On Wednesday Admiral Sa Cheng-ping apparently began to disembark his
troops, which were immediately attacked by a force of some 2,000 rebels. The latter succeeded in driving back the enemy for some time, after which, however, they were obliged to retire for want of ammunition. On Sunday an edict was issued at Peking recalling Yuan Shih-kai from his retire- ment, appointing him Viceroy of Hunan and Hupeh, and ordering him to assist in quelling the rebellion. It will be remembered that Yuan Sbih-kai was Viceroy of Chi-li at the accession of the present Emperor, but was ignominiously dis- missed from his post at the beginning of 1909 on account of his leanings towards the reform movement. It was at first rumoured that he had refused his new appointment, but it was officially stated in Peking on Wednesday that he had definitely accepted it, after making conditions as to the troops to be placed under his command. Friday's news adds little to our know ledge, but in all probability the fighting at Hankau will be renewed before these pages are in our readers' hands. If the rebels are not beaten quickly the position of the Manchus will be critical in the extreme. It is with them a case of now or never.
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