Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1914-10-09
Stories From Orient Show That
German Defenders of Nao-
chau viii Long Hold Out

i Newspapers from the Orient arriy-
j ing here bring much interesting news
Of conditions at Tsingtau, Hongkong
and other ports. Following are some
Of the articles OF interest:
Conditions at Tsin9tau. IT.
| SHANGHAI. Aug. 26.-aOne OF the
latest arrivals from Tsingtau gives a
most interesting description Of condi-
tons prevailing in the German fort
ress, now that no foreigners remain.
The governor has announced that a
bombardment may be expected any
day this week,
1t is stated that there is a general
misconception regarding the strength.
OF the landward Notifications, the lat
tier having been somewhat unfavor-
ably compared with the batteries fac.
/ ing the sea. The defenders of Using,
tau are convinced that, barring acct
dents, there is little likelihood of the
city being taken before the close of
this year, notwithstanding the strength
of the force that may be brought
against 1t.
Apart from the four or five thousand
men Of the regular army within the
city, there are some fifteen hundred
reserves. The majority of the latter
are men of good birth ana education
and though suddenly removed from
the luxuries of Efo III Shanghai and
other places to the rigofs Of military
life in beleaguered town, are likely
to render an even better account Of
themselves than the ordinary soldier.
There is good feeling among all,
the men forming the garrison, but
more especially among the class re-
ferred to. The officers recognize this,
and allow good deal Of latitude as,
regards the messing together OF men,
from any particular far eastern COM
munity.
Bearing in mind this question OF SUI
perior education. there is the signifi.
cant fact that so great is the number
OF. non-commissioned officers among
the reserves that 1t has been found
necessary to form one or two compa-
MES from noRcolnmissioned officers
alone.
The comfort Of the coming fighters
has been we'll provided for, and all
though there can be no comparison be-
tween the amenities OF life in bar
racks and that to be found in the clubs
of Shanghai, the Ren seem to be con-
tented with their lot, Notwithstanding
the necessity OF sleeping eleven and
twelve IN q room uhprovided with mos
quito nets and electric fans. Although
uniforms, readymnde, do not always
tit what matter?
The soldiers manning the galleries
and classmates of the rock batteries
are the worst Off: damp and heat Isl
their portion. but not Q grumble Isl
heard.
The town Is reported to be plenti-
fully supplied with provisions, and
however prolonged the siege short
commons are not anticipated. Apart
from the large quantity of salt beef
which formed part Of the cargo of the
captured steamer Rjasan, many other
commodities were found beneath her
decks. Not the least among these was
over q thousand cases Of demons, the
result being that the price OF this
thirst quenchfne fruit has declined
from 20 to 2 cents apiece.
Very few offices remain omen. and
/ the hours of business for these are
circumscribed From the ataipans to
the junior clerk, all attend in uniform.
and get through what business Is to-
be done before the call Of military
service necessitates the CLOSING Of the
safe. desk ana typewriter, and adjourn
meht to the parade ground.
In view Of the ultimatum delivered
by Japan. all her subjects we're given
IS hours notice to quit. Practically
\ the only people remaining in the port
are Germans. all other nationaiities'
having departed. The foreign hongs
| are closed.
All summer visitors have paid their
bills and departed 10 more favored
, holiday resorts. The majority of the.
German lady residents were remain
| ing until Monday last week, but in.
view of the official proneuncement re-,
Z