Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-08


THE BATTLE SUNDAY.
Washington. Aug. THE informa-
ton which came to-day that American
Peit Sang established positively, for
the first time, to Notwithstanding
the difficulties which General Chaffee
mad encountered in debarking troops
ana supplies, at least q part, and q
considerable part. of our force. was in
the van guard of the forward move
ment. General Chaffee's dispatch to
the war Department conveyed the
most satisfactory evidences that the
commanders had thoroughly agreed in
advance upon Il plan of action, and
mat there is every indication that this
plan had been followed, as General
Chaffee on Friday sent the cable say
ing that the attack upon the Chinese
day. the day when Admiral Remey
and the press correspondents say the
lighting occurred. General Chaffee's
announcement that the present objec-
tive Of the international column is
Yang Tsun is interpreted to mean that
this point where river railroad and
wagon road meet is to be made the ad-
vance base for the operations on Pc
kin.
AMERICANS IN FOREFRONT.
The most positive addition to the
news of the day was the brief line
from the Associated Press correspon-
dent at Tien Tsin stating that the
Ninth and Fourteenth Infantry, Rell-
ly's battery and the marines were in
the battle of Peitsang. 1t was this
force which. with the British and jap
anese. bore the brunt of the attack on
the left flank, which was to turn the
enemys position. This plan had al
ready been made clear by General
Chaffee's dispatch. although he did not
mention what American troops would
be engaged.
THE PLAN OF ATTACK.
In view of the participation of the
American troops, the War and Navy
Departments are anXiously expectant
OF report of the part taken by our
troops and of any losses which the
Americans may have sustained. No
light has yet been thrown upon the
subject of whether the commanders of
the international forces have agreed
upon a commander. The Chaffee dis
patch would seem to indicate that
none had been agreed upon. The
movement was planned evidently by
the commanders in conference. and the
part which each command was to play
agreed upon in advance. 1t is per-
haps noteworthy and significant that
In this plan of attack upon the enemy
at Peitsang the American, British and
Japanese forces were Joined in the
movement to turn the enemy's right
flank, while the Russians and French
operated together on the opposite side
of the river against the enemy's left.
This may indicate the line of cleavage
among the allies. whose general dis
senSions were reported at Tien Tsin.
1t also is exceedingly significant that
General Chaffee does not mention the
German force at ALL The War De-
partment officials do not believe that
this could have been due to an over
sight on his part IL 1t was arranged
that they were TO participate in the
movement. 1t therefore seems likely
that the Germans We're not engaged at
Peitsang. 1t is thought possible that
they may be acting independently.
GENERAL CHAFFEE'S REPORT.
Tien Tsin Sunday. Aug. SIS a. M
Via Shanghai, Aug. This morning at
daylight 10000 allies attacked the Chi
nese Pietzang and forced the enemy
from the trenches. The Americans who
participated were the Ninth and Four
teenth Regiments, Reillys Battery and
the marines. a heavy battle is still in
progress.
CHINESE ATTACKED.
Washington. D. c.. Aug. 1.-THE War
Department has received the following
cablegram fsom General Chaffee:
"Che Foo. Aug. Z. 1900.
"Adjutant- General. Washington:
"Tien Tsin, Aug. 3.-Confere He to-
day decided battle Sunday. Chinese in
trenched east and west through Pet
gang. Rest of Chinese protected by
flooded ground practically unassailable.
Japanese, English. American forces.
about 10000 strong. attacked Chinese
right, west Of river, in flank.
"Other forces, Russian, French, about
1000 strong. opposite side between river
and railroad. Chinese position appar-
emily strong. Army reported $4,000 be-
tween Hebang and Yangtsun or cross
ing of road Pei-Ho. Yangtsun objec-
tive. Our force. 1000 and battery.
Conemaugh arrived. Sixth Cavalry left
at Tien Tsin for guard of city and
awaiting mounts. Ministers safe on
2Sth day of July.
(Signed) "CHAFFEE."
FIVE MILES LONG.
London Aug. THE special dispatch
to the Associated Press from Tien Tsin.
dated Sunday, August 5th, q. NJ. via
Shanghai. August 9TH. is the only press
rneaSara which ba haar, ea@