NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 25, 25 September 1894, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

nojp AND FOREIGN.

The War in Corea. Shanghai, September 19. The Japanese attacked the Chinese at the head of the Yalu River, and there was desperate fighting for six hours. Four ships were sunk on each side, the Chinese warship Cheng-yuen being included in the number, and almost all on board were drowned. Admiral Ting was wounded, and Captain Hannekin, a German military officer, who was saved when the Kow Shung sank, is also among those wounded.

The Chinese fleet were escorting transports towards the Corean coast when the Japanese fleet suddenly appeared. Besides the Cheng-yeun, the cruisers Chin-ying, Kinguen, aud Yang-wei were sunk.

In addition to the Japanese vessels sunk, they had several others damaged and these withdrevy from the conflict. It is expected that the Japanese will capture the Chinese troops landed at Yalu just before the naval fight began. Two out of the three transport vessels did not return with the Chinese fleet, and it is believed they have been sunk with all on board.

The Chao-ying and Yaugwe were driven ashore, and then fired by their crews.

The Chinese officially admit their loss in the engagement at Pengyang. Upon the receipt of the news of the Chinese defeat at Pekin, there was a great outcry against Li Hung Chang, who was deprived by the Emperer of his last peacock’s feather. The arrival of Chinese reinforcements in Corea, reported in August, was merely an official fiction. Shanghai, September 20. The Japanese admit losing heavily in killed and wounded.

The general opinion is that the encounter was indecisive.

The Chinese had a larger fleet, but were out-manoeuvred.

Another report states that the Chen Yuen is still afloat, but there appears no doubt that the Chen Yuen, King Queen, Ishao Yung andYangivei were lost.

The Chinese claim to have sunk the Aboshitni and Yosham, also a transport vessel, and the cruiser Sakio. Private reports, however, state these vessels are afloat, but are hopelessly damaged. It is officially stated in Yokohama that in the Ping Yung fight, the Chinese had 2000 killed, and 14,500 wounded and taken prisoners. It is estimated that one-fourth of the Chinese in camp effected their escape. The Japanese had 80 killed and 269 wounded.

The Japanese hope to reach Moukden early in October, but there will probably bo some fighting near Yarf before then.

The Chinese report that they fought in single and Japanese in double columns. Both fleets were under easy steam.

A shell burst in the Kiug Yuen’s battery with horrible effect. All the Chin Yuen’s big guns were disabled after an hour and a half.

The Japanese frequently tried to break the Chinese line, and their torpedoes were intercepted by nets. A shell set fire to the King Yuen and it sank a mass of flame. The unfortunate crew were cooped up below, and perished with the ship. The Chinese torpedo boats were little used. After the fight had raged three hours the scene on board the ships was appalling. Decks were chocked with dead and dying, and big guns were disabled on both sides. The fight was maintained with lighter cannon and machine guns. The ships labored heavily, and all were using pumps in order to keep afloat. One or two of the Chinese vessels exhausted their ammunition. Both sides fought with great ferocity. The Japanese ‘manoeuvred constantly, but the Chinese remained stationary. It was impossible to help the crews of the sinking vessels, as the guns in the tops aimed at the torpedo boats, and were sweeping the whole area of battle. The Japanese allege they only lost 100 men. St. Petersburg, September 21. The Russian papers warn Japan that she will not be allowed any part of Corea. It is reported that England, Germany and Russia are parleying to interfene and stop the war.