The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-03-26
MINNESOTAN WITH
CHINESE BANDITS
FORMER DULUTH MAN WRITES
FROM MANCHURIA.
r. J. Mackenzie Says Foreigners Are
Safe on Border, and Tells Of Depre-
dations of Lawless Band Left Idle at
Close of Russo Japanese War.
Special to The Journal.

Special to The Journal
Duluth Mimi, March &c. NJ. Mackenzie,
a we'll known mining man of this city, has re-
ceived copy of the China Times of Feb. 10.
published in English. at Tientsin, from his
brother, R. ]. Mackenzie who is superintendent
of the Nanpioo mines In China for the British
and Chinese corpora ton, containing some inter
esting experiences and observations by him GU
the Chilli Manchuran border. r. j. Macken-
zie is we'll known III mining circles in the Lake
Superior region. He left Negaunee for China
year ago. and previously was engaged at ex-
ploratory work on the Mesaba and Marquette
ranges. '
The article in the China Times says in part:
..Mr Mackenzie has returned from the Nam
pioo mines. where he has been for the past nine
ten months, and has had some lively and
interesting experiences on account or the actiV-
ity Of the Hunghutze bands in the neighbor-
hood of the mines and also of the imperial
/ troops sent to suppress them.
Brigands outwit Troops.
THE district is constantly infested with local
brigands, but since the beginning of the present
year Hunghutze bands which had previously
been in the service of the japanese and had been
disbanded, made their appearance They were
unden the command of one Colonel Yuan, a chief
of considerable ability, who seems able to outwit
the Chinese sent to oppose him.
During the Chinese new year holidays 5000
Chinese troops sent to the district and these
| surrounded the brigands several times. but the
Hunghutze bands invariably succeeded in finding
! a way out, the mountainous contour of the
! country helping them. They are well armed
and have plenty of ammunition and are well
! hersed. 80
THE viceroy, Yuan Shih Kai, this week sent
| up 5000 troops to Chin Chow, and while the
troops We're in the act of Getraining. it was
| reported that the brigands were only 100 yards
away. having just looted the whole station.
''.In the vicinity of the Nanpioo mines there
are now 10000 to 10000 troops, cavalry and In
! fantry.
! Chinese Colonel Killed.
| 'Just before the new year holidays clash
| occurred between the troops and the brigands as
| a result of the soldiers firing on the brigands
| while Colonel Yuan about to interview one
of the officers in command of the imperial troops
The HunghutZes returned the fire. and made the
soldiers run. The Chinese colonel was followed
by Colonel Yuan. The former threw away his
weapons and begged for his life. Colonel Yuan,
| however told him he dirty dog for hav-
ing tried to draw him into trap and anything
but a brave man, and thereupon killed the Of
fcer with his own hand. The fighting that
| ensued lasted three days. and Chinese officers
and soldiers. fifty in all. were killed
| Mr.. Mackenzie says that foreigner Is usually
safe in the presence Of the Hunghutze brigands
| On one occasion he had to pass thru both bodies
while they were skirmishng, and was not mo-
Tested by the brigands. but he did have trouble
in getting thru the Chinese troops. i
i 1t is the belief Of the foreigners that the
s,Ippr of the brigands will be a long and
difficult task. for the brigands are too clever for
the imperial troops. Mr. Mackenzie says that
the Hunghutze bands composed of the unem-
ployed of the country, who take to looting as a
means of subsistence. He says that IL they
could be given employment the district would
soon be comparatively free from trouble. The
Hunghutze accepted employ ment both from the
Russians and the japanese during the late war
| and are idle.