The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-27
FIRST GUN OF THE ]. bOMbARDMENT 0F
 MARKING IS FIRED Fort About a Mile to the North Opens Hostili-
 ties Sunday
PREMIER VIRTUALLY
 WITHOUT A CABINET
Canton Said to Be in Hands of Brig ands-Reports of Murders of Foreigners Received With
 Great Apprehension

Ranking, November 27.-G a. m.)- After more than half a century of si- lence the hills overlooking the walled city of Ranking, the ancient capital oi China, swan tonight with rebellious forces eager for It's occupation and determined to overthrow the las, stronghold of the Manchus south oi the Yang Tse.
 From the Tiger Hill fort for several hours yesterday big guns spoke re- peatedly, while further up along the northeastern range. from the top cf Purple mountain overlooking the Ming tomhs for 15 mile semi i-circle west ward to the Yang Tse, smaller forts scattered shells into every direction of the city.
 The casualty list is not large. General Wong, second in command of the defenders, is among those killed. During the earlier part of the day the imperialists attempted sortie against the attacking forces with view to re- capturing their positions and guns, but were driven back inside the walls with considerable losses The Tiger Hill batteries meanwhile were pounding g shells into Lion Hil1 They succeeded in silencing the Manchu batteries there. which it Is suspected were of little value
 The objeet of the first seizure of Tiger Hill was shown by the early appear ance of four rebel cruisers and later in the day of other warshIps.
 In the evening a dozen torpedo boat destroyers and cruisers were wing menacingly near the city. They will quickly reduce the lower sections and drive the defenders to the south, doubt less.
 Consulate Guarded
 The viceroy of Ranking and the Tar tar general, in fear of General Chang, the imperialist commander. have taken refuge in the Japanese consulate in which only the consul remains.s He is |the sole official representative of the foreign interests now in Ranking. The consulate is well guarded by marines.
 Sundays attack can only be con- sidered slight forestate of bigger things to follow. because the main body of the revolutionaries is steadily in- vesting every side and bringing the big guns into position.
 The revolutionaries may not attempt to rush the city, but may prefer to lombard steadily and await its sur render.
 If breaches are made in the walls of the city, however. and the rebels enter. 1t Is believed that General Chang and ( ~,1r ate stand.
 Lion Hill's reply to the bombardment was at first sharp. but later 1t becarae feeble. A number of rebel shells feil in the settlement near the river, but did little damage During the even ing there was some sharp fighting at the southern and eastern gates. the outposts of the revolutionaries en- deavoring to approach. The revolution aries advanced in three columns, one along the railway, second behind Pulple Hill and the third along the river.
 The imperialists fired upon a Red Cross train coming in on the railway. About 4000 of General Chang's rawest recruits are now outside the city with machine guns, but number have sur rendered with hand arms.
 It Is said the telegraph will be re- established.
 Ranking, November 26.-The first gun of the bombardment of Ranking was fired at 7:30 o'clock this morning. A fort about a mile to the north opened hostilities.
 The bombardment continued for a con- siderable time without Interruption. There is report that many were killed.
 Reinforce Troops ? Toyio "A Stafop1ant is- sued by the foreign office says the Jap anese troops at Peking and Tien Tsen will be reinforced immediately. Such re- Enforcement Is limited to one battalion of infantry and machine guns not to ex- ceed the Japanese strength in these cities prior to the reduction in 1908.
 Pirates Swarm River
 Hong Kong. November 26.-The West river is swarming with pirates and traf- fic to Wu Chow in Kwang Si province, Is seriously imperilled. The steamship companies are greatly alarmed and are considering the suspension of their serv- ices, but are continuing for the present with armed crews. Great indignation has been aroused by the attack by pirates on the British steamship Shuon few days ago, when Chief Officer Nicholson was murdered. and the people are clamorous for intervention of some kind to put down the lewlessness In 1906, owing to pirat- ical outrages, guards were placed on all the steamers and other precautions were taken, but later, because of over-confi- dcnce that the British flag was immune from attack, these precautions were re- faxed. The rifles have become rusty and their possessors are without ammunition One steamer carries a cannon. but no shells.
 Canton Is said to be in the hands of brigands Grave troubles are feared. Gen eral Lung is almost powerless to nam tain order and contemplates flight. some anxiety is felt by the foreigners.
 Premier in Bad Way Peking November. 26.-Premier Yuan shi Kai Is practically without cabinet, only the presidents of the minor boards having accepted offices. The finance board is without minister. and the vice minister left Peking today, after informing a personal friend that he did not intend to return. The military ac- t'vity on the part of Yuan Shi Kai is considered a forlorn hope.
 Thirty foreigners. most of them Americans, arrived here tonight from Tai Yuan Flu. They were given safe escort both by the rebels and the iin- perialists The diplomatic board through the dean of the corps, Sir John Jordan. has represented to tue premier the necessity of avoiding dis