The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-10-03
UPON PEKIN.
Would Be Easy if laps Land
at Shan-Rai- kwan.
Successor Of Ii Hung Chang Recog-
nized as China's AbIest Statesmen.

WAsHINGToN, Oct. 3.--The officials here
who have been closely watching the prog
ress OF affairs in the East are puzzled TO ac-
count for the landing of 5000 japanese
troops at Posseit bay, as announced OIL
cially from Tlen- Tsin. This bay lies
directly on the eastern boundary between
Corea and the Russian maritime provinces.
Il is not believed that any Chinese troops
ara Ia the nsighborhood; the country is too
rugged and barren 70 warrant the plan OF
marching the troops overland clear across
Corea 20 join the army advancing on
Moukden, and It is considered inconceiv-
able that the japanese are preparing TO
resist possible advance 10y the Russian
troops in the north into Corea.
The purpose of the other movement re-
ported from Tien. Tsin of the reconnoiter-
Ing by the japanese feet of the Chinese
near Shan-Hai Kwan is much moro
reasonable and apparent. Shan Hal Kwan
lies on the boundary between the Chinese
provinces OF Manchuria and Chi-Li, at the
eastern end Of the great wall which
trayerses China. 1t is directly on the
railroad building from Tien-Tsin TO Mouk-
den and as the line is already in operation
between n and Tien Tsin, the town is
-
Difficulties TO Surmount.
Should tho Japanese succeed in reach.
ing Shan Hal Kwan there would be
nothing in the way of rapid advance
upon Pekin, the capital, ana unless the
Chinese resistance il more formidable
than it has been 50 far the march shSuld
be made i'm a week or 10 days
But it is believed here that a landing at
n ~ s..l
by the japanese, because of the conoen-
tration of Chinese troops on the coast, and
although the japanese fleet itself may be
able to enter the Gulf of Pechili II is be-
lieved the remainder of the Chinese fleet
at Port Arthur and the torpedo boats at
Wei-Hai-Wei will certainly make a de-
termined effort To prevent the passing of
transports carrying troops. AS the Chi
nese themselves discovered at the Yalu
river battle, 10 is one thing for a feet TO
act Independently and another to be en-
barrassed by transports
About Prince Kung.
Prince Kung, who has been recalled to
imperial favor in China and placed at the
head of the Tsung Lii Yamen of privy
council, Is said by diplomats here, who
have known him personally. TO be one of
the ablest aud most adroit statesmen in
the Chinese empire.
He has behind him a long record of dis
tinguished services, beginning in 1850 and
running till April, 1884. when he fell into
disgrace He was the founder of the
Tsung- Ii -Yamen; has broad knowledge
of foreign affairs. having himself acted as
minister of state for 30 years, and TO his
courage and energy in remaining in Pekin
In 1861, when the British occupied the
place and the imperial family fled, was
due the very existence of the reigning
dynasty.
In 1884 tho empress regent dismissed
him from Office in disgrace in her diocese,
asserting that probably on account of
broken health he became careless and had
neglected his duty He has since re-
covered, and while he is now i'm the six
ties he is a vigorous, alert man.
II is believed that he stands committed
to vigorous war policy, and will endeavor
10 force the fighting with the Japanese
instead Of following the Fabian policy of
Ia, who must give place to Kung in the
direction of affairs.