Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-01-12
THE VITAL SPOT.
Count Ito Says Next Blow viii
Be Struck at Pekin.
Chinese Making Preparations for De-
fence of Their Capital.
First and Second Japanese Divisions Pushing
On Toward That City.

Victoria, B. c., Jan. l1.-Tokio advices
to Dee 81, per steamer Tacoma. say: The
Japanese Dict opened, today, with an en-
tire absence of excitement and only a
limited attendance. Count Ito, minister
president, attended and read the Imperial
rescript:
The first and second army divisions are
pushing on toward pekin, meeting with
n stubborn resistance as they proceed.
The third division has landed ON Man
churian soil and has taken part in several
engagements in which the Chinese con
Quoted themselves with great valor
Preparations are rapidly advancing for
the defence of Pckin, and every Indication
is that the next blow of the war will be
struck at this the one vital spot of the
Chinese empire.
A report received from Lieut.. Gen.
NodZu at AnGon, dispatched by telegraph,
Dec %, says that Gen. Sung, who was at
Kai Hing since Dee. Is, making move
mcnts in the vicinity of Kai Chang Tun
and Link Vuu, in front of the japanese
encampmcnts, is apparently to make a re
treat to Liaoyong. With the purpose to
obstruct the movements and to drive the
army under Gen. Sung 20 the northwest,
the army under Maj. Gen. OShima was
dispatched To Lee ko Shan, Dec sand the
army under Major Gen Oscko to Ia Chu
Tun.
The army under Mai. Gen. Oscllo came
into collision with the enemy between ko
Ga Sal and IA Nah Ma and IA Kah Ga
The corps under Mai Gen. Oshima and the
reserve corps entered into the engagement
After an obstinate resistance the enemy
fell back on Wing Kin and To the west
The casualties on both sides were not
aSccrtaincd.
According to n report by scouts there
are 90 600 of the enemy and two cannon
at Liza Yang, and 1900 between Hal
Chang and Liaoyong. The number of
enemy routed by the third division was
over 10 coo men. Later adviccs say that
the number of japanese casualties in this
fight was about 200 killed and wounded
Five battalions of infantry of thu third
division and 30 field guns took part in the
action.
a telegram from Hiroshima states that
owing to the report Wadc by Major Gen
eral Hannockcn to Tsung Ii Yamcn, Gov
ernor Tel was deprived of honorary rank
after being roprimandcd.
IO-Nln hcn mas given an order IN
Shanghai for a supply of 30, goo rifles
100, 600 piculs of rice, -, 600 suits of win
ter uniforms and clothing for the same
number Of new lcvics.
The imperial message for the recall Of
Count Iamagata, given out by Lieut.. Col.
Nakamoura, the chamberlain, is in the
following tcrmas: I'VE have not had the
pleasure of seeing you for long time and
feel greatly concerned TO hear that you are
suffering from illness. We desire to hear
of the general condition of the enemy
from you personally. You are therefore
desired to return at once and make report
to US. "
A telegram from Shanghai says: The
japanese army occupied IA Hing, Dec.
Is. Gen Sung and other Chinese officers
and soldiers made a prccipitate retreat to
Wing King. The latter town is now in great
confusion Foreigners ut ka Hing made
their escape to Chin Chow.
Lieut.. Col. Fukushina was ordered to
act as president of the civil administration
Office at Antung instead of Mr.. Komora,
who was ordered to return Tho latter was
to be granted an audience with the EN-
peror, Jan. 2, and to return to Toy Yo
the next day,