New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-08-27
NOVIK'S DESTRUCTION.
II japanese officers account OF
4ctiOn Off KOrsak0UsF.

Toxic. Aug 26-The following account OF the
destruction of the Russian cruiser Novlk at
Korsakovsk Saghalien. August 20 and IL
by the japanese protected cruisers Tsushima
and Chitose has been received from an officer
who on board the Tsushma:
It was at 7:40 O'Clock the morning of Fri
day, August -. that we received report that
the Novik had been sighted from Atoeya Light
house, on Chi Island. The Tsushima ana the
Chitose Immediately headed for Soya ia
Perouse) strait at full speed. The ChtOuse
watched the strait while the Tsushima went IN
search of the enemy. From the fact mat tne
Tsushipla has two mastS and three tunnels
and somewhat resembles the Russian cruiser
Bogatyr. she deemed less likely to excite
suspicion board the Noyik than the Chltose
which the Novik had frequently seen ana en-
gagged.
The Tsushima steered due north and arrived
off Korsakovsk on Saturday afternoon. We
sighted three funnel ship inside the haroor
Our spirits ran high: you can imagine how we
felt.
We gradually approached the harbor and dis
covered that the Novik was preparing to come
out She was headed to the southwark, and
evidently planned 10 escape through Soya
Strait We placed ourselves in a position to
prevent her escaping man9uvrng to keep our
port guns trained the enemy.
Finally at 4:30 O'Clock the two vessels came
close together. We ordered to fire ana our
whole port broadside was poured against inc S sho
emy. The Novik responded Immediately she
was used TO fighting with destroyers on Port At
thur, and the skill developed In these engage
ments wss now directed against us. Shells
from the Novik came close that those of us
who were exposed were in great danger.
In the mean time we hit the enemy twice ana
she took fire She quickly changed her course
and headed to the northward. back into KoTsa-
kovsk Barbor We followed her. Suddenly
shell from the enemy struck the water and
ricochetted against our starboard side near the
coal bunkers. We began TO leak. hut temporary
repairs were effected soon. and the fighting con-
tinued for one hour longer. coming TO an end at
> 80 o'clock 1t is renlRrkab bic that we escaped
serious injury while the NOvik was so badly
damaged.
We signalled to the Chitose by wireless teleg-
raphy, and she asked TO indicate the position
OF the Novik. The Novik evidently detected this
wireless communication. and cDdeavored to III
terfere with il by using her wireless system.
but w managed to advise the Chitose that the
Novik was III Korsakovsk Harbor.
We watched during that night. The next
morning Sunday. the Chitose steamed into the
harbor. and found the Novik beached and listed
ten degrees to port. Her upper works aft were
awash. When the Noviks crew discovered the
Chitose they hurriedly took to their boats ana
launched and landed.
Korsakoysk seemed to be deserted. The
houses were closed and people were visible.
1t is probable that the town has been aban-
doned. The Chitose fired into the hull Of the
Novik and completely disabled her.
This was the Tsushima's maiden fight, as she
had heretofore been engaged entirely In patrol
work. The effect upon our gunners when their
shots hit the Novik we'll be imagined. They
took pride in disa bling the Russian cruiser,
which. with her high speed and splendid
had played conspicuous part in the
fighting since the beginning Of the war