Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-06-16
DETAILS OF THE GREAT BATTLE
How the Japanese Crushed the Rus
slams In the Korean Straits.

-
How the Japanese Crushed the Rus
slams In the Korean Straits.
It Is now possible, says Toxic dis
patch Of June to the New York Times,
to write the story of the battle OF the
Sea of Japan and Of the movements of
the belligerent fleets preparing for 1t.
From first to last Admiral Togo never
wavered in his conviction that the Bal
tic fleet must choose the Tsushima
passage, his argument being that no
commander would attempt to take
large squadron through the northern
straits in the season of fogs and at
great distance from neutral ports and
refuge for damaged ships. There was
also danger from mines In Tsugaru
strait and Soya strait, whereas no such
apprehensions need be felt with regard
to Tsushima-
Rojestvensky apparently reasoned
exactly as Togo anticipated, though
many of his officers advocated the
northern passage. Some strongly urg-
ed the advisability of seizing 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 Nebo-
GATOR arrived on May s, receiving a
tremendous welcome from the sailors
of the second squadron, 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 Determines Route.
Rojestvensky, after hearing the ar
guments Of this Office, announced the
intention Of entering the Pacific, there
by gaining the advantage Of a double
objective, then Of returning to the
China sea, via the north Of Formosa'
and steering direct for Tsushima. The
decision was welcomed with acclama-
tion, the officers embracing and drink
ing to the success of the plan.
Rojestvensky. having allowed nine
days for the third squadron to recu-
perate, steamed out Of Kamranh bay
May H. passed Ballintang unobserved
on the night of May II, and coaled on
Niatans, where he stopped a Norwe-
gian steamer consigned to a Japanese
firm, and informed the captain that the
souadron's destination was Tsushima,
This was for the purpose of deceiving
Togo, who would naturally infer that
some other destination was intended
Rojestvensky meant to strengthen this
inference by delaying his progress, SC
that his nonarrival within a reason
able time might suggest that the Rus
slams had really headed for the north
ern passages, but this device did no,
deceive Togo, who remained steadfast
at Tsushima-
Toqo's Secret Well Guarded.
Meanwhile Rojestvensky had wholly
failed to obtain trustworthy informa-
ton Of Togo's whereabouts. The secret
which was so carefully guarded re-
mained unknown even to the Japanese
public to the very end. On May 2t
six Russian transports and auxiliary
cruisers entered Yangtsze, which great
ly perplexed the public, but was inter-
preted by Togo as a sure indication OF
Rojestvenskys presence In the China
| sea.
Russian Fleet Sighted.
At $50 a. m. May q, japanese scouts
lying north of Quelpart island reported
by wireless telegraphy that the Rus.
slams were drawing up toward Tsushi'
ma, but the fog concealed the exact
character Of the squadron, whether II
Twas the main fighting force or only
few weak craft sacrificed in order tc
attract the attention OF the JAPANESE
70 the south while Rojestvensky him
self passed by the northern avenues
This question remained uncertain until
noon, when the intense anxiety In To.
kio was relieved by telegram from
Togo announcing that the whole Rus
sian fleet was in sight.
| Meanwhile Togo pursued his plan un'
waveringly, keeping his. principa
squadrons carefully concealed In places
still secret. For the purpose Of pro
noting the belief among the Russian!
that Tsushima straits were weakl!
guarded and drawing them through
the eastern channel he sent out
number of second-class ships, which
though slow, carried guns sufficient!
heavy to prevent the enemy from clos
ing in. The fog helped to preserv
these vessels, which nevertheless Tog'
was not unwilling to sacrifice on tn
altar Of his main purpose.
Russians Enter the Arena.
Rojestvensky, until in the vicinity o
Tsushima, kept his auxiliary cruiser
in front, but Immediately before en-
tering the channel recalled them, afte
which the lead was taken by the bat
tleships Imperator Alexander, Navaril
and Kniaz Souvaroff. The wind nov
freshening, the sea, already rough, be
gan to run very high. The fog begal
to lift.
Togo signafed that the fate Of tn
empire depended upon this effort, ant
the men must do their utmost. TIL
Russians. still confident, held thei
course at a uniform speed Of IL knots
exchanging a desultory fire with tn
decoy squadron, which withdrew t.
the northeast