WAR BETWEEN CHINA AND JAPAN.

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I thought there was just one China-Japanese War - but apparently not - Taranaki Herald 3 August 1894

OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF WAR. LATE NAVAL ENGAGEMENT.

By Electric Telegraph — United Press Association Copyright — Received J/5/W— 12.30 p.m.

London, August 2. — The survivors of the Chinese transport Koushuug, including Captain Hannekin, a German military officer, declare that the Japanese cruiser Maniwah, boarded and ordered the Koushung to follow though it was pointed out the Japanese were warned that the British flag was flying. The troops on the transport threatened to kill the officers if the summons was obeyed, and Captain Hennekiu explained the position to the officers of she Japanese war ship. The latter took little heed of the explanation and signalled for those on board to quit the vessel. Finding the demand was not obeyed, the Maniwah fired a torpedo at the Kowshung with disastrous effect, and on the vessel sinking the machine guns were directed on to the troops struggling in the water. The Chinese troops fought heroically to the last, and even fired on the few of their comrades who attempted to escape from the Kowshung by swimming. It is alleged that the Japanese warship made no attempt whatever to save life. The Japanese official account is totally at variance to the above and declares that a treacherous attempt on the part of the Chinese cruiser Chingnen to torpedo the Maniwah that provoked the conflict. Japan has notified the Powers that war has been declared, and Lord Kimberley, Secretary of State of the British Foreign Office, has informed tho various embassies of the fact. Hong Kong, August 2. Nine Chinese transports with troops have left Chee-f oo for the Corea. Heavy guns are being mounted at the forts in Taku. It is believed that a European military officer is assisting the Chinese. A fight took place between a Chinese ironclad and a Japanese cruiser. Many on both sides were killed. Tho cruiser was crippled, but escaped in a waterlogged condition. The ownors of the Kawshung, through the British Foreign Office, have made a claim for damages against Japan. It is believed the incident will seriously complicate matters.
Reports from Shanghai state that the Chinese tamsports, fearing the Japanese fleet, have returned to Cheefoo. Britain and Russia will co-operate to secure peace, and all the Powers are moving in the same direction.
Shanghai August 2. — The Chinese. Miniitor leaves Tokio (Yeddo) to-morrow Thirteen warships have left Chefoo. Thero is a report here that eight Russian ironclad with troops on board have left Vladisostok with scaled orders. Twenty thousand Chinese troops have entered Corea by way of Manchuria. Tho Japanese lost two thousand killed in the attack on Ynchan