The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-05-18
TWO SHIPS WERE LOST.

TWO SHIPS WERE LOST.
Toxic, May 16, $50 p. m.-The Jap
auese dispatch boat Miyako was de-
stroyed in Kerr bay by striking sub
merged mine.
The Miyako was lost while assisting
in the operations of clearing the Rus
sian mines from Kerr bay, northeast
of Talien Wan bay, on which Port
Dalny is situated Admiral Kataoka,
commander of the third squadron pro-
tecting two hotillas of torpedo boats
which had been detailed to complete
sweeping the harbor by the removal
of mines Five mines were discover
ed and exlpoded and the work was
being suspended for the day when
the Miyako struck an undiscovered
mine which exploded with tremen-
dous force under the stern, on the
port side, and inflicted intense dam
age on the hull. The Miyako sank in
% minutes Two sailors were killed
and % were wounded. The rest OF
the crew were rescned.
The news of the loss of the Miyako
has been sorrowfully received in Toxic.
The dangerous character Of the work
in which the Miyako was engaged is
generally appreciated, but it was
thought that the loss Of torpedo boat
No. 48 under similar circumstances
Thursday last would serve as warn-
ing to those engaged in the work to
exercise the greatest care.
Admiral Ka5aoka reports that the
Russians withdrew from Robinson
point, northeast of Kerr bay, which
adjoins Talien Wan bay, May y, but
they erected temporary fort on the
height northeast Of Taku fountain,
where they mounted six guns and
constructed protecting trenches. The
vessels of Admiral Kataoka's squadron
shelled the Russians throughout Sun
day, but the latter stubbornly retain
ed their position.
The Japanese fotillas, while sweep
ing the bay, were exposed to the Rus
sian fire all day, but continued their
work uninjured
The Miyako was steel cruiser OF
1900 tons displacement and 6, l3O IN
dicated horsepower, and having an es-
GlIldGSO SpSSC VI ~ A!1OtS.
WILL ATTACK PORT ARTHUR.
Chefoo, May 16, p. ma COM
bined land and sea attack On Port Ar
thur is expected to take place between
May 20 and May %.
The japanese hope to occupy Port
Dalny within a few days. Dalny is
not fortified, the only fort in the VI
cinity being one mindway between Ia
lien Wan and Kin Chou. After the
destruction of the submarine mines at
Talien Wan the japanese intend to
land additional troops there and COM
mence an attack on Port Arthur.
A japanese officer informed the cor
respondent of the Associated Press
that the japanese are ready to lose g
600 men in the attack This he did
not consider to be large numbe IN
view of the great percentage Of sick
and wounded who will be able to re-
take the field as result Of modern
hospital equipment.
Well informed Chinese say that the
entrance to Port Arthur is Lot block
ed.
st. Petersburg, May 16, 2.3o p m.-
The interruption of communication
With Port Arthur prevents the admi-
ralty Investigating the announcement
from Liao Yang Of the daring torpedo.
ing of a Japanese armored cruiser OF
Port Daily. AS soon as communica-
tion is reestablished the admiralty
expects the commander of the fortress
to send full details.
THE RAILWAY CLOSED.
New Chwang, Sunday, May 16.-
The Russians now admit that the rail
road is practically closed to Port Ar
thur. Nothing has been heard
from there by wire for three days and
six days mail consigned to points south
of Hsiu Yen was returned this after
noon. The furniture of the admins
tration buildings hes been taken away.
The Russians say that Gen. Linevitch.
with a large army is moving from
Vladivostock towards Corea.