The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-10-18
.REv0LUT|0N|STS
AND IMPERIAL
TROOPS CLASH
Fierce Engagement Today
Between Chinese Forces
Before Hankow
BEll|GEREMTS were EQUAL
AND CONTEST WAS FAIR
Chinese Warships in Yang Tse River
Bombarding WI Chang Fortiflca-
tons But Hampered by Fear of En-.
dangering Foreign Concessions.

Kankow, Oct. 1S.-The first battle
since the arrival Of the imperial troops
from the north was fought today on
the north bank Of the Han river, just
west Of this city.
1t was indecisive, however. although
the revolutionists temporarily drove
the imperial troops back from their
positions. But in doing SO they ex-
hausted their rifle ammunition and
were forced to retire.
The revolutionists' infantry and ar
tiilery attacked the government troops
which were reinforced from the
Chinese warships in the river and
supported by the guns Of the feet.
While the lighting was in progress
the thirteen foreign vessels in the
river landed Joint force under the
command of Vice Admiral Sir Alfred
T. Winsloe, commander of the British
seniority, has been given the direction
Of the men engaged in the protection
OF the foreign concessions.
About 1000 revolutionists were pit
ted against an equal number of loyal
soldiers and it was fair fight.
The early reports that the rebels
outnumbered the enemy s to were
incorrect. This evening the imperial
troops are awaiting reinforcements
Wullo the TGNOIutlOHlSLS are IGQleulSUs
Ing their supplies.
A general engagement between the
revolutionary army and imperial
forces was precipitated on the water
| front by the attempt Of Admiral Sab
| Chen Ping to land large body of
| troops for the reinforcement Of Gen.
Chang Ptao, who was entrenched with
| several hundred Of the old >rovincial
army at u point in the native city close
l n
just daybreak when Admiral Sab Or
dered his cruisers to disembark their
soldiers near Chang Piao's position.
The revolutionists on the WI Chang
fortifcations Immediately detected
the movement and opened a hot fire
with their artillery. The cruisers and
gunboat in the river replied with a
rain of shells which diverted the at
tention of the Wu Chang artillery men
and effectually' covered the landing of
the troops. r- ~ 80.
| The warships used large quantity
| OF ammunition but the effectiveness of
their fire was hampered by their fear
J Of cndangering the foreign concession.
Washington Handicapped.
Washington. Oct. 1S.-Both the
state and navy departments are en-
barrassed in dealing with the situa-
ton by the difficulties Of keeping in
telegraphic communication with Han
kow. dispatches emanating from that
point appearing to come in the most
| irregular manner.
The dispatch Of 100 American. ma
rines from Manila to Peking to REIN
force the legation guard there is stated
| at the state department to be the
regular movement for relief for men
who have been on duty the last year.
In event Of an emergency the men
about to be relieved would be retained
at Peking.
Secretary Knox received today the
resolutions Of the Chinese National
association at San Francisco. trans
lnitted through the national secretary,
Tong Ting Chong. begging the United
States to remain neutral and to en-.
deavor to influence the powers to
adopt the same course. Secretary
Knox did not feel that the commune
| cation called for any answer as the
| state departments policy has been to
refrain from taking either side, a
similar course apparently being adopt
ed by other nations.
From Peking. Mr.. Williams. the
American charge Of the legation, re-
ported to the department that he saw
no signs Of anti-foreign sentiment
among the people. Communication is
interrupted with several of the out
lying provinces. he declared, and
three Chinese were executed in Muk-
den. Manchuria. for spreading re-
bellious propaganda, but no disturb
ances have been reported in that part
of China.