Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1894-10-24
JAPS ARE DRIVEN BACK.
Unsuccessful Attempt to Garry the
Works of the Enemy on
Yalu River.

London, Oct ga dispatch received
here from Shanghai today says that ac-
cording to Chinese advices severe bat
tie has been fought on the lower portion
OF the Yalu river. The Japanese are said
to have crossed the river and TO have at
tackled the Chinese. but it is reported
that after fierce fighting the Japanese
were repulsed Both sides are said to
have lost heavily. The Chinese do not
claim conclusive victory. but they de-
clare that they still maintain their posi-
ton. No confirmation of this dispatch
is obtainable, but it is thought proba bic
that fighting has actually occurred.
Yokohama, via San Francisco Cal,
Oct. 2O-Some particulars of the naval
fight at the mouth of the Yalu river
on September 16 have not been given I'M
til now. Twelve Japanese and fourteen
Chinese warships and six Chinese tor
pedO boats were engaged. Both lines
maintained their position steadily for an
hour, when the Chinese showed signs of
wavering. Three of their ships, either
by accident or design. had for some time
been made special objects of attack, and
although they contended vigorously to the
last they were sunk, one after another,
the crews climbing into the rigging and
signaling wildly for help to their COM
panions and assailantS These were the
L
As soon as they were disposed of the
foremost Japanese ships directed their
assaults against the immense German
built vessels at the head of the Chinese
column. for long time without effect
on the heavy steel plates which protect
ed them At last. however, a lucky
shell struck the Ting Yuen a little above
the water and seemed to the Japanese
observers to pierce the armor through
and through. Whatever her condition
was. she succeeded in inficting heavy
punishment upon her chief adversary
The Matsushima was struck by the two
12-inch shells. the first of which upset
and battered out of shape one Of her
guns while the second exploded an am
munition box, dealing dreadful havoc
among the crew and setting fire which
was subsequently, with great difficulty,
put out. In consequence of these mis-
haps the Matsushima withdrew from the
scene and moved toward TaitCng, Ad-
miral Ito transferring his flag to the
Hashidate.
Meanwhile three other Japanese yes
sells had undergone extremely rough
treatment. The SaikiO, which Niscount
Kabayama persisted in keeping in the
thickest of the fight, notwithstanding her
obvious unsuitability for such duty, lost
control of her rudder and found herself
in much closer proximity than was de-
SRA BILE to the Ting Yuen and Chen Yuen.
went by, but without avail. The Hayei
having been unable by reason Of her
slowness to keep pace with the rest of
the feet, became a conspicuous object to
the Chinese and was so deluged with
missiles that she was set on fire before
the afternoon was half over. When she
had lost twenty killed and three wound
ed, she fell out of line and returned to-
ward Taitong. But meeting a transport
on the way, she obtained assistance in
quenchng the flames and handed over
the wounded and returned with all the
speed she could make, not waiting for a
doctor, to take up her work where she
had left off In this hope she was disap-
pointed, for the enemy had flown and
the battle was over.
About the time Admiral Ito left the
Matsushima the disorder in the Chinese
fleet plainly indicated that the contest
could not be prolonged on either side.
Three ships had been sunk and a fourth,
the Yang Wei had been half destroyed
and abandoned. Besides the Ling 1uen
was on fire and the entire force was
thoroughly demoralzed. A little later,
after o'clock the flagship took the lead
in retreat toward the home stations.