The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-17
LAST EDITION
War IN THE EAST
Japanese Won a Decisive
Victory at Ping Yang.

Bu The Associated PfeS.
WASHINGTON, Sept. ia telegram has
been received at the Japanese legation
between the Japanese and Chinese forces
took place at Ping Yang, near the
northern frontier of Cores on
the 18th instant, aud resulted in q
decisive victory for the Japanese. The
officials of the legation state that 1t is the
first official intelligence received at the
legation with regard to the fighting in
Northern Corea. On that account they re-
gard IL as important since 1t contains the
only authorized statement OF what has
really happened in Northern Corca.
Battle at Daybreak.
By The Associated Press
LONDON, Sept. IA dispatch received
from Seoul, dated yesterday, says that
during the evening OF Thursday last
Japanese column from Pung San made
of the Chinese forts and ascer-
timing accurately their position
ihIs done, the Japanese fell back in
good order with little loss. On Friday
night, the dispatch adds, all the Japanese
forces were in position for q combined at
tack. One column was threatening the
Chinese left flank, another faced the
Chinese center and third was operating
on the Chinese right. The latter column
had been reinforced before by detach-
ment Of marines and blue jackets from the
feet stationed at the mouth of tho Ia
Tong River. The Chinese utilized their
old defences at Ping Yang aud threw up
new works with the result that their posi-
tion was exceptionally strong. The bat
tie opened on Saturday at daybreak with
direct cannonade upon the
Chinese works and their fire was contin-
ued without cessation until afternoon.
The Chinese fought at their guns well,
replying effectively TO the Japanese fire.
At 2 d. IN. body of Japanese infan-
try was thrown forward in skirmish
order end kept up rifle fro upon the
enemy until dusk. All the fighting during
the day was done against the Chinese ccn-
ters.
The Chinese defenses suffered exceed
iugiy from the japanese IRE but 1t IL
doubtful IL the losses on either side were
great, as the troops took every advantage
possible of the shelter which the earth
works afforded them. The flank attack
upon the Chinese position did not de-
velop any'materisl advantage during the
day although the Japanese gained some ad-
vancad positions. The firing wss contin-
ued at intervals throughout the night. In
the meantime the two fiarking columns
OF Japanese drew Gordon around the
Chinese troops and at 3 o'clock In the
morning the Japanese attack began sim-
ultaneously and with admirable precision.
The Chinese lines which were strong in
front were found to be weak In the rear
and the Chinese, utterly unsuspicious OF
the Japanese attack from that quartes,
were taken completely By sur
were cut down and bayonesed
by the hundreds. so well was the Japan
ese attack directed that the Chinese were
surrounded at every point and eventually
sought safety in fight. Defending the en-
trenchments, however, We're some picked
I~if laA hxx Esrrn
These soldiers made determined stand
to the last and were cut down to man.
The Pung San column, Swarming over the
damaged defenses OF the Chinese front,
completed the rout OF the Chinese and
the whole OF the latter's position was cap
tured by the troops Of the Mikado.
Some idea Of the manner in which tho
Japanese attack was delivered may be
Judged from the fact that one half an
hour after the early morning attack COM
menced the strongly defended position of
Ping Yang was in the hands OF Japanese
troops.
1t is believed that the Chinese position
at Ping Yang was defended by 1000
Chinese, of whom only q few succeeded
in escaping. The Japanese victory was
brilliant and complete. An immense
amount of provisions, arms, ammunition
and other stores, in addition to
syndfss sg tss Jsp.uess nss in sse Chinese
camps and entrenchments. 1t is estimate
ed that the Chinese lost $1,000 men in
killed, wounded and prisoners. Among
the captured Chinese are several OF the
most prominent commanding officers in
the Chinese troops in Corea. Only
ers succeeded escaping. The
japanese loss was trifiing when
compared with that of the Chinese, only
80 Japanese killed and go wounded.
Eleven Japanese officers are included in
this number, and the loss of the Japanese
was incurred mainly during the first days
fighting.
Among the Chinese commanders taken
prisoner was General Tse Genkwai, the
commander in chief OF the Manchurian
army, who was badly wounded. The loss
of Japanese during the night attack was
very small, due to the fact that the Chinese
taken by surprise became panic stricken,
threw away their arms and fled.
The Japanese, when this dispatch was
received, were in active pursuit OF the
enemy and nearly all of the latter were
without arms. They will Undoubtedly
surrender as soon as the japanese overtake
them.
The Japs In Full Possession.
SO far as the active operations in corea
are concerned the war Is practically at an
end for a long time TO come and the main
land OF Corea may be said to be com
pletely ia the hands of the Japanese.
The Coreans who have shown sympathy
for the Chinese and few detached
bands of Chinese troops may continue .
guerilla warfare for some time TO come,
but until China succeeds I'm getting an
OF her army to Corea that country Will re-
main in the undisturbed possession OF
Japan. And. in view OF previous reports
received as to the terrible condition OF the
roads i'm the north aud the utter
impossbility OF moving guns ana
supplies southwark, IL Il not
likely that there will be any moro lighting
OF Importance in Corea during the present
yesr. The japanese are naturally highly
elated over their victory and Il Is hoped
that 10 NAV serve rs the OASIS ivr pssoo
negotiations. Inquiries made at the Jap
anesc legation here confirm the reports re-
ceiyed regarding the victory oil the Japan
ese at Ping Yang.