The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-11-08
SITUATION IN CHINA.
MASSACRE LIKELY TO EMBAR.
RASS NEGOTIATIONS IN
CHINA.
Apparently Imperialists Have Dis
carded control of Oniccrs-GOy-
ernment Continues Cancellation,

natives at Hankow by imperialist
troops, intelligence of which has
reached both the war board and the
German legation, may prove a serious
hindrance to the peace negotiations
which Yuan Shi Kai the new pre-
mier, has been endeavoring &c in
augurate with the rebel leaders.
The imperialists apparently have
got beyond control and further fight
ing is feared. In such case It Will be
difficult to protect the foreign con-
cessions, as they are divided from The
native city by streets only so Or 60
feet wide.
The exodus from Peking continues,
the doors Of many shops as we'll as
private houses being closed in antici-
patton Of a massacre.
The American missionaries who
have had conference with the
American legation have decided that
a few soldiers placed in each Of the
four large mission compounds would
suffice to prevent ordinary outlawry
and looting, which Is expected to be-
gin any night. But should there be
general outbreak all the others
could take refuge in the Methodist
mission. which Is just east Of the le-
cation quarter and easily defended.
The diplomatic body will meet to-
morrow to reconsider the question Of
allowing the Chinese troops to enter
Tien Tsin. consul there having
made serious objection.
An official dispatch from Shih Kia
Tan. Shan 81 province, says that a
regiment Of Shan 81 troops, which had
been dispatched to assist the impe-
rialists. has mutinied,
The mutineers killed their briga-
der general and then bombarded a
aMnchu city. massacering a thousand
Manchus. including the governor and
his family.
Letters dated October 2s and 80
from the Associated Press CORE.
spondent with the imperialist army
at Hankow say that in the struggle
for the possession Of the city there
was a hand to hand fighting in the
streets. the quarters being too close
for shooting The rebels. mostly raw
recruits, not understanding the use
OF rifles. were driven back with much
slaughter, their dead piling UP on the
quay. The casualties among the i'm
perialists for two days. October rs
and 20, were 80 killed and 1SO
wounded. The rebels lost about 700
killed or wounded.
1t Is learned that the most bar
barous outrages were pepetrated on
innocent persons in the villages, An
officer Of Yin Tchang's staff explained
that the outrages were committed by
only 40 men Of the Hupe division.
Prior to the opening of operati ,ns
on October 20, Gen. Yin Tchang told
the respective commanders that the
advance must be made and rewards
were offered to the soldiers for every
gun captured.
Gen. Wong Chou Yuen, command
ing the Third brigade, and Gen. Wong
Yih Chat. commanding the Fourth
DIVISION, stood bravely holding re-
volvers and shooting the soldiers who
refused to fight.
The governments plans for bring
ing about peace moved forward ran
Idly today with the throne and the
national assembly working together.
The throne ordered Yuan Shi Kai.
the new premier, to return imme-
diately to Peking and simultaneously
the national assembly in it's official ca =
pactiy telegraphed Gen. Ii Yuan
Heng, leader of the revolutionists
requesting him to suspend hostilities
pending the result Of an endeavor TO
settle the differences Of all parties.
Prince Ching, the old premier, the
only high Manchu official left in the
capital, has agreed to memoriaIize
the throne with the following sug-
gestions:
F1rst-That all laws opposed to
constitutional methods be annulIad
Immediately.
Second-That the election OF mem-
bers OF parliament be undertaken
without delay.
lhiro-Ihat the provisional assem-
biies throughout the empire be grant
ed coordinate authority with the
provincial administrative official.
Fourth--That a formal proclama-
ton be issued annOuncipe, tho. ~,