
 Regarding the naval operations of the Chinese, the Shanghai dispatch says that orders were sent from Pekin over fort night ago for all the Chinese squadrous to concentrate in the gulf of Pc. Chilli, but it appears that these orders were never car ried out, and it is now announced that the Oh inese naval plans have again been mod flied, peremptory orders having been sent for three of the most powerful vessels of the southern squadron to join Admiral Ting's fleet in the north without delay. When these endorsements arrive it is also asserted the Chneee fleet will commence operations in real earnest gainst the Jap anese. No confidence, however, is felt in Admiral Ting's ability to hold even the gulf of Pe-Chi-Li against the Japanese fleet. and cons, quently many steamers be- longing to Chinese firms are being trans ferred to the British flag.
 The raising of money for war purposes proceeds, and the mandarins commanding the provinces and districts are reported to be squeezing the unfortunate Chinese with ont mercy.
 Traders and others possessing property are receiving particular attention upon the part of the mandarins. Three merchants of Shantung who showed some hesitation in complying with the official demands had their property confiscsted.
 AN IMPORTANT TREATY
 NEGOTIATED BETWEEN OOREA AND JAPAN
 AGAINsr CHINA.