The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-10

stroyers cutting through the water for
all they were worth.
AS we neared them we opened fire
from all our guns.
Zone of the Russian destroyers forged
ahead. 1t was impossible to catch her
and she escaped.
Ran Up a White Flag.
THE second one did not change her
course and, moreover, did not return our
cannonading. We watched our little ene-
my carefully for some moments and then
saw a sudden movement aboard. To the
top of the mast ran a white flag, and
astern fluttered the emblem of the Red
Cross.
We signalled. what is your condi-
tom"
"A few moments delay occurred and
then little signal flags appeared. We read
the Russian reply to be, We are dam
aged, We have been shot through the en-
sine room. We have Rojestvensky on
board. We are short of fresh water al
together There is the admiral and his
staff aboard"
1--WE were quite surprised, and while
we could not help expressing our sympa-
thy we could not conceal our delight at
securing such a prize. We thought 1t all
too strange.
EXAMINING OllGfTH were lOlu bll dba
with drawn swords and their escorts with
bayonets fixed went over to the Russian
destroyer. which we could make out as
the Biedovy.
. Besides Rojestvensky, we found the
chief and eight other officers of his staff.
We were amazed at the haul.
We were about to take the necessary
steps to attend TO the woInded, when
thron9 of Russian officers assembled
around Rojestvensky and clasped their
hands as if in prayer.
They exclaimed, please be mercifui.
The wounds of Rojestvensky are serious.
If you remove him to a japanese ship
these wounds may be broken and he will
fall into a dangerous state. Please, we
pray you, leave him as he is nowl'
THE scene was an impressive one.
After a while. being pitful at the condf-
tion of the Russian officer. We felt sore
at heart, and after a short consultation we
decided to grant the request.
A Night of Anxiety.
-Four of the principal Russian staff
officers were taken on board the Sasanima
and our examining officers were left be-
hind. RojestvenslSy lay helpless In the
destroyer, surrounded by his officers.
"A tow line was passed from the
japanese vessel to the Russian ship. and
with our burden astern, we set off Tor
the nearest island along the Korean coast.
THE point was raised as to whether or
not we might meet and be overpowered by
the isolated but still formidable remnants
of the Russian leets
''.1n the event of such mishap occur
ring, we decided to die by the swords
which we wore at our sides
AT ten knots We steamed for refuge,
The waves were washing high over the
n. l.. rf..n Inc. 4
and creaked and twice 1t broke. Night
came on and it was pitch, dark. With
dawn came some relief, but the hours
had been full of pain and anxiety.
- When the morning light widened our
horizon. we met our warship, the Akashi.
We sgnaled to her that we had cap
tured Rojestvensky. and. obeying ORDERS
conveyed him to Sasebo.
AS soon as the Russian officers and
SAILORS, already prisoners at our base,
heard that their admiral was our cap
tive they were filled with anguish, and
heartrending scenes were witnessed
Admiral Togo called upon Admiral
Rojestvensky at o'clock on the AFTER
noon of June at Sasebo naval hospital.
All that | am permitted TO say about
this momentous interview is that the at
titude of Admiral Togo was one of gen
tleness and meekness.
With evident sincerity the Japanese
commander solemnly and quietly condoled
with Admiral Rojestvensky in his present
sad circumstances, asked about his wound
and spoke In the softest tones.
1T was a great scene. Only the two
admirals and a surgeon were present in
the white and orderly ward.
'Rojestvensky, who was wrapped in
bandages and was paIe-faced and bag
gard. raised up his body from the bed