THE FIGHTING AT TIENTSIN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11807, 9 August 1900, Page 5

THE FIGHTING AT TIENTSIN.

A DESPERATE BATTLE.

CHINESE LOSE TERRIBLY.

„ THURSDAY ISLAND, August 8.

(Received August 9, at 1 a.m.) Details of the lighting at Tientsin show that the conflict was of a most desperate character. The Chinese, numbering 30,000, were advancing on the town. A force of Russians and Japanese went out to drive them back, but only succeeded in separating them into small bands, which still came on towards the settlement. General Neih's forces assisting them. Reinforcements from Taku were greatly impeded by the breaking up of the railway. All reinforcements had to be sent in barges. Out of one company of 120 Russian infantry only five escaped being killed or wounded, but the Chinese losses were five-fold those of the Allies. The ground for miles was cqvered with their dead. The bombardment of Tientsin began on the 30th. and lasted till day. The Jwps were the first to cuter the city. The attack n/i the native city was made by two "ol limns, one composed of British, Ameri-

cans, and Japs, and the other of French, Germans, and Russians. Fifty guns were used in the bombardment. The allied forces numbered 7000, while 20,000 Chinese defended.

The first named column attacked the western arsenal, and the other the eastern. After several hours' hard fighting the positions were taken. The guns were captured and the magazine exploded. At nigbt another Japanese column succeeded in bursting open the' gates, and they entered tlr: city. The remainder of the Allies entered the following morning.

The Chinese losses eve described as appalling. The total casualties of the Allies was 775. The Bussians lost 100 killed, the Japs 58, and the British and Americans each 40 killed.