The herald., 1894-10-09
CHINESE JAPANESE WAR;
The Crisis in the Struggle
Very Near.
Climate an Important Factor
in the Fight.
The Japs Must Strike Quickly or
Retire.
Cold Weather VIII Make 1t Impossible
to Capture Pekin-Foreien Resi-.
dens Flesing Reported
Capture OF Chez Foo

By the Associ ated Press.
WAsHINGroN, Oct. S.-The crisis OF
the Chineee.Japanese war is looked for
within the next few days or two weeks
by those most interested and best in
formed in the contest. The legations of
the two countries are expecting daily to
hear that q decisive battle has been
fought. This is based on the fact that
ing in around Pekin and the
army is compelled by force Of
circumstances to strike their blow
once or not at all. The intense cold
which comes on about the middle o.
October makes this imperative. The
Japanese troops are wholly unprepared
for the rigorous climate about Pekin,
and which is due in about two weeks,
the climate of Japan being mild, even
in winter. The Chinese look on this as
one OF their defenses, and the Jspaness
fully appreciate that it compeis them to
concentrate their campaign for this year
into the next few weeks, and, if possi-
Bile, days. For that reason they are pre-
pared to make heroic efforts to decide
the contest at once. They are without
the heavy clothing, camp equipage. etc,
necessary for campaign in the bitter
cold.
FALsE REPORT.
The officials of the Japanese legation
do not hesitate to deny the statement
made in San Francisco by ]. s. Van
Buren,, agent OF the Pacific Steamship
company, that the private correspond
ence of American naval officers In Japan
is subject to government espionage.
They attribute its origin to club gossip.
In this connection it is pointed out
that Banctity OF personal correspondence CO
is go highly regarded in Japan that il is
guaranteed in the new constitution.
A similar report was afloat about the
time OF Minister Kuripo's arrival in thia
city and he sent card to one Of the
San Francisco papers pronouncing it
false.
HoBsoN's CHOICE.
Secretary Herbert is considering the
advisability OF detailing an officer Of the
navy to proceed to the Asiatic station
for the purpose of observing the opera
tions of the hostile fleets OF China and
Japan. Assistant Naval Constructor
r. 2. Hobson has volunteered bis ser.
vices, and if the department finally de-
cides to be represented, Mr.. Robson will
in all probability be chosen to 60.
CHINESE REVOLT.
LONDON. Oct. S.-A 6ispatch from
Shanghai says rumors are current there
that rebellion has broken out in the
district of Jehol, in the province of CHI
Lii. the object OF the rebellion being 81
overthrow the Manchu dynasty.
Ii HUNG SLAPPED sHENG's FACE.
A dispatch from Shanghai says Sheng,
the district magistrate of Tien Tsin,
whose disgrace and fight have already
been reported, had brought from Ger
many 800, 900 rifles. for W hich he paid two
taels each and charged the government
nine taels. He also bought large
quantity OF cartridges which were found
useless. Ii Hung Chang discovered
the fraud and summoned Sheng to him.
In the interview Ii Hung Chang is said
to have slapped Sheng's face. Sheng
later made application for leave of alb
sonce on the plea that he was i'll, and
the leave was granted.
The report of an instruction at Jehol,
the seat of one of the imperial palaces,
IL miles from Pekin, is apparently con-
frmcd.
STARTED FOR PEKiN.
A dispatch from Cnee Foo to the Pail
Mall Gazette this afternoon says the
British and Russian minister started for
Pekin yesterday. Ths object of their
mission is not known. All the women
and children belonging to foreigner
have left Pekin for places OF safety
AMERICAN RESIDENTS WARNED.
New York, Oct. 8.-A Shanghai di'
patch via London says: United State
Minister DENLY warned American resi-.
dents in Pekin that the city WAS sure
be attacked by Japanese, and advised
that the women and children be sent to
places OF safety. Already many of ths
wealthier natives are departing anc
many others are making preparations to
follow.
JAPANESE WARSHIPS,
TEN .TsrN, Oct. S.-The steamer Wen
chow reports having spoken seven jap
anese warships ON Sunday. Some were
10 miles aouth and others were northeast
OF the promoatory. Ths Japanese were
inquiring about the movements of the
Chinese southern squadron.
CHINESE MARAUDERs.
BERLIN, Oct. S.-The Cologne Gazette
correspondent at st. Petersburg tele-
graphs that for the purpose OF checking
the depredations of the Chinese
marNuders. the Russian government has
decided to send TO the frontier five bat
talions OF Siberian troops, two com.
panies of Cossacks and three batteries
of artillery, under the command OF
General Schen.
BATTLE IMMINENT.
YcKoaoMh, Oct. S.-Ihe advance
grard OF the Japsnese army has crossed
the Yalu river and formed new camp
A battle is believed imminent.
DISPATCH or FRENCH WAR HIPS.
PARIS, Oct. SIT is semi-otlicialiy aA,