New-York tribune., 1897-01-15
CAPTAIN M'GIFFIN INSANE.
THE RESULT OF THE YALU RIVER
BATTLE.
y,s SEVERE WOUNDS RECEIVED IN THAT EN-
GAGEMENT-Now AT THE PosT-GRADU-
ATE HOSPITAL.


ATE HOSPITAL.
On a cot In the POSTGRADUATE Hospital lies
an almost sightless, emaciated, battle-scarred
man who raves of exploding shells. the thun-
serous detJnations of great guns and the pan
aen,onium of a modern naval battle Weak
and gaunt ne looks. and he shrieks aloud the
orders OF a fighting admiral to an imaginary
crew lie is living over again one Of the most
terrific and famous sea fights Of the present
ycneration in which he took leading part; In
which he made such a record that the japanese
government. against whom ne fought. offered
a reward Of $1,000 to any one who would bring
hin, TO Japan. dead or alive.
This man Is Captain Philo \. McGiffn an
American naval officer. who enlisted In the
Chinese Navy, and was in command of the
Chinese warship Chen Yuen at the battle or
the Yalu River. Wounded almost to death In
this battle Captain McGiffn returned to this
country to secure medical treatment just
when he seemed to be growing stronger his
brain gave way and fore was required to take
him to hospital
Captain McGiiiin Is native OF pennsylvania
He was graduated at Annapolis In loSZ ana
had a record for bravery and as an expert tactl-
can His first service was as ensign, and the
secretary Of the Navy gave him official thanks
during heavy storm. He stationed In
China subsequently and took great interest IN
the country At the outbreak Of the war be-
tween France and China McGiffin resigned from
the Navy and with the permission OF the Gov
errment went into the service Of China At the
close of the war, in which he made a great rec
ord having captured the only gunboat that
VAS lost to the French at the battle or Nantse'
he went to England to superntend the ouiio-
ing OF gunboats for China. In one OF these' the
Chen Yuen. he went through the battle OF the
Yalu River and the bloody service he saw there
has made him maniac
At the battle of the Yalu River, Captain Nc
Giffns vessel was the flagship. Early IN the
engagement owing to the death OF superior
officer Captain McGifin became the command
ing officer Of the fleet. In his eagerness TO work
his vessel to a point Of vantage he exposed MN
self TO personal danger and was badly woundeo.
He was shot once in the back Of the head ana
once in the thigh. His body was literally hleo
with splinters Both eardrums were broken
all the hair was burned from his body. ana MS
clothes were blown off. His eyesight was aHect-
ed so that ne has never been able since 10 SEE,
except in a shadowy outline; his body was piack
and blue from bruises In an account o! T rhe
battle of the Yalu River. published IN Inc
Century" he concludes graphic description oi
II by saying: -
"China's fleet is now a thing Of the past. and
many gallant men have perished with it, striv-
ing vainly TO save their countrys credlt Win
fate against them, and handicapped oy tredch-
ery corruption and incompetency ashore;
About four months ago Captain MctIllin tooh
rooms at No. 40 West Thirtythird-st. From
the first he acted strangely. He SAID that he
was writing an exhaustive review or the war
between China and Japan. He was heard walk
ing all night; he kept revolvers on his dressins-
case constantly; he refused to see a physician
and threatened violence toward those VINO trieo
10 assist him. He hacked at the wound IN MS
thigh with a pocket-knife, and said he was try
ing to cut out the bullet. After some partcu-
lary violent actions 1t was decided to SEND for
his brother John. who lives in pennsylvania.
John McGiffin arrived here from his nome on
Wednesday. His brother met him with threat
ening gestures and a pair Of revolvers when ne
entered the room He was quieted with some
dif1culty and DIR. Graeme Hammond was caIied
in. Upon the physicians advice captain Nc
(;ifin was removed to the hospital. DR.. HAM
rond thinks McGiffin's condition is due TO a
splinter of bone. some other matter. pressing
upon the brain. An operation will be performed
as soon as the Captain is able TO stand 1t, and
II is believed that It will be successful
II is thought that Captain McGiffin has been
suffering from this mania for some time. and
that he has been mentally unbalanced for a
longer period than at first supposed. He
wrote to The Tribune some time ago denying
certain statements he was reported 10 nave
made in which he had nevertheless. been cor
rectly reported and which had appeared in mag
azines at different times. He became a familiar
figure in Broadway and around the uptown ho-
tells after his return to this country. He wore
which he felt his way. owing to his imperfect
sight. His hair has grown out again and the
scars are healed but. even If he recovers his
reason ne will never be well again.