The Marlboro democrat. [volume] (Bennettsville, S.C.) 1882-1908, 1905-06-23
HOW 1T WASDONE.
The Story of the Battle of the
Sea of Japan.
HOW ADMIRAL TOGO.

Over the Russian Fleet, The
Tarpedo Attack was the
Climax of the Battle.
~ A special cable dispatch to the New
York Times from Toxic says it is now
possible to write the story OF the bat,
tie of the Sea of Japan and OF the
movements Ut the belli2erent fleets
preparing for it. From first to last
Admiral Togo never wavered in his
conviction that the Baltic fleet must
choose the Tsushima passage, his ar
gument being that no commander
would ATTEMPT to take large squad
ron through the northern straits in
the season of fogs and at great dis
tance from neutral ports and refuge
for damaged ships. There was also
danger from mines in Tsugaru strait
and Soya strait, whereas no such ap
prehensions need be felt with regard
to Tsushima.
Rojestvensky apparently reasoned
exactly as Togo anticipated though
northern passage. Some strongly
oABSo uLlC doflSdUiliUy VI SclLluR u
base in Formosa and compelling the
Japanese to come thither to fight.
This question was earnestly discussed
on board the flagship In Kamranh
bay, where Nebogatoff arrived on May
s, receiving a tremendous welcome
from the sailors Of the second squad
ron, who drew most favorable OmenS
Of ultimate victory from the success
attending the safe voyage Of the two
squadrons, and the junction at a
place thousands Of miles from the
European base.
RojestvenskY, after hearing the ar.
Ruments of his officers, announced
the intention Of entering the Paciti
thereby gaining the advantage of a
double objective, then OF returning to
the China sea, via the north Of For
mesa, and steering direct for Tsushi-
ma. The decision was welcomed with
acclamation, the officers embracing
and drinking to the success OF the
plan.
Rojestvensky, having allowed nine
days for the third squadron to recu
May IA, passed Ballintang unobserved
saon-the night of May II, and coaied of
Niataus, where he stopped Norwe-
CLAN steamer consigned to a Japanese
firm, and informed the captain thas
the squadron's destination was Tsus
hima, This was for the purpose OF
deceiving Togo, who would naturally
infer that some other destination was
intended. ROjestvensky meant tt
strengthen this inference by delaying
his progress. so that his nOnarriva
within q reasonable uima might sug
gest that the Russians had really
headed for the northern passages, bui
this device did not deceive Togo, whl
remained steadfaSt at Tsushima.
Meanwhile Rojestvensky had wholly
failed to obtain trustworthy informa
ttnn Of Togo's whereaboats. The So
cret which was so carefully guarded
remained unknown even 10 the ia
panese public to the very end O.
May 25 SIX Russian trans ports anC
auxiliary cruisers entered YangtsZe
which greatly perplcxed the public
but was interpreted by Togo as sure
Indication OF Rojestvensky's pres s,nct
in the China sea.
RUSSIAN FLEET SIGHTED.
At $50 a. M. MAJ u japanese
scouts lying north OF q lelpart island
reported by wireless teiegraphy that
the Russians were drawing up toward
Tsushima, but the fog cancelled the
exact character If the squadron,
whether it was the main fighting
force or only few weak craft sacIiti
ced In order to attract the attention
OF the Japanese to the south while
Rojestvensky himself passed by the
northern avenues. Tnis question re
mained uncertain until noon, whe.
the iEtense anxiety in Toxic was re
lieved by telegram from Togo an
j, nouncing that the whole Russian II so
>Was In sight.
II Meanwhile Togo pursued his plar
I unwaveringly, keeping his principa
\squadrons carefully concealed il
iplaces still secret For the purpose
iof promoting the belief among th,
Russians that Tsushima straits were
weakly guarded and drawing then
through the eastern channel he seut
out number of second class ships
which, though slow, carried gups suf
ficiently heavy tc prevent the enemy
from closing in. The fog helped t.
preserve these vessels, which never
theless Togo was not unwilling t
sacrifice on the altar Of his main pur
pose.
Rojestvensky, until in the vicinit,
of Tsushima, kept his auxiliary cruis
ers in front, but Immediately beior
entering the channel recalled them
after which the leae was taken b.
the battleships Imperator Alexander
Nayarin and Kniaz S0uvaroif Th
wind now freshening, the sea alread
rough began to run very high. Th
fog began to lift.
Togo signaled that the fate Of th
empire depended upon this fort, an
the men must do their utmost. Tn
Russians, still confident, held thei
course at uniform speed OF II knots
exchanging desultory fire with th
decoy squadron, which withdrew t
the northeast.
At p. NJ. Togo entered the aren
with his best fighting material, dis
tributed in two squadrons OF six tes
sells each, his own Squadron consist
ing OF four battleships and the cruise
Nishid and Kasuga Kamimura'
squadron, consisting OF six armore
cruisers. Togo was steaming at
speed OF ID knots. Kamlmura at