Los Angeles herald., 1906-02-18

clslve action OF Mori at Shlmonoseki.
lmperialists of the neiehborhood could not have
told who the commander of this force wps
They were known simply as the "Irregulars"
Small as was the force, it admirably train.
ed and drilled in all three of its divisions of cav.
airy, infantry, and artillery. Each division was
the flower and choice of some larger body. The
force, which had remained in naction for con
siderable period, showed nevertheless a state of
ruling vigilance, whether for attack or defense
could not have been told from its appearance.
The camp was in the shape of an elongated cir
Gle, whose circumference was regularly defined
by fied-pieces set at regular intervals, and train
ed to oppose any invading force. Near each
cannon were tethered the horses furnishing the
motive power Hard by, stretched upon the
ground, or longing within the scant shadows
OF the guncarrages, were the artillerymen. In.
tantry guards, in armor, and for the most part
armed with rifles, patrolled the space without
the circle. Other soldiers and samurai, armed
only with swords, sat in the openings of tents
assigned 10 their division, or occupied the time
i'll sword exercise in the open spaces between
their shelters. Near the centre of the encamp-
ment were assembled the horses of the cavalry
division, sadded and in complete readiness for
their riders, who lounged near by.
Within short stones throw of the horsemen
was pitched what seemed from its commanding
position on a little eminence, the tent of the
SpiHLuduuer VI Oue IITtguldTS' SlOSe Dy It's
entrance stood enormous samurai whose
naked sword was held lightly, ,carelessly, in his
hand. In conversation with him stood hardy
youth, attired as a cavalryman.
The curtains of the tent on the eminence were
parted deity, and the slight figure of boy hast.
ened towards the two.
"My Lord of Catzu," he said, "the Prince
Mort desires your presence, and that of you also,
Sir Genji."
Toro smiled at the youths ceremoniousness.
sis there news, my Jiro" he asked
"Oguri, as you know. has arrived from the
south, and our enemies have reported concern
ing the condition of the city"
The three fastened within, where they found
Oguri and Mori.
''Now, then, Oguri, your news" commanded
Mort
"Your hghness," said oguri, "the British have
bombarded Kagoshima result of our attack
upon the foreign feet"
"Kagoshma!" exclaimed Mori-"the capital of
our old friend Satsuma. Them indeed, have we
brought trouble upon our allies"
Other members of Morris staff sent through
Koto reported the results of their investigations
The Premier Echizen had abolished the custom
of the daimo's compulsory residence in Yedo
during portion of each year, and now all these
territorial lords resided in Kioto. Within the
Imperial palace of Kommei Tenno the Lord
Aidzu appeared to have controlling influence
The Lord of Catzu was there with him in con.
sultation, Troops of the Aidzu clan had ar
rived at the palace in great numbers and were
encamped in the flower gardens. Though loath-
ing the shogunate, the Mikado appeared to be
completely under its control.
Having ascertained these facts, Mori dismissed
all the staff save Oguri Toro, Genji, and Jiro
''No answer has come to our petitions" he
asked.
The four shook their heads.
"None," they said.
"You have heard the reports" continued Mort, |
"and will perceive that the Aidzu-Catzu party, !
now in possession of the Emperor's person and
the palace, are determined upon something.
These constant arrivals of new troops, the ST.
lence of the Mikado to our petition, the crowding
of the palace with armed samurai-all these
things mean that we are to be punished for hav-
ing pettioned the Mkado to remove from us
the ban of outlaw"
'Then, your highness" broke IN Toro, "since
the petition was not signed by you, but came
from u.s. your followers, they may now know Of
your arrival here, and may be preparing TO send
out an expedition against you in the south"
"No," replied Mori, 81 think they know am