New-York tribune., 1900-08-09
THE CAPTURE OF PEI-TSANG
GENERAL CHAFFEE SENDS A REPORT
TO WASHINGTON
AMERICANS NOT IN THE ACTUAL FIGHT
ING AND SUFFERED NO CASUALTIES
ANOTHER BATTLE EXPECTED SOON.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE. ]


ANOTHER BATTLE EXPECTED SOON.
Icy TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE
Washington. Aug. S.-Considerable light was
thrown on the military situation and operations
in North China by a dispatch from General
Chaffee to Adjutant-GeneraI Corbin, which was
received by the War Department at late hour
this afternoon. II read as follows:
Front. August 5.
Pef-TsanE Handsomely taken early this
morning by Japanese troops. supported by
English and Americans. japanese loss con-
siderable. English slight. Americans none.
Ground very limited. In morning American
troops occupied rear position. which was to
form turning movement, but were Unable 10
form in the line. Cross Pei-HO to left bank
tomorrow morning and move on Yang
Tsun.
Consul at Che-Foo furnished copy dispatch
from TsunE-Ii-Y amen, dated July 30, which
he has cabIed. CHAFFEE'
a brief paraphrase Of General Chafee's dis
patch was also received at the Navy Department
from Admiral Remey
JAPANESE BORE THE BRUNT.
The dispatch indicates that the resistance Of
fered by the Chinese at Pei-Tsang was less stub
born than had been expected. and that the main
body OF the enemy was not engaged, and VIII
probably be first encountered at Tang-Tsun.
The British and japanese only appear 70 have
taken part in the fight at Pei-Tsang. II is estt-
mated that the former were 1000 strong and
the latter about 5000 That the brunt OF the
fighting fell on the japanese is indicated by the
report Of their losses which General Chaffee's
report says were considerable" The first re-
port, according 10 which the casualties OF the
International forces amounted to 200 was ev1-
dentIy d large overestiuate, for General Chat
fee does not report any losses among the Rus
sian and French troops, which composed the
column which advanced from Tien-Tsin along
the east bank Of the Pei-Ho. Il is also inferred
from this omission in the dispatch that the
Chinese did not make a stand on that side IF
the river but drew in their left to reinforce tdr
right. against which the stronger column Of the
international force was directed. The enemy
probably retreated along the west bank Of tie
Pei-Ho 10 Yang-Tsun.
That the Americans were not engaged with the
enemy was apparently due 10 the fact that tie
latter was driven from the field before the flank
attack which the Americans were to make IN
the Chinese right could be carried out Indeed,
there was probably considerable difficulty in
making such an attack, for General Chanee re-
marks that the ground was very limited"
which prevented his command from getting into
line for such a movement His expressive phrase,
''Pei-Tsang handsomely taken" speaks vol
ume Of praise for the discipline. morale and
valor Of the japanese troops and the energy
with which they delivered the attack. They were
handsomely supported by the British and
Americans. but they probably could have driven
the enemy out Of his intrenchnents unaided If il
had been necessary.
LIKELY TO FIGHT AT YANG-TSUN.
According to General Chafee's dispatch the
two columns Of the international force were re-
united on the east bank of the Pei-Ho on Mon
day morning and began the advance on the
second intrenched position Of the Chinese at
Yang-Tsun. twelve miles distant. If resis-
tance was offered by the enemy. and the strip
Of land between the river and the railroad en-
bankment not under water. the interna-
tionaI forces should have reached the railroad
crossing Of the Pei-Ho last night. At this place
It is believed the enemy holds strong position
with a large force which will make a deter
mined stand and offer stubborn resistance. OF
course il is expected that the position will be
carried and the Chinese again compelled 10
treat. but il viii probably be done at the cost o,
many lives. BY that time the Imperial authOri-
ties may be ready to comply with the reasonable
demands made BY President Mckinley in his
note Of July % 10 the Chinese Emperor.
The War Department also received another
dispatch to-day. which had an important bearing
on military operations in China II was &
notification from the ca bic company that a tele-
graphic cable had been laid between Che-Foo
and Taku. and would be ready for operation as
soon the respective Powers should have sig
nifed their consent This cable viii save about
twenty hours in the transmission Of telegraphic
Japan and the theatre Of military operations in
North China. The message also said that the
company was preparing TO lay cable between
Shanghai and Che Foo, thus bringing Europe
and the United States, well Japan, into
direct teegraphic communication with Taku
MORE TROOPS MAY BE SENT
II is understood that the War Department is
again considering the probability that an emer-
gency may arise which will require the reinforce
rnent Of General Chafee's command BY troops
row in the Philippines, and that General Mac
Arthur has been so advised ia order that he
may De prepared 10 act promptly in
draft is made hts command.
The War Department to-day received Official
rotice Of the departure from Seattle W ash
Yesterday OF two Army chartered transports
Carving two squadrons Of the 1st Cavalry, with
their mounts and equipments. This reinforce
rneut for General ChaIee's command consists Of
tventy-six officers and SIS enlisted men Of the
Ist Cavalry, assistant surgeon, one
tract surgeon ana tWenty-one hospital corps
men One OF the transports carries $50 horses
and twelve mules There has been considerable
delay in getting this force started for China, as
il was expected to satl more than week ago