The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-03

equal to that or the first or the japanese
with SUCH a aiacrity that the fugitives were
all overtaken. within two hours. Some were
run down and sunk, others disabled Dy rapid
firing guns and the remainder driven INTO
the bay TO the east of Che-F'oo where most
of them surrendered. A few ran ashore and
powerless for further mischief before the
pursuers returned to their duty at Wei
The situation of the defenders was now
pitiable indeed. An incessant cannonade was
directed at them from the heights where
planted and the places where they found
shelter in the early days of combat no longer
were less liable to be slaughtered than
those on board the ships. but even their
ranks were gradually thinned, while their
efforts at retaliation were wholly ineffective.
Though they would. perhaps, have fought
desperately to the end in a hand to hand
conflict, their energies appeared to sink as
their destiny was seen to be inevitable. On
the 9th of February considerable activity
was displayed. Two of the ships endeavored
to dislodge. inconvient battery on the
western headland, but from that date the
energy of the Chinese steadily diminished.
On the 18th formal offer Of surrender
was sent under flag of truce, the admiral
disposal on condition that the lives of all
who served him, especially the foreigners,
ensured Pc by the se.o the -
opinion being that il he could no longer
hold out he should have found means to
destroy the valuable property in his control
instead of giving 1t UP to the conquerors:
His terms, however, were promptly agreed
to. and on the following day the Japanese
began the work of taking over the four
large ships left IN serviceable condition,
iery 81 the f forts and stores ESQ., Of ammunition
and food. The Chen-Yuen is much hurt.
but can be repaired. There are hopes indeed,
that the Ting-Yuen and few others may
be raised and successfully fioated
However viewed. the result is of prodi-
question of Admiral Ting's future is curl
onsly debated. That he can never return
Japan would undoubtedly give him refuge,
and it is probable he may end his days as
claimed himself able to master with no
other force than that of his now defeated
fleet.
The losses of the Japanese throughout the
campaign have been slight, the severest
casualties having been those of the torpedo
be adjusted for several days. OF the Chinese
losses scarcely any details yet known.
is restored at Wei-Hai-Wei and the military
situation in Ching Kang becomes quieter
may proceed to China and establish his
headguarters in some fortress recently cap
of the report can, however. be obtained.
THE PEACE CONFERENCE FIASCO.
The Japanese government has published
series of documents exposing the pre-
lenses of the Chinese peace ENJOYS and ex-
planning the attitude and action of the COM
missioners appointed to receive them. The
first paper of Importance is the decree APP
pointing Count Ito and vscount Nutou as
representatives of the Emperor of Japan
and investing them with full power, in
strict accordance with the usage of civil
lied nations. Following this is the man.
date of the Emperor of China to his agents,
Chang and Shao, which was submitted at
Hiroshima in evidence of the position held
etine the ana alser ee
sengers, proceeds thus y gu are appoint
ed psnpoten tie IN Japan pan; You will
Lii Yamen, and will then receive our COM
mands. which you will obey The officials
| troll. Be dfligent and faithful in fulfillment
Of your trust. Respect this as our special
command
1t has been recorded that on discovering
the imperfect character Of the Chinese cre-
dentials the Japanese commission called a
| formed that no negotiations could be per-
mitted on the uncertain basis of their, in
| by Count Ito is included in the papers now
| going forth. 1t discIaims all responsibility
stion of affairs. ard expresses regret that
China should have pursued course which,
dfsapproved BY the great body of nations
Count Ito refers TO the numerous occa-
| acts of her diplomatic agents, and states
that. in consequence of these notorious
violations of good faith. it had been stipu--
lated that embassy would be received
at Hiroshima unless provided with COM
plete authorization to arrange the terms of
| peace. The Chinese government had prom
| Used absolute compliance with Japan's de-
mand. and given positive assurance that the
ambassadors held full powers. Notwith-
standing this pledge, the imperial letter of
instructions conferred no power whatever,
except that Of n reporting to the Tsung Il
might say. Under these circumstances it
would be impossible to enter into negotia-
| tions. But if China should hereafter prove
her sincere desire for peace by deputing
| sponsib.e officials and investing them with
genuine authority, the question might be
| opened one way.
Having spoken in this spirit t., at some
memorandum last Of the documents
| published-caling attention to the earnest
ness with which Japan had insisted
| in Toxic and Picking that the embassy
| should have ample powers; to the obvious
inadequacy of the credentials brought by
| Chang and Shao, and to the impossibilty
1 of holding conferences with embassy
| destitute of first requisites of their assumed
| position.
! The Chinese party, including Mr.. Foster.
sailed from Nagasaki for China on Feb II,
| by a French mail steamer. The anticipa-
| tion that negotiations will soon be reopened
in earnest app ears to be justified. first. by
the circumstances that the American adviser
| continues in Chinese service and still more
| strongly in the crushing defeat at Wei
| The Empress of Japan has ordered that
| artificial arms and legs be supplied at her
| bers. either in battle or through exposure
to frosts. Chinese prisoners brought to
| Japan who have similarly suffered are in
cluded in her bounty.
| In consequence of urgent representations
! by Count Inonye the Corean government
| has ordered the abolition of all forms of
| torture and proclaimed that hanging shall
hereafter be the sole method of capital
| punishment for ordinary criminals and
/ shooting for those condemned by martial
law.
| The two American adventures, Wild and
| HOWE, who pledged what they called their
honor that they would not proceed to
1 China in fulillment OF their engagements
| to supply materials for the destruction of
| the Japanese navy. and were released from
| jail by the Japanese government, said
| to be in high favor with Ii Hung Chang
| The ex-Viceroy has expressed great salts
| faction with the result of some of their
| experiments, and it is reported that GER
| tain deadly explosives used by Admiral
| Ting's ships at Wei-Hai-Wei were of their
| fabrication
| HOW THE STORY STARTED.