The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-11-23
IN THEIR OWN TRAP.
Pride OF the Chinese Navy, tho chen Yuon,
Runs Onto a Torpedo and Is
Wrecked.
EXPLOSIVE WAS SET FOR JAPANESE.


Washington. Nov. 22.-The Chinese
have lost the most powerful vessel In
their navy the great battleshlp Chen
fucn, which stood the brunt OF the
lighting at Yalu. A cable received al
the navy department to-day states that
The Chen Yuen, In leaving Wei Hal Wei
harbor on the 18th instant, accidentally
struck torpedo. She was beached,
but was rendered useless for lack OF
docking facilities.
In despair at the catastrophe, the
commander, Commodore Lin. COM
mltted suicide.
IL was as well that he did, for he
would doubtless have been decapltated
as the result OF his error
IL Is believed here that this loss has
deprived the Chinese navy OF It's offen-
sive power There remains the Ting
Yuen. powerful battleship. and a few
lesser ironclads, but without the aid OF
the Chen Yuen, they would hardly dare
to make an offensive campaign. and
probably Will remain in port to assist
In the defense.
The departure OF the Chinese customs
chief for Japan Is regarded by officials
here as the result OF the Japanese de-
mand for direct offer from China. IL
Is supposed he was summoned 10 Pekln
TO confer with the government as 10
ways and means for raising money for
the war. and has been sent to Japan 10
arrange terms OF peace.
In accordance with the suggestion OF
Japan the state department has notified
Ministers Dun, at Toxic, and DENLY, at
Pekin, to transmit direct any offer that
China may wish TO make Japan. The
Chinese delegation here is not notified
as to what course its government will
take. The Associated Press cable from
Japan states, however, that China has
intlmated a willingness to pay an in
demnity of 100. 900, 900 taels, and In addi-
ton all the war expenses incurred by
Japan. As the war expenses reach 150,-
100000 taels, the total offer of China
would be b0,000000 taels. A tael is a
Chinese silver coin worth 75 cents at the
present exchange. II Is believed here
arrangements between the two nations
could be effected on terms providing for
a smaller indemnity
Diplomats say that under ordinary
circumstances II would take some time
for China to formally present its offer
10 Minister DENLY, but as the Japanese
renow at the walls OF PortArthur and
about to make last blow at China's
greatest fortress. IL is anticipated that
China may hurry negotiations TO a con-
clusion. IL Is expected Minister DENLY
will transmit an offer by telegraph 10
Tien Tsin and Shanghai, and thence by
cable to Yokohama.
The advance on Port Arthur is re-
garded as having an important bearing
on the peace negotiations. Lieut.. MI
yoka. naval attache of the Japanese
legation here. says the advance move
ment has been most cautions, as the
ground for forty miles around Port Ar
thur has been found fairly alive with
powder mines connected with electric
wires to Port Arthur
Three days ago the japanese were
within days march OF the fortress.
but II was necessary TO send ahead
small scouting party to pick route
away from the mines and electric wires.
The regular roads cannot be used for
the artillery. as II would be blown up,
and accordingly the big guns have had
TO be moved In circuitous routes
through the woods and morasses. II
was regarded as likely that this eau
tious march would have been COM
pleted to-day. and the Japanese lega-
tion Is hourly expecting word that the
decisive blow has been struck. though
a long siege may be necessary. as the
fortress has one of the strongest de-
fenses OF modern times.
1t is believed that Japan's success
would quickly close the peace negoti-
atiOuR, but that n rppulRp would imppl
China TO hold Off further.
Yokohama. Nov. 22.-The Chinese Pin
Yank squadron is reported to have
shelled the japanese troops marching
on Port Arthur. A desperate battle be-
tween the Chinese and japanese fleets
followed. The result is not known.
Hiroshima, Nov. 22.-It is reported
that China has intimated she will offer
to pay a war indemnity OF l0O000.000
taels and all the war expenses incurred
hV Iannn In addition