Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1877-07-28
A REMARKABLE CONFLICT.

NEMAWAAUNU NVNG AlSls
4 Turkish SimUboRt on the DanWbe Attacked
by -Four Russian Torpedo n0nts-'Th,
skill, and Ceslness of the Turkish Com
mWader,
An officer of the Turkish navy has dis
covered that the most effective way Il
beat off IN enemys torpedo boats from
IN iron-clad is TO uso torpcdoes agains
them. The Russians became aware o.
this new plan Of their enemies upoI
attempting to destroy II Turkish monitor
stationed near whore IA, Aluta riyel
flows into the Danube. II was while
their troops were crossing the Danube,
and rs the monitor had been causing
them much annoyance by constantly
Smelling their batteries and destroying
their boats, it was deemed necessary to
drive away the too active monster lest
she should inAict infinitely greater
damage by destroying the only bridge
across the river. A correspondent Of the
London Neps describes the conflict
which followed. The Russians built -four
torpedo boats, and their crews put the
boats in ambush behind m island When
the monitor came steaming along out, the
torpedo boats dashed upon her. To the
surprise of the Russians, the Turkish
sailors exhibited none OF that confusion
which usually characterizes them upon
the sudden appearance of an enemy's
vessel. Evidently they had II trained and
cool commander. The crew quickly pre-
pared the vessel for action, and then de-
Tended her with bravery and skill that
won the admiration of the Russians.
Her commander began his defense by
thrusting out from the monitor torpedoes
on the ends of long spears, thus threat
ening the boats with the danger of being
blown into the mir first; at the same time
opening terrific fire ON them with
small arms and mitrailleuse. Hemore-
over Unanswered his boat in very
skillful manner, and with such dexterity
that with the torpeloes protecting the
monitor the Russian boats were unable
to approach near enough to it to dis
charge their torpedoes. He besides tried
to run the boats down, and nearly sue
ceeded in doing so. The cause of this
magnificent defense was soon apparent.
The commander of the monitor was an
European-the Russians thought him to
he an Englishman; tall man, with long
blonde beard. He stood on the deck of
the monitor with his hands in his pock-
cts, giving his orders in the coolest man
ner. The commanders of the torpedo
boats continued their attempts to destroy
the monitor for over IN hour, fitting
round the monitor and constantly seeking
to get at her, but without success. The
monitor was equally active in trying to
run them down; avoiding collision by
quick movements, backing and advance
ing, turning, and blowing the water into
foam as she pursued or avoided her tiny
antagonists-a lion attacked by rat.
At one time torpedo boat found itself
between the monitor and the shore. The
monitor instantly began backing down
upon the boat with the intention of
crushing it against the bank. just ct
this moment the engineer of the launch
was wounded. There was some delay in
starting the engines, while the current
carried her head around in such posi-
ton as to make escape apparently i'm
possible. One of the crew sprang out
into the shallow water and pushed the
boat, and ut the same moment the engines
were started. The boat scraped the
monitor, but escaped Meantime
Russian officer had sprang ashore, and
had emptied his revolver, firing at the
exposed captain of the monitor. The
captain finally took off his hat and
bowed, evidently not having been struck
by bullet. Later, however, the gallant
man seems to have been killed or wound
ed, for he suddenly disappeared from the
deck. The monitor then retired pre-
from the action. The Rus.
sian loss was only four OF five wounded
men.