GENERAL ITEMS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11596, 28 June 1905, Page 5

GENERAL ITEMS.

HoW Japan's Sailors Die.

Thrilling Story of Self Sacrifice.

A Triumph of Discipline.

Received June'2B, 7.19 a.m. TOKIO, June 27.

With reference to the. Takasago's fate, as cabled on the 2nd, the Japan Times states that the Takasago, with 500 men aboard, struck a mine during a snowstorm and gale at midnight'on the 12th. A hole, six feet in diameter, was blown in the middle of the waterline, and she listed to port. The electric lights were all extinguished in 15 minutes, except the lights on the bridge. An ethergram meanwhile had warned the rest of the squadron of the Takasa'go's fate. Captain Ishibashi, the commander, directed; the crew, to equip themselves with lifebelts, and that nobody should leave the sfiip- until she sank, saying, ."We will together share the vessel's fate." The crew assembled on the bridges, the masts, and the*. netting, and waited in solemn silence for the end. At one o'clock they sang the Japanese National Anthem, and cheered the Mikado, the Empire, and the Navy. They then! sang a naval song, and were afterwards permitted to smoke.

The waves rose higher and higher, and the snow fell thicker. At ten minutes past one, a sudden list dipped the masts into the waves. Then the vessel gave a sudden shudder, and plunged to the bottom.

Three boats, which had been previously lowered, rescued a few of the crew, and the warship Otowa, which had then arrived, showed her searchlights and assisted in the work of rescue. A total of 133,' including Captain Ishibashi, were saved.