The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-03-21
JAPANESE BOMBAROMENT
TO BRIGHTEN RUSSIANS
Was Intended to Make Russian Ships
Leave the Harbor-All YES
sells Engaged Were More
or Less Damaged.

London, March 21-A correspondent OF
the Times at New Chwang cables as fol-
lows:
According to information received here
the reason the Vladivostock forts did not
reply to the bombardment by the Japa-
nese, was because the batteries were not
provided with guns. Since the lombard
ment however the troops have been
working night and day to place guns In
position. The Russian losses were slight
because the batteries were deserted. The
same conditions prevail at Vladivostock
as at Port Arthur. The supply of pro-
visions there is running short, and the
population is panic stricken The Ice is
considered the only real protection.
A correspondent of the Times with the
Japanese forces by wireless telegraph via
Wei-Hai- Wei under date of March 2C
sends over a column of matter which is
mostly a description of the torpedo fight
between the Russians and the Japanese
on March He says that Admiral Togo
has been comparatively passive, accord
ing to the latest advices and that Port
Arthur has been given a respite. although
Ine GIuiSGIS anu IOIptuO DOdI dSSbA OS SA
have kept a close blockade.
To Harass the Russians.
The correspondent says that Vice Ad-
mral Kamimuras bombardment of Vlad-
ivostock was solely intended TO harass
the Russians and to compel the Russian
cruisers to leave the harbor The vice
admiral brought his ships within range
opposite the dead point of the forts on
the northeast entrance. The Russians
did not reply because the Japanese ves-
sells took up positions beyond the range
of the guns.
Vice Admiral Kamimura sailed south
March IL after searching Amur bay.
Since Vice Admiral Makaroff's arrival at
Port Arthur, he adds. the Russian defen-
sive tactics have been more active and
their torpedo boat destroyers more alert
and enterprsing.
Describing the fight between the Rus
sian and japanese torpedo boats, the cor
respondent confirms the flerceness of the
contest. The vessels were so close that
the Russians threw charge of explosives
on to the bridge of one of the Japanese
torpedo boat destroyers. These how
ever, failed to detonate. All the vessels
engaged were more or less damaged. The
Japanese losses were six killed and eight
wounded That the Russians were de-
feated, In spite of their superior num-
bers, is due to the better shooting of the
Japanese and the fact that the Russian
vessels were armed with three pound
guns, while the armament of the Japa-
nese was made up of slX-pounders.
Russians Fight With Desperation.
In reference to the fight of three hours,
which occurred later, the correspondent
says the Russians fought with desper :
alton and the Japanese with confidence
born of their past victories. One Russian
commander was killed early In the fight.
A lieutenant then took command, only
to fall, shot in both legs. Then the COM
mand developed upon the sub-lleutenant,
who was also killed. after taking the
wheel himself. When the coxswain fell
this vessel was captured by the Japa-
nese. The other Russian vessels escaped.
On the japanese side one destroyed was
hit on the water line, two of her compart-
ments were flooded and her quck-fring
ammunition was wetted. This vessel re-
tired from the action. Her officers es-
capped narrowly from a 12-pounder which
struck the platform In front of the bridge.
killing one man and sweeping the bridge
to splinters. Thirty bodies, terribly mutt
lated by a she'll were lying on the deck
of one of the Russian vessels As the
japanese approached a Russian blue
jacket rushed from the coming tower,
locked himself in the cabin aft and re-
fused to come out. Two stokers jumped
overheard and were picked up