The Washington times., 1905-06-05
REAR ADMIRAL ENQUIsT.

on board. We. are short of fresh water
altogether. There is the admiral and
his staff aboard"
We We're quite surprised. and while
We could not help expressing our
sympathy we could not conceal our de-
light at securing such prize We
thought 1t all too strange.
Examining officers were told off and
with drawn swords and their escorts
With hayonets fixed, went over TO the
Russian destroyer, which we could make
out as the Biedovy.
8estGes RogestYensky we found the
chief and eight other officers of his
staff We Were amazed at the haul.
We were about to take the neces-
saFy steps to attend to the wounded
when throng of Russian officers as
sembled around Rogestvensky and clasp
ed their hands as If in prayer.
Pitiabie Scene on Board.
% They exclaimed: Please be merci-
full The wounds of Rogestvenslly are
serious. If you remove him to Jap
anese ship these wounds may be broken
and ne viii fall into a dangerous state.
Please, we pray you, leave him as he
is now!''
Admiral Rogestvensl1y was lying at
the bottom of the destroyer amid a
pool ofJfresh blood. He was in a semi
conscious state.
- The scene was an impressive one.
After a while being pitifuI at the con-
dition of the Russian officer. we felt
sore at heart, and after d short CONSUL
taIion we decided TO grant the request
- Four of the principal Russian star
officers were taken on board the Sdsan-
ami and our examining officers were
left behind. RogestVensky lay helpless
in the destroyer, surrounded by his ofl-
GERS.
- a towline was passed from the Jap
anese vessel TO the Russian ship, ana
with our burden astern we set off for
the nearest island along the Korean
coast.
The point was raised as to whether
or not we might meet and be oVeTpoW-
cred by the isolated but still formidable
remnants of the Russian feet.
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
bows of both ships. The towline
strained and cTeaked and twice it broke
Night came on, and il was pitch dark.
With dawn came some relief, but the
hours had been full of pain and anx-
= When the morning light widened
our horizon We met our warship, the
Akoshi.
:" We signaled to her that we had
captured Rogestvensky. and. obeying
our orders. conveyed him to Sasebo.
Meeting of the Admirals,
=" "'AdnIiral Togo called upon Admiral
Rogestvensky at o'clock on the aft
ernoon Of June 2 at the sasebo naval
hospital.
All that I am permitted 10 say
about this nomentous interview is that
the attitude of Admiral Togo was one
OF gcntleness and meekness.
- With evident sincerity the Japanese
commander solemniy and quietly con-
doIed with Admiral Rogestvensy in his
present sad circumstances. asked about
his wounds, and spoke in the softest
torres.
Z" 1t was a great scene. Only the
two admirais and a surgeon were pres
ent in the white and orderly ward.
- 'ROgestVensky, who was wrapped in
bandages and was pdie-faced and hag-
gard, raised up his body from the bed
and showed marvellous patience as he
rested On his elbow.
" Admiral Togo told him 1t was not
for such Acknowledgements he had come,
After a few minutes of conversation,
both speaking Indifferent English, Ad-
miral Togo, treading lightly. left the
ward. 1t Is not for us to intrude too
much into this simple incident.
" Admiral Rogestvensky was wound
ed in six places, and 1t is reported that
one OF his legs will have TO be ampu-
tated shortly