The Washington herald., 1917-07-07
BATTLE RAGING
AMONG Chinese.
Fighting for Pekin--Fung
Kuck Chung Elected
Temporary President.

Peking, July 6.-First blood in the
struggle of the republic against the
return OF monarchial autocracy was
drawn today. Thirty-five miles to the
southwest of this strife-ridden cap
ital. q fierce battle began between
troops OF the self-appointed dictator.
Gen. Chang Hsun and republican
forces, at Langfang. All preliminary
reports from the scene of fighting
agree that the monarchial forces are
decidedly in the minority. Some say
they are outnumbered four to one.
Meanwhile Pekin is in the grip OF
fear and rumor. From the camp Of
the Imperialists comes the report that
as soon as Chang Hsun realizes the
futility of the fight he will come here
and sack the capital.
The foreign colonies here are in
panic. The various legations are be-
sieged by anxious crowds but the min
listers have little consolation to offer.
Everything is in state OF un-
certainty bordering on absolute chaos.
San Francisco, Cal, July 6.-Fung
Kuck Chung. vice president Of the
Chinese republic. was elected tempo
rary president of the Republican at a
meeting today of the military dicta-
tors Of the provinces fighting for the
restoration OF the monarchy. accord
ing to cable advices received by the
Chinese World here today.
Another cable report stated that the
troops from Canton province are
marching toward Pekin today while
the Emperor Husan Tung has issued
a proclamation calling for a great pub
lie celebration July 19 in honor Of the
restoration OF the Manchus to power.
Tien Tsin, July 6.-Fighting for the
possession of Pekin has opened be-
tween the imperial and republican
troops. Word was received here to-
day that the first clash occurred on
Thursday at Lang Fang. thirty-fve
miles southeast OF the capital
Thousands of Chinese and other resi-
dents are fleeing from Pekin fearing
fighting in the city.
A great battle between the repub-
lican and imperial armies is imminent
at Pekin.
Fifty republican troops are converg-
ing upon the capital from the north
and south. Twenty thousand of them,
under command of Tuan Chi-Jui. the
former premier. are between this city
and Pekin, marching southwark.
Thirty others are moving northward
rlong the Hankow Railway. This lat
ter army is under command Of Gen.
Feng Kwa-Chang.
Army of $4,000.
The imperial army in Pckin under
Gen. Chang Hsun numbers only 30,OOo
men, but they are picked troops and
are well equipped. Gen. Chang Hsun
has artillery and preparations are be-
ing made to make desperate de-
fense of the capital.
The Manchu restoration appears to
be tottering, but the military chiefs
supporting it promise a stern fight be-
fore they give up.
'Cltimatums are pouring in upon Gen.
Chang Hsun from various military
governors demanding the evacuation
Of Pekin by his army.
Tuan Chi-Jui sent such a demand
promising lenient treatment if Gen.
Chang Hsun's army would lay down
its arms and leave the capital
Hope was expressed today that the
imperial soldiers would quickly sur
render when they learned the great
strength of the republican forces. 1t
was believed that Gen. Chang Hsun
had deceived his troops as to the real
size of the opposing army.