Exciting experiences in the Japanese-Russian war

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Author's Preface

Moved by the immensity of the death struggle precipitated by Jap and Russ in the far East, its importance to Americans in common with the whole world, and the intensity of interest with which the v/ar was received, I have undertaken to record a detailed, connected liistory of this epoch making period. Recogni/.ing the futility of attempting to make clear to the reader the unique complications of the situation without first familiarizing him with wliat has led up to the strife, particular attention has been devoted to the story of the past. Thus I have delved deep into the misty story of long ago and have borrowed without stint of the v/isdom of learned men of all ages v/ho have left to us the priceless lieritage, information concerning the development of their forgotten days.

To these innumerable and unnamed contributors to the treasury of human knowledge grateful acknov/ledgement is rendered. Without their labors it would be impossible to present an accurate, concise and comprehensive statement of the political, economic, traditional and diplomatic factors that brought Russian ^and Jap face to face in deadly combat on the frozen fields and arctic seas of Korea and Manchuria.

It shall be the aim in this work to not only acquaint the reader with the stirring events of this, the greatest of modern wars, and to transport him with the marching legions that made history in the Hermit Kingdom, but to lead him am.ong these contending people in their more peaceful moments and acquaint him with their racial characteristics, their customs, manners, religion, antecedents, their mode of life past

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

and present and their conception of the destiny that has driven them to arms.

It was no ordinary quarrel that brought on this frightful carnival of suffering, bloodshed, death and destruction. The sword was not drawn on the spur of the moment under stress of emotion and uncontrollable anger.

Manifest destiny leads Russian ambition eastward. The same potent power turns Japan's eyes westward. Somewhere these energetic representatives of opposing systems were bound to meet. The collision came when the first shot was fired at Port Arthur.

As is the case when two speeding express trains seek to pass on the same track, the impact has proven something awful to contemplate This record of what actually took place is intended to be an accurate, truthful presentation of the developments of the war, free from bias or prejudice. If it serves to break down prejudice, to increase love of peace, and to illuminate discussion of this grave crisis with the light of calm, sound reason, to set in motion a wave of thought that shall be productive of a broader and more philosophical view in the office, workshop, or at the family fireside, the labor of preparing this work shall not have been vain.

MARSPIALL EVERETT.

PUBLISHER'S PREFACE.

With the ghastly traces of a monstrous war still fresh upon the land and sea, and the shock of battle yet echoing throughout the world from the theater of strife where Jap and Russ met to determine which should advance and which retreat, this history of the long predicted struggle for mastery of the East has been prepared. Viewed day by day as the dread tragedy unfolded itself, its ever changing prime features have been indelibly traced in word-picture by one familiar not only with the subject, but with the unusual and unexpected.

The civilized world was staggered with the tremendous possibilities with which the situation was fraught. Intense perplexity prevails as to the "Russian peril" and the "yellow peril." Are civilization and progress to receive a setback from which there will be no escape for centuries ? Is the peace of the world threatened and are the powers of Europe, and perhaps our own country, on the verge of a great struggle?

In view of the remarkable situation this publication is particularly timely, affording opportunity to the busiest to become familiar with this greatest of modern problems without sacrifice of time. At the outbreak of the war great navies and armies of gigantic proportions were marshalled throughout all Europe. Even little Denmark was not free from the contagious war fever. England showed an alertness tha^ portended aggressive activity. The thought, whither are we drifting, was uppermost in the minds of the people of the whole civilized world.

In the preparation of this work diplomat, military expert, globe trotter and statesman have all played a part, so that the reader will enjoy;

PUBLISHER'S PREFACE.

a recital of fact and impression direct from the fountain head — the man who has seen, heard and felt the breaking storm.

That this will prove a compact handbook on the far East and its bewildering complications is confidently anticipated. Never before has a topic so strange and little understood been thrust upon us so suddenly and so laden with fascination. Two civilizations diametrically opposed in character and purpose have been brought face to face in deadly conflict for self-preservation — two religious, economic and political systems having nothing in common save a deep seated spirit of rivalry have entered the lists to settle by recourse to arms the question of survival.

While the story of mankind is almost an unbroken record of warfare, it is only at remote intervals that a struggle ensues which leaves its imprint upon the world, changes the course of civilization and makes its influence long felt by nations and peoples having no part in the physical strife. Such an epoch-making conflict was the war between the Slav and the Jap. Wrapped up in it were questions at issue which affected not only the teeming millions of the Orient, but the world at large, particularly the United States with an empire lying close to the theater of war.

It is with a full appreciation of these grave conditions that this work is issued.

THE PUBLISHERS.

Chapter I. The First Shot Of The War

Was It Treachery? The Historic Festival Night. Grim End of Festivities. War, the Hell-Born. The Skeleton at the Feast. News Flashed to the World 33

CHAPTER 11.

THE SECOND SHOT OF THE WAR.

The Big- Guns Boom. The Circus, Japan's Ally. Scene Disclosed by the Blood-Red Moon. Japs Again Attack. Cool in Face of Death. Plucky Fighting of Russians. Japanese Spy System 38

Chapter X. Russia, The Land Of The Great White Bear

Not a Young Giant. Why "Russia?" Christianity Introduced Through Royal Marriage. The Ancient Russian Republic. Intrigue and Perpetual Warfare. Tartar Rule Broken. Ivan the Terrible 137

CHAPTER XL

BIRTH AND PROGRESS OF MODERN RUSSIA.

Peter the Great. Death of a Romanoff at Conspirators' Hands. Elements Prove Deadly Enemy. Russia's Greatest Humiliation. Siege of Sebastopol. Pity the Czar .141

Chapter XII. Story Of The Gray Old Herhit

Soldiers Armed with Arrows. Queerest People on Earth. Frightened at a Laugh. Strange Marriage Customs. The Pig Important to the Korean. Weird Medical Treatment. Where Wild Beasts Eurk. 10,000 Korean Ears as War Spoils 165

Chapter XIII. Russia's Fighting Power

The Eastern Gibraltar. Precautions that Failed. A Railroad Conductor Mistaken for the Czar. Russian Officers Bos Sailors' Ears. The Vital Connecting Eink. Horror of Eake Baikal Recalled. Compared with Santiago Campaign. Soldiers' Diets Compared. Russia's Grim Warrior Leaders 177

Chapter XVIII. Mighty Men Of Japan

The Work of the Magician of the Far East. Sacrifices of Japan's Lords. No Similar Event in History. The Passing of Old Traditions. Destiny Foretold. Called the " Bismarck of Japan. " Spencer Would Keep Foreigners at Arm's Length 259

Chapter XIX. How India Views Japan

Ancient Acquaintance Renewed. Hope of Deliverance Raised. Yearns for Federation. Spark of Liberty Still Burns. Suggestion for an Asiatic Triple Alliance. Is It Only a Dream ? 269

Chapter XX. Japan's Yellow Journalism

A Polite Calldowii. Some Notable Exceptions. Yellow Journalism Flourishes. The Newspapers Got the Gold. The Lottery Scheme Strikes In, Sensational War News. The Yellowest One of Ail. Press in Darkness 273

Chapter XXI. Woman's Part In The War

Expects Her Son to Return Victorious. Faith as Necessary as Air. The Icon Smiles Upon You Everywhere. To the War She Gives Family and Jewels. Tlie Japanese Wife. Cleanest People on Earth. Worship Pure Air. Women Fought to the Death. Refuse to Weep Over Dead Sons 279

Chapter XXII. The Bright View Of Russia

Commercial and Sentimental Relations. Anglo-Rebel Warships. Son of W. TI. Seward Speaks. Russo-American Telegraph Cable Abandoned. Do We See Through Colored Glasses ? Shouting Hoarse Over Russia's Hymn. Russia Devoid of Snobbishness 307

CHAPTEE XXIII.

RUSSIA'S MENACING POWER.

Remarkable Prediction of a French "Writer. Prophecies of a Great Historian. A Note of Warning-. Official Relations with Russia. Russia Apparently Checkmated. Abolished the Serfdom of the Press 321

CHAPTEE XXIY.

RUSSIA'S PROTEST AND JAPAN'S REPLY.

Is a Formal War Declaration Necessary ? The Chemulpo Attack Fxamined. Korea Declared Neutrality. France Upheld Russia's Views. Poor Kor^^a Mildly Protests. Japan's Formal Reply to Russia. Refused to Meet Proposals. Busy Preparing for War. Responsibility with Russia 33 i

CHAPTEE XXY.

OUR RELATIONS WITH JAPAN.

Japanese Admiral and Wife, American Products. Japan Adopts America's Cry. United States Refused an Fntang-ling- Alliance. Americans and Russians Greatest Japanese Tourists. Explanation of a Polite Japanese Spy. America's Friendship in Evidence 357

CHAPTEE XXYI.

THE RUSSIANS' ♦« BENEVOLENT ASSIMILATION."

First Teach Subject Races to Fear Them. An Asiatic Commanding Asiatics. First the Sword, Then Sugar. Wounds Quickly Healed. England's Asiatic Rule from a Russian Standpoint. Russia's Asiatic Rule from an English Standpoint 365

CHAPTEE XXYII.

THE STORY OF HANCHURIA.

Russia's Advance Begins with Her Defeat in Crimean War. March of the Great White Bear to the Water. Russia as China's Protector. Manchuria Russia's Eand of Promise 371

CHAPTEE XXYIII.

HOME OF THE HANCHU DYNASTY.

The Golden Dynasty Overthrows the Iron. Manchuria's Vast Natural Wealth. Senator Beveridge's Account of the Blagovestchensk Massacre. What of the Moscow of Asia ? , 377

CHAPTER XXIX.

HOW THE WAR NEWS REACHED AHERICA.

A Journey of Fifteen Thousand Miles. Brave Little Spark Again Under Water. Cost of Getting the War News. The Russian Route. Japan and the American Commercial Pacific Cable 383

CHAPTER XXX.

CHINA, ANTIQUITY'S MYSTIC LAND.

Were the Chinese From the Caspian Sea Region ? Fiery Dogs and Ungovernable Vermin. Fabulous Millions of Years. China in the Time of Christ. Jenghiz Khan Wipes Out the Golden Dynasty. Early Warfare with Japan Over Korea. War Horrors of Flood and Cannibalism .403

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE STORY OF MODERN CHINA.

Dark War Cloud Gathers. Enter England and America. Side Lights on the Opium Traffic. The Chinese Worm Turns. Reign of Slaughter Continues. Peace at Last. More Strife and Bloodshed. England again Makes War. The Historic Gordon on the Scene 409

CHAPTER XXXII.

THE PERPLEXING WAR OF 1894=95.

The Chinese Puzzle Fairly Before the World. China's Real Weakness Exposed. Like a Comic Opera Plot. Fellow Conspirator Escapes Death. International Muddle Begins. Korean Army " Takes to the Woods. " China Prepares to Root Out the "Wojen. " The Japs Swarm Over the Great Chinese Guns 415

CHAPTER XXXIII.

THE BOXER UPRISING.

How the Eyes of the Nations Were Opened. Critics of the Bible and Western " Civilization. " " Squeak of the Celestial Pig." Ancestral Worship a Contributing Cause. Missionaries Charged with Bewitching Children. United States Saves China. Chinese View of Foreign Invasion 421

CHAPTER XXXIV.

HYSTERIOUS TIBET, THE FORBIDDEN LAND.

A Land of Wandering Shepherds. Viewed from an English Standpoint. Lofty Mountain Ranges and Salt Lakes. One-Third Lamas, Two-Thirds Common People. The Lamas Oppose Foreigners. Their Wide-Spread Suspicion 429

JAPAN — "What! NO NOTE TODAY? MY GOODNESS, BUT THAT MAN RUSSIA DOES HATE

TO ANSWER LETTERS ! "

Drawn by E. M. Brinkerhofl, of the Toledo Blade.

The International Mail Carrier passed Japan's door so many days after she had written her various notes to Mr. Russia that she come to believe that he was a very poor correspondent. After pondering and rubbing her chin a moment she delivered herself of this impatient remark. Her impatience, as the world knows was soon followed by decisive action.

POOR GAUNT PEACE — "I JUST CAN'T DO ANYTHING MORE WITH THOSE BOYS."

Drawn by R. M. Brinkerhoff, o? the Toledo Bl.iilo.

Poor Peace, standing before The Hague Tribunal, is worn to a slcelfton trying to Iceep those bad boys, Japan and Russia, from blows, and tinaily has giren upthe task in disgust.

RUSSIA (HOLDING UP THE ORIENTAL)— "IS THERE ANY DOUBT NOW AS TO MY BEING THE GREAT ' PtECE-M AKER? '"

Drawn by R. M. Brinkerhoff, of the Toledo Blade.

Even after the Czar's appearance in the role of the world's " peace-maker ", there was a doubt in the world's mind whether he could stay the hand of his military leaders who, in their dealings with the Orient, instinctively took the mere tragic part of the " piece-maker. "

RUSSIA— "WHAT MIGHT HATH JOINED TOGETHER, LET NO MAN PUT ASUNDER.

Drawn by R. M. Brinkerhoff, of the Toledo Blade.

The advice uttered by the Great White Bear, who has helpless Manchuria 1° ^^^s ^^o^f ®™^?;^<l®; does not deter Japan from running to the assistance of the prisoner. It was no joke, either for Manchuria or Japan.

UNCLE SAM — "I MUST TAKE A FEW PRECAUTIONS, AT LEAST."

Drawn by Cartoonist Maybell, of the Brooklyn Eagle.

The breaking out of the war between Russia and Japan was the signal for immediate activity on

the part of the administration to complete the programme already laid out which should

make the United States the third naval power in the world. This was Uncle Sam's

precautionary measure for keeping the fire from his Asiatic roof.

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Outline Map of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Chapter I. The First Shot Of The War

Was It Treachery?— The Historic Festival Night— Grim End of Festivities— War, the Hell-Born— The Skeleton at the Feast— News Flashed to the World.

'HE roar of the exploding shells that broke the stillness of the night in the harbor off Port Arthur on Monday, Feb. 8, 1904, will go echoing down the annals of time as the first shots in a warfare likely to mark one of the great epochs in human history. Moving with the silence of grim specters across the lonely deep a flotilla of Japanese torpedo boats approached Russia's mighty Gibraltar of the East, crept in close to where the Czar's fleet lay in fancied security and scattered death and destruction over the peaceful surface of the calm bay.

The Mikado's bursting messengers of annihilation proved the tocsin that called Russia, the giant, sleeping bear, to arms too late — long too late to repair the damage done, the grim array of huge guns studding the hills and bristling from the casements of the fortified port roared forth defiance to the unbidden and unwelcome guest.

Speedily and with the ghastly silence of its approach the flotilla withdrew. In its wake confusion and chaos reigned. Great ships, built to withstand the shock and impact of battle, lay pierced and battered at their moorings. Decks and quarters were strewn with dead and dying. There was work for the repairer of battleship and fighting man. Aye, and for grave digger as well!

WAS IT TREACHERY?

War had begun ! The first blow had fallen. It had descended unexpectedly at the dead of night with crushing force. The sword, half drawn, had been thrust home before the victim had seen it leave its scabbard.

Like the cry of a wounded animal, Russia rushed to arms. Treachery! Is there such a thing in war? Russia contends there is and that it was practiced in that moment when Port Arthur was awakened from its festivities to behold the pride of the navy shattered by an unexpected foe.

THE HISTORIC FESTIVAL NIGHT.

Port Arthur, like all other Russian centers, had dreamed of a war that was to come — perhaps. In anticipation of that possibility— or probability — its military and social leaders had taken advantage of the occasion for a last function before the dread actualities of battle might materialize. Bright lights flashed throughout the town. Carriages rattled over its thoroughfares. The dreamy strains of the waltz and the martial note of the patriotic anthem echoed through the streets. Beautiful women in the height of fashion and brave men in the habiliments of social intercourse lent life to the gay scene. Wine and laughter, the unbounded hospitality of rich homes and the glitter, glamor and noisy joyousness of the circus tent were the order of the hour. Naught suggested the war cloud hovering overhead save the presence of silent sentinels at their posts and the shrill whistle of the night wind cutting through the rigging of the fleet of warships lying at anchor in the harbor, each bristling with guns and freighted with agencies of destruction.

GRIM END OF FESTIVITIES.

It was 1 1 o'clock and the merriment was at its height. Then came the awful transition. Torpedoes that seemed to shake the very globe

THE FIRST SHOT OF THE WAR. 35

burst forth in uproar and flame. The festive music and the soft murmur of happy voices died away in circus and ballroom and a momentary hush fell. The hideous crash of warfare, the cries of wounded and the groans of dying men smote the ear — a chorus of terror. As on the eve of Waterloo the booming of cannon blasted the dance, so now a sudden sweep of violence terminated the festivities. Men in evening dress rushed to the. ramparts to work the guns upon whose efficacy depended the honor and stability of Russia. Richly gowned women whose gleaming white throats and soft arms glistened with jewels made their way unattended to hospitals, where errands of mercy called them and grewsome tasks awaited.

WAR, THE HELL-BORN.

War had broken its fetters and burst upon the land with hellish fury. War, concerning which one great writer has declared "A day of battle is a day of harvest for the devil;" than which Martin Luther said any plague was preferable ! War, that Sherman called hell, and Shakspere the son of hell ! Franklin said there was never a good war or a bad peace. The great Wellington contributed to this general depreciation of war the declaration that nothing save a battle lost was hardly so melancholy as a battle won. And now this vast game of devilish ingenuity and hellish consequences was on in deadly earnest, born in the darkness of an Oriental night and destined to be maintained through many a day and night to come.

THE SKELETON AT THE FEAST.

Musket balls henceforth would claim their uncounted victims, the sword and bayonet their harvest of human suffering. Torpedo, shell and bomb cast off their restraining fetters to sing their harsh, discordant song of death. Potent engines of destruction, designed with all the cunning known to man would now have their frightful inning. Nature's resistless elements, blinding storms, frigid Arctic winds, trackless spreads of ice and snow would at once become man's ally and his foe in the struggle at hand. Far from the eyes of the interested world, beyond the realm of romance, where throb of drum and wave of flag would awaken neither dream of "glory" or excitement, vast armies of men would do and die. Lonely stretches of glary ice and \irgin snow would be crimsoned with their life's blood and the shifting snowdrift the resting place of their battle-scarred bodies.

It was indeed a harsh, cruel awakening that the Japanese torpedoes forced upon Port Arthur that night, transforming it from a center of s@cial gaiety to the besieged hub of a great center experiencing all the horrors of relentless war in the dead of an Arctic winter.

NEWS FLASHED TO THE WORLD.

Information of what had taken place reached the world the following morning in an official report from Admiral Alexieff. Like the early reports that reached England from the theater of war in South Africa during the Transvaal campaign it was of the 'T regret to state" order. Who can say with what emotion the Russian commander penned these lines to his imperial master, thousands of miles away and quite unconscious of the outbreak of hostilities :

"I most respectfully inform your majesty that at or about midnight of Feb. 8-9, Japanese torpedo boats made a sudden attack by means of mines upon the Russian squadron in the outer roads of the fortress of Port Arthur, in which the battleships Retvisan and Cesarevitch and the cruiser Pallada were damaged. An inspection is being made to ascertain the character of the damage. Details are following for your majesty."

The Russian commander's disastrous report was all too true. Not only had the Cesarevitch, pride of the Muscovite navy, and other powerful vessels been put out of commission, but before the message had left the viceroy's hands and before Port Arthur had recovered from the first shock and surprise, the Japanese fleet appeared in force and began a terrific onslaught upon the Russian seat of power in the far East. Twelve hours after the torpedo attack the Japanese fleets were sweeping the seas in pursuit of everything Russian, centering their attack upon Port Arthur. The battle that ensued was terrific.

THE FIRST SHOT OF THE WAR.

Z7

The invading fleet was received by the land batteries with a storm of shot and shell. The Russian fleet joined in the battle and even the warships crippled during the preceding night participated in the firing from their moorings on the shelving shores where they had been beached to prevent sinking.

The War Raised the Price of American Products.

Chapter II. The Second Shot Of The War

The Big Guns Boom—The Circus, Japan's Ally— Scene Disclosed by the Blood-Red Moon— Jap's Again Attack— Cool in Face of Death — Plucky Fighting of Russians — Japanese Spy System.

FFICIAL information of the action was conveyed to the imperial government and the world at large in the following official report from Admiral Alexieff :

"I beg to report that at about 1 1 o'clock a Japanese squadron consisting of about fifteen battleships and cruisers approached Port Arthur and opened fire.

"The enemy was received with a cannonade from the shore batteries, and the guns of our squadron, which weighed anchor and participated in the engagement.

"At about midday the Japanese squadron ceased its fire and left, proceeding south.

"Our losses in the fleet were two naval officers wounded, nine men killed, and fifty-one men wounded.

"On the shore batteries one man was killed and three were w^ounded.

"The battleship Poltava and the cruisers Diana, Askold, and Novik were each damaged on the water line.

"The forts were slightly damaged.

"I most humbly report to your imperial majesty that the three

injured vessels in the torpedo attack were not sunk, nor were their

boilers or engines damaged.

"The Czarevitch received a hole in its steering department and its rudder was damaged.

"The Retvizan was damaged in its pumping apparatus under the water line.

"The Pallada was injured amidships not far from the engines. After the explosions the cruisers hastened immediately to their assistance, and in spite of the dark night, measures were taken to bring the damaged vessels to the harbor.

"We have no loss in officers. Two marines were killed, five were drowned, and eight were wounded. The enemy's torpedo boats received a heavy fire. Two unexploded torpedoes were found after the attack. ALEXIEFF."

THE CIRCUS, japan's ALLY.

As before intimated, Japan's strongest ally in the sudden midnight attack on the Russian fleet in the harbor of Port Arthur was a circus. While the czar's powerful fleet swung lazily at anchor in fancied security the officers of the squadron, almost to a man, were ashore applauding the clown in the tan-bark ring and cheering the chariot races and the trapeze performers. When the first guns boomed out their challenge the officers hurriedly left the canvas tent. Hastening to the water front, they found their ships in motion, striving to beat off the Japanese war ships that came ever closer. They strove to reach the several vessels to which they were assigned, but before they could accomplish it they saw two great warships stricken, and a cruiser, the pride of the Pacific squadron, sorely damaged.

Like the British officers who were summoned from a ball to the battle of Waterloo, the officers had determined on one last evening of pleasure before they entered on the grim business of war. Unlike the British, they had no warning, and when they sought to remedy that which their thoughtlessness had cost they found it impossible.

Not alone were the naval officers present at the circus, but the military officers deserted their places at the land batteries to occupy seats beside the ring. The honor of Russia, both by sea and land, was left in the hands of subalterns.

FIRST HALF DAY OF THE WAR.

The story of the first 12 hours of actual hostilities off Port Arthur is graphically described by an eye witness, who was aboard the steamer Columbia in the harbor during the entire period, in the following language :

"I was lying Monday night quarantined on the Indo-Chinese steamer Columbia, between the entrance to Port Arthur and the Russian fleet and close to the latter.

"Only one of the Russian warships was using its searchlights, in a leisurely fashion, and only three of the torpedo boats were patrolling the outskirts of the fleet. It was clear and there was a light southerly breeze and a hazy horizon. Then deep silence settled down.

FIRST MUFFLED EXPLOSION.

*T was going to bed about 1 1 130 when I heard three distinct but muffled explosions one after another. Apparently they came from under the water, for the Columbia vibrated violently.

"Instantly firing with the twelve-pounders and three-pounders began and the searchlights were placed, but without much method.

"I watched the operations, thinking they were only maneuvers, till midnight, when the firing had almost ceased, entirely ceasing at 3 in the morning.

"About I o'clock two battleships, probably the Retvizan and Cesarcvitch, and the large cruiser Pallada passed us, coming toward the harbor entrance. The battleship then lay across the narrows at the entrance, where in the morning both were aground. They were helpless, close together, not, however, blocking the entrance except for ships of heavy draft. The disabled battleships were taken inside forts Huna Ching Shan and Chi Kwan Shan. The cruiser lay outside, but within range of the forts.

"The Retvizan had been torpedoed forward and the Cesarevitch aft. The cruiser was badly listed to port. It also was torpedoed.

"At 2 40 some Russian naval officers came aboard the Columbia in a state of great excitement, saying the viceroy had ordered us not to attempt to leave. Their object, apparently, was to prevent us from giving any information to the Japanese concerning the extent of the damage.

"Up to this time we thought the operations were only maneuvers or a scare. But now we began to suspect something serious, especially when at daybreak we saw the strange, pathetic appearance of the two torpedoed battleships. We suspected a collision, but soon learned these battleships and cruisers were certainly torpedoed. It seemed strange, for though the flashlights were whirling wildly and the lighthouse light was novk^ extinct, no firing took place.

SCENE DISCLOSED BY THE BLOOD-RED MOON.

"After 3 o'clock the moon rose red, disclosing the presence on the horizon of three two-funnel cruisers, on whose masts we afterward distinguished the flag of the rising sun— -Japan's. They came boldly within long distance range and remained calmly watching for two hours after daybreak.

"A strange apathy seemed to possess the Russian crews of whitefaced gaping men, who crowded on the forward decks of the damaged battleships.

"I saw through a glass the cook of the Peresviet calmly throwing out slops and the men on the other vessels carefully washing the anchor chain while weighing anchor.

"For a long time after the anchor was weighed no vessel showed a disposition to chase the Japanese or fire a single shot.

"Finally the Japanese left. This was at 8 :20. They were pursued by the Russian fleet, which proceeded towards Dalny, inshore of the Japanese. At 9 :i5 the Russians returned to their anchorage, no firing apparently having occurred.

"The Japanese effected a complete surprise, owing to the bad lookout.

"The Russians had now outside of the harbor five effective battleships, five effective cruisers, one volunteer cruiser, one gun vessel, one training ship, and seventeen torpedo boats and destroyers. The latter were grouped near the entrance of the harbor.

JAPS AGAIN ATTACK.

"It was almost ii o'clock when sixteen Japanese ships, including five battleships, appeared along the horizon. They were in fine order. At II :i5 came the first fiash from the Japanese vessel. This landed a twelve-inch shell near the torpedo boats and disabled a battleship. The aim was splendid.

"Owing to the confusion of the quarantine ofiicials or perhaps because tlie Russians thought the Japanese would dislike to fire near the British flag, the Columbia had been left lying close to the Russian fleet and in the line of fire, so that the Japanese shells aimed at the battleships fell thickly around the steamer, several bursting near its stern and strewing the deck with splinters and water.

COOL IN FACE OF DEATH.

"Capt. Anderson then got under vvay, although ordered by the Russians not to leave, and despite the protests of the Russian guards aboard, who Vv^ere eventually conveyed to Cliefoo.

"On one occasion, vvhile the shells v^^ere bursting round about us, the captain called : *Boy, get m.e some cigarettes.'

"The vessel was brought out of its excessively dangerous position by running near shore and then making full speed for Chefoo.

"The Russian guards were praying fervently and the Chinese crew was frightened, but worked well. We feared the Russian batteries would sink us for disobeying orders or send a torpedo boat in pursuit. The captain liad repeatedly signaled for permission to proceed, but his signals were not answered.

GOOD SHOOTING OF JAPS.

"The bombardment of the port lasted till 1 1 145, the Japanese shooting with good aim. Two shells burst on the summit of one fort and numbers on the face of the cliffs and along the beach. All of them were heavy shells. Owing to the length of the range all the shells burst on contact with the water or land. Some threw out yellow smoke, but generally it was dense, black smoke, temporarily concealing the ships struck.