The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-30
AMERICAN FLAG
is HIT BY SHELL
No Further Damage Done at
Observation-Disclosures Casual
ties Sustained by Both Sides,
but Foreign Population Safe.
Much Suffering Reported
Among Noncombatants.

| troops has resulted in its complete
occupation by the Russian forces and
the dispersal of the combatants be-
longing to the constitutional progress
I've party Cor Fidas). Numerous cas-
ualtles were sustained by both sides
The Russians alone lost from 100 to
200 men. while the losses OF the Fidas
were very severe. although the num-
Der cannot be ascertaincd.
In the lighting an enormous amount
OF damage TO property was done. and
the Stars and Stripes floating over the
United States consulate was shot down
by n Russian shell which. however,
did no further damage TO the con-
sulate.
No casualties were suffered BY tho
resident foreign population. but many
individuals suffered from a lack OF
provisions while they were closely
confined to their houses during tho
prolonged street lighting.
The reports of atrocities said to have
been committed by the troops on both
sides on the native noncombatauts. arc
large.
y collision between Russian guards
and Persian constitutionalists in the
street during the night of December
! 20 was tho beginning of the disturb
ances. Two Persians wero killed in
this affair, after which the population
showed great resentment and lighting
became general throughout the city
on the following morning.
The principal engagements during
the siege took place In the neighbour
hood of the Russian consula tie around
the Citadel known as The Ark" and
| at the Russian camp at Baghishcnel.
The PersianS fired on the Russian
i camp with small mounted artillery
4 from the top of The Ark. Russian
i soldiers In the camp replied by she'll
i ing "Thc Ark" with sharpnel and driv-
| Ing the Persians from their position
1 One of the shells struck the American
i flag dying at the consulate, which is
| situated near THE Ark" and the stan
fell to the roof. but no further dam
age was done.
i Fighting in Streets.
On the following day there was des-
i peratc lighting In the streets, the rife
and Maxim gun. firing being contin-
uous. That night the Persians made
an attack on the Russian camp. to
! reply, awaiting the closer approach of
their their assailants s. Finally the Russian
! slams HsS with little heavy losses. ' '
i The Russian positions. both in the
camp and at the Russian consulate.
meIe at s inas 'm an
| tween the camp and the Russian con-
sulatc was completely cut off for sew
|
Russian reinforcements from Julia.
i consisting of 500 men with four guns
arrived In the outskirts of the city on
the night of December %, making Il
forced march OF forty-eight hours
i from their camp eighty miles from
II TRbriz.
I without establishing previous COM
j munication with the Russian camp or
!, consulate the rcinforcements shelled
/ different parts OF the city indiscrim!-
/ nately. however, tho next day. causing
| little damage, but impressinE the Per-
slams with the hopelcssness of con-
| The, Citadel. after being shellsd
Persians on the day following. and
| the Russian flag over the Ark
| Then the Persians made a futile
night attack on tho camp of the Rus,
with bombardment of the northern
quarter of the city until midnight. The
whole disturbance was complete sur
SLAMS, who. ii Is. believed, proposed TO
disarm the Persian Fidas without re-
| sistancc
Two Of the PRINCIPAL leaders :,I. Of the
Fidas surr Sn ni a. H Hr e H sh
| Ed Dowleh. chief of the local rebels
and supporter Of the eX-shah In HIS
recent attempt TO regain the throne
| They were assisting the Russians IN
disarminE the rema lining Fidas, in re-
vealing the stores OF Persian arms and
ammunition. 1t is reported that Shua-
| Ed Dowleh. left the town under Rus
sian protection.
Britain To Protect Consulntcs.
London December 29.-Thc British
government has decided to increase the
number OF tho Indian troops now en-
ployed in Southern Persia guards
for the protection Of the British con-
sulatcs and the trade routrs. This ac-
tion is considered TO have been rem
dered necessary by the recent attack
at Kazoroon by Kashgai tribesmcn on
British Consul Smart. of Shiraz.
Further than this the British gov
eminent has no intention of going.
The Foreign Omcc shortly will Issue
Il statement making plain the action
| taken by the government does not
J foreshadow any occupation of territory
| In Persia or interference with Persian
| authority other than Is necessary 10
protect the British interests.
shustcr Ready to Retire.
Washington, December 29.-Accord-
Ing to information received by tho