The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1904-02-16
DETAILED STORY OF FIGHT.
The Destruction of the Variag and
Korietz-The U. S. Gunboat
Vicksbu1g Saw the Fight.

NaSaSakl, req. a. 1He NSSsSls tlidt
comprised the Japanese feet which at
tackled and destroyed the Russian
cruisers Variag and Korietz at Che
mulpo on the Sth instant, were the
cruisers Naniwa, Takachiho, Okashl,
Su1na and the Asama. The Japanese
did not lose a man.
The survivors from the Variag and
the Korietz, the Russian cruisers that
were sunk by the Japanese fleet at Che
mulpo last Tuesday, still remain on
board the British cruiser Talbot, the
Italian cruiser Elba and the French
cruiser Pascal.
The situation is becoming acute as
the Japanese have twice made de-
mands on the commanders OF the
three foreign vessels that the Rus
slams be surrendered as prisoners OF
var. The captain OF the Talbot, be-
ing the senior naval officer, each time
replied that he was awaiting instruc-
tions from his government None OF
the Russians is on board the Amer
lean gunboat Vicksburg, whose COM
mander considers that the Japanese
are right in their demand, as the Rus
slams took advantage OF the clemency
of the japanese in returning to the
larbor, then taking refuge on the
foreign vessels and refusing to sur
render, whereas the Japanese fleet re-
trained from sinking them in the open
sea, as they could have done.
\ magnificent episode in the bat
tie was the second sortie of two Rus
slams cruisers. With bands playing
the national anthem, the international
fleet loudly cheering the bravery and
gallantry fthe Russians, the Variag
and Korietz faced the Japanese fleet
in what was certain death.
The position OF the wrecks appear
20 be such that it will be easy TO re
cover the guns. The Russian losses
we're one officer and 40 men killed and
464 wounded.
/ 4 dispatch from Chemulpo civ cs
the following account Of til: desty::c-
ton of the Russian cruiser Variag and
eurboat No-ietz: The Japanese fleet,
commanded bv Admiral Urlu on the
VA ship :idn, ma. arrived al noon
and sent wireless telegram to the
! Japanese cruiser Chigoda which was
living at anchor between the Variag
and Korietz to join the fleet outside
The Russians found themselves trap
ped. Admiral Uriu then signaled CIV
ing the Russians five minutes in which
to surrender. The Russians ignored
the demand to surrender and the
Japanese opened fire. A brisk engage
nent, lasting two hours, followed.
! The Russian vessels, getting the
worst of an encounter, in which the
odds were overwhelmingly against
them. steamed back into the harbor.
The Variag. which was badly injured.
listed heavily. Two hours the Rus-
slams attempted to break through the
Japanese feet. which was encountered
four miles from inner harbor. A fierce
fight followed. The Russian vessels
were badly damaged, The korletz
was blown up, presumably by its own
crew. in order to escape capture. A
portion of the crew was rescued by
the French and Itanian vessels IN the
harbor. The Veriag tried to escape,
but suddenly an explosion was heard
and the Variag was seen to sink
Whether she was sunk by Japanese
shell or by her own crew is not
known. The United States gunboat
Vicksburg and the British cruiser Ial-
bot witnessed the battle.