The record-union., 1894-10-05
Correspondence of the Associated Press.I

ablaze with enthusiasm over the victory
at Ping Yang. There is good ground for
rejoicing, but 1t was the first really i'm
portant action on land, and all the condi-
tions of success appear to have been thor
oughly achieved. The sole Chinese army
in Corea has ceased to exist. Allowing
for exaggerations, it must have mum bered
10000, and probably exceeded that figure.
The opposing force actually engaged is
estimated by the best authorities at from
1900 to $4,000. The entire Japanese
party in the peninsula was undoubtedly
much larger, but strong detachments
were required to hold the open ports and
to guard the communications throughout
the country. 1t is almost certain that the
main column. which marched northward
from Seoul during the month of August,
did not include more than 10000 men
and the chief thanking movement from
Iensan was executed by only few thou
sand. The present indications are that
the opposing parties were not very tar
from equal. All of the advantages OF po-
sition, however, were with the Chinese.
The walled city which they occupied
stands on the slope OF a hill, which the
assaiIants were obliged to ascend for some
distance before reaching the gates. At
the foot of this hill runs broad and
rapid river. wholly unprovided with
bridges suitable for the passage of an
army. For not less than six weeks the
Chinese had been in possession OF the
ground, and free to strengthen their de-
lenses TO the utmost eX tent. Yet it is evil
dent that nothing substantial was done to
retard the onslaught OF their enemies.
No preparations for battle were anywhere
visible when the advancing Japanese
in icrbt nf q 1T 4 l.
though reports of desperate fighting are
telegraphed from the field, the contest
cannot possibly have been severe one.
The losses on the Japanese side are not
reckoned above few hundred killed and
wounded and full returns will hardly
swell the list to 1000. What the Chinese
suffered is not yet known. The majority
are understood to be captured. Consider
able bodies escaped IN disorder to the
northern provinces, and we have yet 10
learn the result of the expedition sent in
pursuit.
themselves not so much upon triumph
OF Valor as upon admirable Stragetic COM
binatiOnS, which enabled them TO concen
trate all their forces simultaneously on
the point of assault, and thus deprive
their toe of every chance of effective re-
SiStance. 1t was conflict in which fine
organization and discipline contended
against utter lack OF system and order.
The campaign was planned in Toxic and
executed with strict fidelity by q group
OF the most skillful and trusted military
leaders of Japan. Most Of the prelimi
nary steps were taken under the direc-
tion of Major Generals Oshima and Tat
sunni, who had been in Corea from the
beginning OF hostillties. At later date
Lieutenant General \ ozu tool. chief COM
nand and led the principal column north
ward to cross the Iia-Iong at several
~ oil Yln Ec,1 1o,,I
from Ping Yang.
About the Ist of September Major Gen
eral Osek, was sent from Japan to Gensan
with smaller force, the greater part of
which marched southwestward 10 join
the attack from that direction. Connec-
tion was made on SeptenD Der 18th, and
the assault began on the 10Th. On the
morning of the 10Th the city was taken.
-Four Chinese Generals surrendered, the
chief of whom was Tso Pack wei, Com
mandant at Moukden, with all the troops
they could control, the entire store of
arms and ammunition, and an amount of
treasure variously estimated at from
500, 900 to 500, 600.
ON September 10th, when the excite
ment caused by this victory was still at
its hight. news was received in Toxic Of
brilliant naval success In COrean waters.
At point thirty-fye miles northwest OF
Hal Yang IOa the Japanese and Chinese
fleets met the latter consisting of eleven
men-of-war and six torpedo boats. After
an engagement of some hours the Chi
nese fled, leaving four ships sunk and
one burned; the latter is said to have
been destroyed by her own crew. The
accounts are, however, extremely mea-
ger, and no particulars but the above are
yet disclosed.
The japanese Emperor's progress from
Toxic to Hiroshima. where he will re-
main for the present to supervise the
L
the occasion for unprecedented displays
of loyal enthusiasm. Every station at
which his train stopped was thronged
with excited spectators, whose cries OF
greeting sounded strangely in the ears OF
those who remember The days when the
imperial presence was surrounded with
mystery and silent awe.
Twenty-Five years ago the sovereign of
Japan could not be looked upon by MS
people. When he passed all heads were
bowed and all bodies prostrated. His
name could not be uttered by the mass OF
the subjects. Now be comes aud goes in
plain sight, listens with obvious pleasure
to acclamations OF the populace, and turns
his countenance III response TO every
demonstration. The iast-named nnova-
ton was never observed until his passage
through the streets of the Capitol on Sep
tember 18TH and the same e signs of recogni-
tion were repeated all along his westward
route as often as opportunity presented
itself The Emperor arrived at his destin-
alton on the 18th, just before the news oi
the victory in Corea was received. He
Immediately ordered that the following
message be telegraphed to the scene OF
conflict:
1--WE are rejoiced to receive intelligence
Immediately after arrival at heidouar-
ters, that our army has gained a great
victory at Ping Yang. We appreciate the
ability shown by our officers and soldiers
and applaud the signal success they have
achieved"
a similar dispatch was sent by the
Empress, who also gave instructions the
next day that present of one yen should
be given in her name TO each commits
stoned officer engaged in the campaigu
fifty sen TO each non-cOmmissioned oiii-
GER and twenty live sen to each private
throughout the army, TO be expended il
refreshments.
The applications for the japanese wal
bonds have exceeded the total of70,000, ,00l
yen. much more than double the amount
called for. The account made up SepIem-
ber 18th shows subscription list OF 49,.
OO0.000 yen. The highest bid made al
offer of 20 per cent. premium. Eighty
million yen were asked Tor at an average
of 6 per cent. premium, and s., 900, 90,
ven at par. Contrary TO expectations
the fioating of the loan did NOS per
ceptibJy affect the money market. NJ
heavy drafts have been made upon til,
banks. and it Is now supposed that 9 large
norton of the money required will come
from provincial boards, hitherto lyins
idle.
In expectation of an excessive demant
for silver coin in Corea, the Japanes
mint is exceeding its ordinary issue ant
produces about 10000 l-yen pieces eacl
dav. Twenty million dollars worth o
rx, In ~,