THE BOMBARDMENT OF TAKU.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10087, 16 July 1900, Page 2

THE BOMBARDMENT OF TAKU.

LATER DETAILS.

The loss of the rebels was 340. On June 16, after a council of war aboard the Russian cruiser, an ultimatum was sent demanding the surrender of the Taku forts by midnight. The American Admiral at first refused to join in the bombardment, his instructions being not to fire a shot unlcs3 in defence of American life and property, and as neither were in danger at Taku, he could not see his way to join in the attack. Hp, however, urged on the other Admirals tho necessity of sending a force to Pekin. When they demurred, no said "my instructions are definite. I must go to Pekin." It was then agreed to send a combined force of British and German gunbrats which occupied positions nearer the forts than the othora in Taku River. An hour before the ultimatum expired, a shell burst close to tho anchor chain of a German steamer, in which were tho Sydneyits and a number of Europeans. The Chinese then, from all fcrta, opened fire with great rapidity. Tho German gunboat Allis, and the French Lion, dashed at full speed tp their positions; tho English and Russians, in the meantime, opening fire. The night waa clear moonlight, and the scene one not to bo forgotten. Tho American cruiser Monocay,- took part after all, but received a shot through her bows. After a short respite, firing was commenced again. &\> 3.30 a.m. the position of the gunboats were very dangerous, as they were exposed to the firo of the forts. One of tho Russian vessels got a shot in the bows, and she went aground. The Allis steamed ahead, followed by tho Algerine, from new positions, and a steady firo was youred into the forts and kept up till sunrise.