THE WAR.
THE JAPANESE HOBSON.
CAPTAIN K. ARIMA,
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1904.
The Commander having been thus delayed The cargo of provisions destined for Ponoclined to belleve the statements I have heard somewhat, then set about preparing for the Arthur, which was some weeks ago landed about discontent among the crews. The naval sinking of his ship, upon which the guns from from, the Korra when that steamer was al officers, certainly, are of a better class than the the forts on Golden Hill were already turned. Nagasaki in order to avoid being seized by the military officers. The Japanese, on the other The vessel was almost in position and ready to Japanese as contraband, is reported to have hand, have smart, shrewd, well-educated efficers, anchor when Lieutenant Shimada was hit by a been declared co-traband by the Japanese men who model themselves in everything on Though much has been written concerning shell and fell from the bridge apparently dead, authorities and confiscated. The cargo consists the British or the Americans, and many of the gallant conduct of Commander Hirose, At that time Commander Masaki was unaware of a hundred thousand cases of salt beef, whom have had European training. The blue who lost his life in the second attempt to of the fate of his confibre, and he gave in valued at Vigo. The Kade Chronicle" jackets, too, are smart, well-disciplined men. block the entrance to Port Arthur, small structions for the carrying out of the explosion thinks there must be some mistake in this mention has been made in the European as previously arranged, it being understood report, as the Korea left San Francisco before press of Captain R. Arima, the brave and that the bluejackets should make fur the boats hostilities broke out, and though by interna- capable officer who was in command of the directly it was seen that the fuse was properly tional law the Japanese would have the right fleet of tramp steamers during both of these ignited. The commands were duly, obeyed. to purchase the cargo they would not, accord- but the first explosion was unsuccessful.ing to recent practice, have the right to con- expeditions, and whose escape from death was. Meanwhile information was received by the fiscale it. little less than miraculous. Captain Arima's Commander that Lieutenant Shimada had reputation for daring and decision dates back been wounded, it was thought fatally. He from the war with China. Ten years ago, proceed: d to the upper deck, and at that when the relations between Japan and China; noment the funnel was struck by a shell were strained to a breaking point, a Cabinet and completely shattered. The Commander was also hit again, this time the Council, at which H.I.M. the Mikado was present, was held at Tokio. During the dis-shoulder. Still he stuck manfully to his past cussion which took place a telegram was hand- ed in announcing that the cruiser Naniwa had sunk the Kowshing, a steamer plying un- der the British flag. The impression pro- duced by the news contained in cable was so great that, after its perusal, the members of the council remained silently regarding their sovereign for several minutes. The suspense was at last broken by the minister, Marquis Saigo, who said quickly, as if speak
|
on
and cheered the man on to a second attempt at making the explosion. The vessel. had by now bees hit in several places by the enemy's shells, and all went well with the operations this time. The bluejackets made for the boats as com manded, their gallant chief being the last to leave the vessel. He wis about to join the others when he was seen to return; he could not leave the ship in the knowledge that the corpse of his brother officer might be destroyed with it. The explosion might necur at any
Then there is the efficiency of the ships to consider. The Japanese vessels are modern, built in the best yards, and the best that can be had of their type. They are within reach of their own dockyards and of their supplies, The Russians, on the other hand, have only one! dry-dock, 385ft. long, at Port Arthur, and two It is reported that Viceroy Yuan Shi Kai has floating docks at Vladivostock. Not one of the received instructions from the Government at
three will take a modera battleship or cruiser. Peking to select military officers, for the pur-Where are they going to repair damages? pose of accompanying the forces of Japan and And-another important, point where can they The Viceroy go to be overhauled? A ship that does not Russia as observers of the war. communicated this desire of the Chinese Go. have her bottom scraped periodically soon loses
as much as two or three knots an hour of her ¦ vernment to Admiral Alexeieff, when the latter replied that the time had not yet arrived for speed; and that is a very serious matter when the acceptance of such a proposal. It is pre- she is taking part in a naval war.” sumed that arrangements have been made with the Japanese authorities for Chinese officers to accompany the forces.
+
THE LATE COMMANDER HIROSE.
PROPOSAL 10 ERECT A STATUE IN
MEMORIAM.
The remains of the late Commander Hirose, who met his death just as the blockers were
ing to himself, "Togo is a fool, a great fool," moment, but the Commander, wounded as he withdrawing from the second blocking ex-
edition to Port Arthur, have arrived at Tokyo. It will be remembered that the officer was carried overboard by a shot from the forts, all
that remained of his body on board the retreat- ing boat being a small piece of flesh. This tragihent, preserved in a box wrapped in a naval standard and escorted by officers, arrived at Slumbashi on Tuesday morning, together with other relics of the deceased. The remaids were received by a large number of people at the Tokyo terminus, and are to be viewed by the Emperor.
was, retraced his steps and fond Lieutenant It should be mentioned that Captain Togo, Shimada lying in a pool of blood, and not dead. (now an Admiral and chief of Japan's fleet The Commander held the Lieutenant by the before Port Arthur) was then in command collar of his coat and as gently and as riexter- of the Naniwa, and his navigating officerously as possible placed him in the boat, was Lieutenant R. Arima. It is a matter of shouting “It will be all right now, pull away!"
With the assistance of the bluejickets history that the act of Captain Togo in sink Lieutenant Shimada was laid in the boat, ing the Nania resulted in China declaring the Commander placing the Lieutenant's head war on the Island Empire. Just before the upon his knee. Commander Masaki's left arm opening of hostilities with Russia, the Naval was useless, but with his right hand he took authorities in japan decided on the forma an car and pulled with the others for dear life. tion of the united squadron, and appointed Shortly afterwards the Yoneyamt-maru_ex- Admiral Togo as Commander-in-chief. Re- ploded. quested to choose his chief of the staff this officer went and saw Captain Arinia, and addressing him with a smile said:"You and I have made for ourselves a reputation for recklessness and want of caution. We made it together, well! will you join me again, so that we can serve our country as we did ten years ago," Arima thereupon replied "Many thanks to your Excellency for allow ing me the honour of serving and perhaps dying under your orders. Our new enemy will be somewhat harder to deal with than shore was pointing in every direction but theirs. officer will receive a letter couched in the
our former one, but the glory to us will be greater. Thus it was that Captain Arita became chief of the staff to Admiral Togo with the fleet before Port Arthur. In cer
tain circles in Japan some amount of appre- hension was felt, owing to the fact that two officers possessing so great a reputation for recklessness were at the head of the feet in the Gulf of Petchili, but the course of events has fully justified the choice made by the authorities at Tokio.
Admiral Togo gave Captain Arima com- mand of the tramp squadrons which were on two separate occasions, sent to block the entrance to Port Arthur because he knew that this officer, besides being a daring com> mander, also possessed sterling qualities as an able navigator and great presence of mind, and also became he desired to confer
The bluejackets then sang lustily one of the Japanese war-songs, apparently forgetting in that moment of elation that their voices would betray their whereabout, for they were not far from the shore. The searchlights were rapidly pointed upon them, and immediately shot whiz- zed around the gallant Jiule craft, in a moment the song ceased and the course of the boat was rapidly changed. Having successfully dodged the penetrating rays the crew of the now defunct Yoneyama-maru rested on their cars for a while.
And then from the darkness went up the strains of the war song again, while the searchlight ou
Commander Misaki discovered that, besides having sustained other wounds, one of Lieut. Shiotada's hands bad been completely severed. The Commander tied up the arm as best he could with his provision bag and so stayed the flow of blood After rowing a considerable distance, to the tune of the song so dear to their heans, the men of the Yencyama-wear found one of the Japanese torpedo-boat told off to look for them, and were safely taken on board. Kobe Chronicle.
. A despatch has been received stating that the Chinese residents at Blagovestchensk, who have been waiting for an opportunity to avenge the massacre of their fellow-countrymen during the Boxer outbreak, have recently effected a jonction with the mounted bandits and are getting ready to rise against the Russians.
The Frankfurter Zeitung announces that the Russian Government has ordered 3,000
The Jiji Shimp gives publicity to a sugge tion which has been made that a bronze statue of Commander Hirose be erected in a pro- minent position in Tokyo, the funds for the purpose to be raised by public subscription.
with the close of Commander Hirose's life. A pathetic incident is related in connection
Before the blocking ships had arrived at Port Arthur, the Commander went to his cabin and indited a few letters to personal friends on the
Russian side, naval and military oficers, for it will be remembered he spent several years of his life in St. Petersburg. Among his friends. was the Commander of the Paryst, and this
tollowing terms:-
"I am now on the way to the entrance of Port Arthur with orders to block up the port.
This is done by the command of our Emperor. As an individual I have nothing but friendship for you. I hope you are quite well and safe after recent engagements, and hope that some day is the future when there is peace we shall again nieet each other.“—Ēx.
HOW TO BLOCK PORT ARTHUR. CHAT WITH AN EN-RUSSIAN COMMANDER.
Captain Rowsell, of the British Merchant Serv.ce, has not long returned to England after serving for several years in the Far East under the Russian Government, in command of a British vessel purchased by Russia for purposes of transport, and has duties took him constantly to Port Arthur, to Chefoo, and to Vladivostok. Besides carrying much material for railway construction and for fertification, his vessel was frequently employed in the moving of troops; and the insight that he was able to obtain into the conduion of affairs prevailing both in the military and in the naval service of Russia has led him to form an opinion anything but flattering to those services.
į
f
Consequence to Russia than the army. This message may be regarded as a gentle hint to be very cautious. It will doubtless havn the effect of restraining Admiral Makaroff's well-known impetuosity.
Admiral Skrydloff, the Commander of the Baltic Fleet, who has been appointed to succeed the late Admiral Makaroff at Port Arthur regards the Japanero as a match for the Rus sians, and a very dangerous" enemy," He ex- presses the view, however, that Port Arthur is impregnable to the Japanese fleet.
FROM NEWCHWANG,
TO-DAY'S EXCHANGE.
Salling.
OLLA
London-Bank T.T.
Do. demaad CATAITA Do. ́4 months' sight America-Back T.T France Bank T.T.... Germany-Bank T.T. India T.T..........
1.79
Do. demand..................himpi 304 Shanghai-Bank T.T. quemuutos Japan-Bank T.T. ..... Singapore-Blank T.T.. Java-Bank T.T. ..................
4 months' sight L/C.
Buying.
.......cost 1/9 7/16 6 months' sight L/C...1/9 9/16 30 days' sight San Francisco & New York 437 4 months' sight
do. Writing from Nawchwang on and inst, [30 days' sight Sydney and Melbourne 1/9 11/16 Messrs Bandinal and Co report that the 4 months' sight FrancS ...g aguna? Russians have made several rules modifying 6 months' sight
| 4 months' sight Germany previous trade conditions, such as:-"Vessels Bar Silver.......... inward bound must stop near No. 5 beacon Bank of England rate........................... about 5 miles below the Fort, for examination and permission to proceed up river.
"Exportation of Beans, Beancakes and other l contraband of war to Japan and for Coren..is
And what about the possibility of a prohibited. blockade?"
"Exportation of the above to Neutral Ports
is permitted, provided the shipper deposite
To-day's Advertisements.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
a deposit of the value of such cargo, as a guar.NFORMATION has been received from antec that this cargo will not be transhipped to the Military Authorities that GUN PRAC. japan or Corea.
TICE will be carried out from-Lyemun (Pak- sha-wan Battery), on the night of the 26th April, 1904, in the direction of the entrance to Junk Bay, at range 6.0 to 2,000 yards, commencing about 2.45 P.M. and finishing about 9.30 F.M., if the range is clear.
If the weather is unfavourable, Practice will not take place.
By Command,
This deposit will be returned to the shipper as soon as the Commissioner of Customs at Newchwang receives from the Commissioner or similir official at port of destinati a certi. ficate that the cargo is duly thischarged.
"It does not look as though the necessity for a blockade would arise just yet; if it should, I { with the Customs a guarantee from the Russo- am afraid it would be a difficult matter to make } Chinese Dank that they have received from him a blockade eff.ctive at Vladivostok. But if the Japanese can get command of the Pacific andıf of the Yellow Sea the Russians will soon find their supplies cut off, for the railway is far too light for its purpose, and will soon become congested; and I suppose they will not be permitted to get supplies from China. The farts, both at Port Arther and at Vladivostok, are very strong, and well armed with heavy guns of the latest paltern, so that both the harbours are well protected. But there is one Arthur absolutely useless. The mouth is only means by which the Japanese could render Port
about four hundred feet wide, and it has only about twenty-eight feet of water over the bar at the highest tides. Now one or two old hulks sunk right in the mouth——”
"And what course do you think things are likely to take, Captain Rowsell?"
"It is difficult to say without knowing exactly how far the Russian preparations have gone. I know that two or three years ago the Russian officers used to make nu secret of their belief that Russia would never leave Manchuria. And I myself was ordered, a few years back, to take some military experts in my
ship to the mouth of the Yalu River--ostensibly for the purpose of leading timber. There was no timber to be loaded there, and we had con- siderable difficulty in finding the mouth of the river--the draught of the ship was too great to
allow her to go in, and we had to explore in a
small craft. All that they wanted to do was to
study the locality! The two Japanese cruisers that are on their way out are now, I think, Practically safe. There are merchant vessels on their way out at present, carrying coal-no doubt ships flying the British flag, which are out there, will be used to carry the Japanese maus-and two of them are commanded by friends of my own. But I think they will arrive safely, and avoid the risk of capture if they buy the shores of Borneo and the 'hilippines, and
use the shelter of the islands.
to block Port
"But what the Japanese ought to do," Captain Roswell repeated finally, with evident delight in the scheme, is Arthur! It would cost them a vessel or two and there would be very big risk for the men who attempted it. By Jove! I'd do it myself, if they would pay me well."
MOUKDEN NOTES.
It is reported from Moukden that a certain ex-Commandant of Fengtien troops, named Ch'i Yin-ch'un, was discovered the other day by Ting Chieb, the Civil Governor of Moukden, on the port of starting for the mountains with the object of enlisting mounted banditti, under promise of heavy pay, to join the Russian flag. The man was arrested and subsequently con fessed that he was to enlist 3,000 Hungbutse
on behalf of the Russian authorities to act as
"The export of grain (qv. coastwise) conses at noon on 5 h April."
Seventeen steamers are loading and one inay
of ice at some stages of the tide. There is leave to-morrow, the river however is still full
enough cargo here to load all vessels now in port and thirteen to eighteen more's future business will depend on the freedom or other
wise of river and cart traffic.
Stocks of beans at the principal up-country depots amount to about 3,712.05 piculs,
Prices are excessive, we quote:
Bean oil.........per picul Tls. 8.50 Beans............ 3 piculs
8.70 "To pieces 10,00
Beancakes
19
10
COMMERCIAL.
SHANGHAI FREIGHT.
Writing from Shanghai on the 14th just., Messrs. Wheelock & Co. state:-Since last
writing we have no change to report in our homeward freight market, cargo from here still
continues very scarce and we do not see much
chance of any improvement until the lea season
commences again nexɩ May,
Coastwise-Rates are sull very light and
A. M. THOMSON, !. Acting Colonial Secretary, Colonial Secretary's Office,
Hongkong, 19th April, 1904.
[526
DOUGLAS STEAMSHIP COMPANY, LIMITED
FOR SWATOW, AMOY AND FOOCHOW.
THE Company's Steamship T
"HAITAN,"
Captain Roach, will be despatched for the *above Ports, on FRIDAY, the 22nd instant,
at 11 A.M.
tonnage is finding ample employment all along The coast. The trouble that we anticipated when last writing about steamers loading at Newchwang for neutral ports has been over- come, at any rate for the first boats up there and a large number (mostly regular liners) have salled wh full cargoes at good rates, we! understand, however, that owners are chary of
sending any more vessels to load up there at present; coal freights from Japan show a slightly weaker tendency at the close.
COAL.
Japan. The only business the.e is to report s the usual sale to consumers. There have been a few inquiries for cargo to arrive, but as treights have been pretty lugh there has been nothing done, as intended purchasers will no1 accept the price submitted. But latterly rates of freight have declined, chanters having been put through at from 52.25 at $2.10 perton, but there is little inquiry at this figure.
Cardiff-No business has transpired. Sydney Wollongong-Has remained very inactive since we last wrote. There is a tair stock still unsaid.
a favour on the man who had so ably second-railway cars in Russian-Poland for delivery ed him. In the first attempt he was on board within the next six months. the Tientsin afarn, which unfortunately ran A high naval officer at Fiume, Hungary, is aground before reaching the entrance to the reported as sa, in, that the steel shell furnished port; in the second he commanded the Chiyo for the coast batteries at Part Arthur and Maru, which vessel was sunk in a good place. Vladivostock have been found too large for the Captain Arima is only 41 years of age and Russian guns there and are unserviceable. possess great reputation as a student; He is This accounts for the poor practice of the guas at the Port Arthur forts and complete silence of distinguished, when on shore, for a great those at Vladivostok. The same authority de- disregard for his personal attire, and it is
clares that Russia has a very limited supply of stated by those that know him that, when at coal at Port Arthur and Vladivostok, to which home, he would content himself with the fact the inactivity of the Russian fleet is attri most modest costumes and spend large sums butable. The Kobe Chronicle is informed, on foreign text books and works on naval however, on very good authority that this is an warfare. This is a striking trait, as the error. This officer declares the corruption majority of Japanese gentlemen consider it and mat administration by Russian officials is considerable perfectly incredible. Only two months ago the obligatory to lay out a amount of money on their dress. This St. Petersburg authorities discovered they had officer was married eight years ago and paid for the construction and maintenance of the General on board that night he went panic amongst the Russians in and around date of our last report, prices kept fluctuating:
having no children, has adopted a son, a very frequent occurrence in Japan, who is now studying at the Naval college. For his gallantry Captain Arima has been decorated by the Emperor with a high degree in the Order of the Gulden Kite.
JAPANESE GALLANTRY.
STORY OF THE LAST BLOCKING
EXPEDITION.
four lighthouses for five years the foundation stones of which had not even been laid. Fraud is practically universal among the officials, and in no respect more flagrant than in connection with army supplies,
In conversation with a representative of the Westminster Gazette, he said that it had always seemed to him that the average Russian soldier was lacking in bravery. He will abey any order without hesitation; but only because he is compelled to-no: because his heart is in his work. Iron discipline prevails in both the Russian services, and the men are ruled by fear alone. I remember on one occasion taking a Russian ‹ eneral-a very fine man, of splendid character-on board with his suite and forty or fifty troopers. There were several tons of baggage put on board when he joined us at Port Arthur, and as I could not accommodate
ashore, alter instructing the troopers not le let the bagga,e out of their sight. The night was bitterly cold, but the men would not be persuaded to go below, so that in the mating they were in a pitiable conditon. I called the General's attention to this when he came off again; but he only said, Ah! yes. I forgot that the men would be cold. But it might be death to them to disobey, you know ' But then I have on many occasions seen officers kicking their men or striking them with the flat of the sword."
"How do you account for the case with which the Japanese torpedo flotilla made its attack off Port Arthur?"
A telegram from Moji reports that about a hundred Tong-bak men, belonging to a society having aims against the established govern- meat of Korea, on the 28th ult took up a posi- tion some five ri from Chyung-ho in North Korea, with some hostile intention against the Japanese Lieutenant Mayeda, with a squad A stirring battle-stery comes from Sasebo, of men, was ordered to disperse the crowd, telling of the pluck and gallantry of the Comwhich was some miles away. The lieutenant mander of the Yongjuma-maru, one of the succeeded in the work and captured the leader vessels that assisted in the sec nd daring and nineteen men.. It was found that the
"At midnight the Russians may not have attempt to block the entrance. 10 Port Arthur. Tong-haks were in possession of new bicycles, been alert enough to resist the unexpected Lieutenant-Commander (asiki and Lieutenant and upon making inquiries in the neighbour-attack. But there is another possible explan. Shimada were on the "dge, and just as the food, Lieutenant Mayeda discovered that the ation. The amount of peculation that goes on, Yoneyama-maru had rained the entrance to prisoners had been in communication with the even, among officers of high rank, in the the port, a splinter from one of the Russian Russians from whom they received the bicycle. Russian service is so great that I am quite shells struck Commande aki at the side of The Kebe Chronicle observes that this appears expecting to hear of something being found the head, Heedless of the Commander a very, improbable story. They were also wanting somewhere-ammunition, supplies, steered his ship on her perilous mission, found to be in possession of insurgent mani- anything on which success may depend. The when suddently one of thethemy's destroyers fesloes,
Russian vessels bave hardly any target practice, made its appearances dailed across the With regard to the reported application of because the cost allowed for the ammunition bows of the Yesayamamai. Commander the British Minister at Seopl for Korean soldiers goes into the pocket of a bigh official. And Masaki'quickly turned bis vessel, apparently to protect the foreigners at the gold mine, at that this sort of thing goes on the Russian
the object of running down the destroyer. Unsan, it now appears that both the British residents in Port Arthur freely admit." Although by this means he went förther out and American Ministers have asked the Japans Dewas at ese Minister to send a body of troops to the
me des m'nes, which Mr. Hayashi undertook
to do It is stated that work has now been resumed at the wines, so it is exident that iderable. uneasiness" has bean felt by the about day in number,
And how does the Japanese Navy compare with that of Russia?"
scouts with promise that he was to command the men enrolled by him. The ex-officer was still under arrest when the foregoing letter was dispatched and as the man was to go on a mis- sion contrary to the neutrality laws he will probably be sent back into Chibli province unless his patrons, the Russian, come to his rescue. The same dispatch states that the success of the Japanese and forces in Korea, near the vicinity of the Yalu, are causing a
Moukden similar to that shown by them wher news of the astounding successes of the Japan ee fleet at Port Arthur and Chemulpo was
received. It was generally believed amongst Russians as well as natives in Manchuria that while Japan would be victorious on the sea it would be the reverse when the land forces of the belligerents came to blows. The recent forward advance of the Japanese to the banks of the Yalu followed by the pell-melt crossing over of that river from the Korea side by the Russians into Manchuria-all this has caused a revulsion of feeling, especially amon.st the Chinese, who are eagerly waiting for the time to welcome the Japanese armies when they shall take possession of Feuglien province.-N. C. D. News.
ITEMS
M. Kurino, Japan's ex-Minister to Russia, before leaving Genua for home told an inter- viewer that the worst of the war would come in the summer, when beat and disease would make it more deadly for both sides than any. thing winter could do.
The g eat interest taken by the Tsar in the navy, writes a St. Petersburg correspondent, as shown by his going round to the various dock. yards on the Neva to inspect the progress of the warships now in coume of completion, is further evidenced by the fact not generally" known, that his Majesty seat a personal tele- grain to Admiral Makaroff enjoining upon him the necessity of saving met and ships as much as possible from barm. The fleet in the Far
Well, I have not had such opportunities for tudying the Japanese as I have of studying the Rusilans. The Russian engineers are lacking in efficiency; their ships are, in my opinión, overcrowded and the man are ill-fed į and I am East, bis Majesty added, was of een greater
RICE.
Messrs. W. G. Hale & Co., of Saigon, write as follows in their circular of the 8th ina.- Planters are holding back their stocks for, higher prices, hence daily supplies of paddy only amount to 35/40,000 piculs; this does not more than fill daily requirements. Since the
more or less chiefly governed by the Hong- kong market, and are steady at the close. During the decline experienced lately, business has been done with Europe.
OPIUM QUOTATIONS. To tay's quotations are as follows:-
#
H
Malwa New......
Last year.... Oldest.... Patna New Benares New..... Persian (Paper)
far
Per cheat
@_96ɔ/1,000
..@ 1,050/1,150 @1,180/1,220
..(@_1:335*
@ 880/930
For Freight or Passage apply to
LOUGLAS, LAPRALE & cá
General Managers.
Hongkong, 19th April, 1904,
THE
WANTED.
[528
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