Pain's pyrotechnic spectacle, war between Japan and China

/

#3

31 TIM MANHATTAN BEACH.

SUPERB
PYRO- SPECTACLE

JAR

(jRAND
i& flREWORtfS

„itMur<K «•***■ «

C0*tKI0Hf(O PAIH'S iPtCTMH CO ll»j-

xJcsZm /Uu^chxAjl*---

PAIN'S PYROTECHNIC SPECTACLE,

BETWEEN

From out the mists of time long past,
Two nations met in warlike strife .

The older, stronger, bites the dust ;

The younger, smaller, grows in might.

And of their struggles and their fate,
We now depict in mimic way

Fierce battles, fire and vicious hate,
How China fell 'neath Japan's sway.

When last year in Pain's Amphitheatre, at Manhattan Beach, was
told Moore's beautiful story of " Lalla Eookh," a story of love and
war, music and song, passion and pleasure, few of the thousands who
were stirred by the production of the principal incidents of the poet's
delightful work, thought that within a short twelve months the Orient
would again give forth a subject for a picture for the coming season.

But such is the case. History after a little more than two decades
has repeated itself. A proud and haughty nation has fallen, and a
weak and despised one has taken a position, if not in the first rank, far
enough in front to command the respect of the Continental and Ameri-
can powers.

It was in 1870 when France, haughty in its supposed security and
power, threw down the gauntlet to the little German states headed by
Prussia, and marched forward " to Berlin." It was still 1870 when
France, humiliated and betrayed, was under the heel of the Germans,
and in the palace of her Kings and Emperors at Versailles, William
III., King of Prussia, became William I., Emperor of German}'. A
great lesson had been taught. It demonstrated that tho time of peace
was the time to prepare for war. France had slept, dreamed of her
unassailable strength. When she awoke Germany was in her capital.

This was history in Europe a little more than two decades ago.
Less than a year ago China, with her population of 450,000,000 of
people, was sleeping, and the whole world envied her her peace, wealth
and security. At an unfortunate hour there arose between her and
the little Empire of Japan a war cloud, which appeared no bigger than
a lady's handkerchief in the sky, but which grew and developed to
such an extent that after it had burst China was found in the dust
humiliated, disgraced, suing for peace at an}r terms which Japan, the
despised, might in its mercy dictate. Another great lesson had been
taught, and while China is still large and important in the eyes of the

world, Japan has
reached in less than a
year a position which
it has taken other na-
tions centuries to at-
tain.

More than a genera-
tion ago, largely
through American in-
fluence, Japan threw
open her ports to the
world, and extended a
hospitable welcome to
strangers who sought
her shores. Nay more,
she sent her youths and
her statesmen, her sol-
diers and her sailors
abroad to study and ob-
serve the ways and
methods of the ad-
vanced countries of the world. This they did, and carried back with
them to their native land vast stores of knowledge, from Avhich the
best was taken and grafted in the various branches of their govern-
ment.

Modern ideas and practices were engrafted on ancient customs or
supplanted them altogether. In this way the " Land of the Kising
Sun" came to be regarded as the most progressive of Eastern nations,
when looked upon from a Western standpoint.

2

How differently was the course pursued by the great Empire of
China ; the old policy of exclusiveness was maintained ; the foreigner
was treated as an unwelcome visitor to her shores ; the wonderful
achievements in modern science, in the Western nations, received slight
recognition in the Flowery Kingdom ; in a word, China dreamed of
where she was centuries ago, and was lost — when she woke Japan was
her master.

A summary of the events of the war will enable those who visit
Pain's open-air theatre to form an idea for themselves of the manner
in which Japan prepared for this conflict, and recognize how thoroughly
unprepared China was to make successful resistance.

The first overt act of war between the two nations occurred on
July 25, 1894. Three Japanese iron-clads, cruising off Phungdo, came
in view of three Chinese warships, conveying troops on transports to
Corea, after Japan had requested her not to interfere in the affairs of that
state. The transports were overhauled and summoned to surrender,
which summons the Chinese commander ignored. The refusal was
the signal for fight. From the first the Japanese had the best of the
struggle. One, a Chinese gunboat, made a desperate resistance, but
she was finally driven ashore and destroyed. A protected Chinese
cruiser, deeming discretion the better part of valor, ran away early in
the fight, and the remaining vessel, a dispatch boat, fell into the hands
of the Japanese. Of the three Chinese transports, two made a port
in safety, but the third, the Koiv-Shink, was so badly used up by the
Japanese fire that she went down with all on board.

This, the first victory of the Mikado's forces on the water, was
quickly followed up by an equally determined blow struck on land
five days later.

The Japanese troops in Corea, July 29th, made an attack on a
Chinese force strongly intrenched at Sei-Kwan. The assault was
severe, and for five hours the fighting lasted with intensity on both sides.
Finally the Chinese were routed with a loss on their side of five
hundred killed and wounded. The Japanese are reported to have had
but seventy men killed and wounded. The Chinese force entrenched
at Sei-Kwan, was estimated at nearly three thousand men.

Following up this advantage the Japanese troops, operating in
Southern Corea, attacked the Chinese entrenched in the neighborhood
of Asan, and on July 30th the garrison fell. The Chinese troops,
thoroughly demoralized, beat a retreat northward leaving the victors
in full possession of the situation. The Japanese in securing possession

3

of Asan obtained an important base of operations. How effectively
they turned it to account is shown by subsequent events.

With a calmness and deliberation, which marked all their opera-
tions, they began preparations for the capture of Ping Yang, the only
remaining stronghold of the Chinese on the peninsula. Ping Yang is
a walled city situated on the Tatung River, and on the direct road
from the Corean capital to the Manchurian frontier. Every position
outside the town was strongly fortified. Sheltering breastworks, with
Krupp and Gatling guns, mounted behind regular parapets, were
thrown up to cover the infantry, and, it is said, sixteen thousand men
were garrisoned there to defend it. Early in September the Japanese
advanced upon the place from the southeast and southwest, and by
the 13th the object of attack was at hand. On the 14th, after consid-
erable intermittent fighting, the forts in the east and southeast were
captured. The advancing column on the south and southwest stormed
and captured the first position, which was protected by a parapet.
Here the heaviest fighting on both sides occurred. The Japanese
were met bravely by the Manchurian troops under the command of
General Yeh. A stubborn resistance was made, but it proved in the
end of no avail. The Japanese column, advancing from the north,
which left its base at midnight on the 14th, found itself at sunrise
next morning in front of the Chinese intrenchments. The Japanese
advanced, but their task was an easy one, as they met with little or no
resistance, and all the outlying defences fell into their hands almost
without a blow. By noon, on the 15th of September, the day was
decided, and unconditional surrender was demanded, and the city
yielded.

About this time the Chinese authorities were becoming anxious
about the continued success and energetic campaign of the Japanese
land forces, as well as by the threatening demonstrations of their war
vessels. The operations in Corea, and the humiliating defeats of the
Chinese armies in that peninsula, seemed to awake the powers in con-
trol of the government to more resolute action. The surrender of
Ping Yang was a serious blow.

September the 16th a number of transports with troops from
Talien Bay, close by Port Arthur, were sent to the Yalu. The trans-
ports were dispatched up the rivei*. The main body of the fleet
remained at anchor some ten miles to the westward. On the morning
of the 17th, the Japanese fleet, under Admiral Ito, was discovered
approaching. The Japanese fleet consisted of four very fast cruisers

4

in line leading the way, followed by a second squadron of three coast
defenders, a belted cruiser, and a belt and battery-protected armorclad.
In addition to these were three other vessels— an armored corvette, a
gun vessel and an armed merchant ship. The Chinese fleet was made
up of ten armored warships. After some preliminary skirmishing
and manoeuvring for position, the battle of the Yalu began. The
Japanese admiral acted with caution and seemed satisfied to fight at
long range. The battle raged fiercely on both sides for a time. The
Chinese commanders displayed great bravery, except those in com-
mand of the Tsi Yuen and
the Kwang Ki, both of
which ironclads, at an early
stage of the fight, put about
ship and attempted to es-
cape, but they were out-ma-
noeuvred however by their
wily antagonists. The Jap-
anese fought at long range,
and kept up a regular tor-
nado of quick firing shell.
At length the Chick- Yuen was
struck in a vital spot and
went down with the flag of
China flying at her mast-
head ; then the Lai Yuen was
struck and set on fire ; later
still, and the King Yuen was
also set on fire. Embold-
ened by success, one of the
Japanese ironclads got into

closer quarters than was prudent, when one of the Chinese fleet
let drive a couple of large projectiles striking the Matsushima,
and causing serious injury on board. So much so in fact that
the damage to the two Chinese warships by fire, which, however,
w;is extinguished, was trifling by comparison. During the day the
battle of the ships continued until the shades of night began to full,
and the combatants had expended the greater portion of their ammu-
nition. It was a severe engagement throughout. The Chinese fleet
retired under the protection of Port Arthur, and the Japanese moved
off to the Latuug. It was with such seemingly indecisive results the

sea battle of the Yalu was fought, but from the fact that a few days
later the Japanese cruisers were patrolling the Chinese coast, the
palm of victory rested once more on the victorious Japanese.

It now became a well-established fact in the struggle that the
fortunes of war were leading in the direction of the soldiers and
sailors from the land of the chrysanthemums. The celerity of the
Japanese movements, the determination with which they made their
attacks and followed up advantages gained, the evident preparation
which was everywhere and at all times observable was universally
conceded. On the other hand, the Chinese appeared at all times,
and in nearly every engagement, whether on land or sea, to be entirely
unprepared for the emergency. It seemed as if demoralization had set
in among the troops with the first blow that was struck in the conflict.
Scarcely a leading commander in the armies of China exhibited the
faintest trace of that ability which was likely under the most favor-
able conditions to stay the tide of success which accompanied the
march of the Japanese armies on the land and went hand in hand with
the Japanese flag on the sea and along the Chinese coast.

The fall of Port Arthur was the next achievement which rewarded
the valor of the Japanese armies. With that carefulness and delibera-
tion which distinguished the Japanese commanders throughout the
entire campaign, the preparations for the capture of Port Arthur,
situated on the Regent's Sword promontory, were made. Though
the activity of the troops in other directions was in no way lessened,
for nearly every day brought news of encouragement from the success-
ful invaders, it was not until November that the order for the advance
on Port Arthur was given. Early in that month it was made plain
that the investment and capture of that stronghold was the next great
move. For over a fortnight, commencing on the first of November,
the Japanese commanders began to close in upon the stronghold.
Two divisions of troops, marching so as to command completely both
sides of the peninsular on which Port Arthur is situated, began to
close in. At all times both divisions were in touch with the fleet in
the adjacent waters. It was in this attack, or series of attacks, in
approaching the citadel that the Chinese made a display of the fight-
ing qualities which they undoubtedly possess when commanded by
officers in whom they have faith. For days every rod of the ground
was pluckily disputed. The advance, under such circumstances, was
necessarily slow, but it was sure. So intent were the Chinese com-
manders on the movements of the advancing troops on land that they

6

lost sight of the diversion that was being made by the fleet in their
rear. The Japanese admiral moved carefully and quietly, and while
the attacking army on land was energetically engaging the attention
of the land forces a flotilla of Japanese torpedo boats entered the
harbor in defiance of the forts and water-works and distracted atten-

tion seaward. This appeared to be the signal for a general assault
along the whole line. The plan was successfully carried into effect
and on the 21st day of November Port Arthur fell, notwithstanding
the gallant defence it made. The stronghold was defended by thirteen
thousand of the best Chinese troops, who, when they recognized that

7

the inevitable was at hand, fled thoroughly demoralized. The Japan-
ese not wishing to be burdened with an army of prisoners equal
almost in point of numbers to their own left a road open for them to
secure flight. Through this signal victory the most important arsenal
and dockyard in China fell into the hands of the Japanese. It also
gave to them through its strategical situation the command of the
Gulf of Pechili. The loss of the Japanese in this campaign was
insignificant; their gain was great. Immense quantities of guns,
ammunition, and general stores fell into their possession. The Jap-
anese fleet, apart from the torpedo boats, took no part in the capture.
They lay outside in the offing, mere spectators, keeping watch but
ready for action if required. The Chinese fleet was noticeable only
by its inaction. Twelve of the fleet were seized in the harbor and the
rest got up steam and hastened across to the shelter of Wei-Hai-Wei.

Even in this hasty
flight ill luck
seemed to follow.
The most formid-
able ironclad o f
the fleet, the Chen "'
Yuen went ashore
entering the har-
bor.

This ended for
the year the
achievements o f

the victors, but it
did not by any
means lessen
their activity
either on land or
sea. Port Arthur
having been re-
duced the victors
now turned their
attention in the
direction of Wei-
Hai-Wei, the next

great naval stronghold of China, on the Gulf of Pechili. It is the
attack on this stronghold that forms the main feature for illustration
on the mimic stage and lake in Pain's outdoor theatre. Mr. Kirby,
the scenic artist, has taken pains to give an excellent stage picture
of the promontory on which the stronghold is situated, showing its
approaches by land and water and the location of the fleets of the
contending powers.

It was not until near the end of January that a landing of a large
force of Japanese troops was accomplished on the main land near
Wei-Hai-Wei. Two circumstances, it must be borne in mind, com-
bined to make the capture of this position much more difficult and
protracted than the operations around Port Arthur. A strong Chinese
fleet was in the harbor, and although during the war it was demon-
strated that the Chinese battle ships were indifferently handled, it

8

was also shown that they were manned and commanded by men who
could and would do battle even under the most disheartening condi-
tions. This was proven in the sea fight of the Yalu. The island of
Lin-Kun-Tao, close by, had an independent fortress, which entailed
more extensive operations on the part of the Japanese. They under-
took to reduce the fortress and Wei-Hai-Wei at the same time. On
the 30th of January the Japanese effected a landing and secured some
advantages, but from
that day on it was fight s^^m

every day until the goal
was won. One by one
the fierce determination
of the invaders was
shown in the assaults,
the charges, the bom-
barding by the fleet and
the return fire of the
besieged. Flame swept
the promontory and
lighted up the sea. The
roar of the guns, the
rattle of the musketry,
the shouts of the in-
vaders, flushed by vic-
tory and encouraged by
success, made night and
day hideous. The bar-
renness of the soil, the
inhospitable aspect of
the surrounding country
and rocky coast served
to add to the dread pic-
ture of war which was
raging. At length nearly
all the inland defences fell into the hands of the invaders, an*1 then
followed the battle of the ironclads, which makes one of thf. most
instructive and interesting pictures yet shown on the mimic stage.

During the time that operations were in progress against Port
Arthur, and subsequently against Wei-Hai-Wei, and which ended, ub
already stated, in the capitulation of both strongholds, a Japanese

9

army, in another direction, was marching in the direction of Ninchwang,
another very important seaport of the Chinese Empire. The march
was beset with difficulties. The enemy continually harassed the
advancing forces, but as in the past, these difficulties were surmounted,

and the Chinese soldiers showed, in almost every fight, how powerless
they were in opposing the Japanese invaders. The record of the First
Army of the Mikado, after they had crossed the Talu into Manchuria,
reflects the highest credit on the officers who conducted the campaign

JO

and the soldiers who took part in it. The distance from their starting
point at Chemulpo to Ninchwang, situated on the Gulf of Lian-Tong,
is about four hundred miles. Every rod of this territory was dis-
puted by the Chinese. At length, on the 7th of March, Ninchwang
surrendered, and the Japanese once more found themselves in
possession of another important seaport, and their position on the
Northern Chinese mainland well secured.

This succession of victories was sufficient to inspire the invaders
with renewed confidence in their ability to subdue their ancient
enemy and to place themselves in such position as to dictate terms of
peace. Accordingly the eyes of those who were directing the general
campaign were directed in the direction of the rich and fruitful island
of Formosa. Now that the armies of Japan were firmly established
in Northern China and held possession of the three principal seaports
and fortresses, the scene of active operations changed towards For-
mosa, and the last active steps were begun before the conclusion of
the hostilities of the contending empires.

Little more remains to be added to this brief sketch describing
some of the most prominent events in the war between China and
Japan. From the time the first blow was struck until the suspension
of hostilities, it was plainly to be seen that the conflict was an unequal
one, inasmuch as Japan was thoroughly prepared. The great Chinese
empire was brought to bay by a power she affected to despise ; the
millions which the Chinese Emperor might call upon in time of need
were nowhere to be relied upon ; the leading generals and command-
ers of the laud and sea forces of the empire were found to be lacking
in all essentials calculated to inspire their followers with faith in their
ability to successfully cope with the invaders of the Flowery Land
and drive them from its shores. Years of fancied security hilled the
great ones of the empire into the belief that the powers they wielded
were invincible. Corruption, imbecility, luxury and selfishness among
the men of caste, and lack of patriotism, misery and indifference among
the teeming millions of the lower classes produced the natural results.
Is it to be Avoudered at then that the island empire of Japan, whose
inhabitants were fully imbued with a strong love of country, whose
scholars and statesmen, and soldiers and sailors, profiting by experi-
ence, learning by observation, studying in the great schools of the
world, cultivating the friendship of the civilized nations of the earth,
throwing wide open the doors of their rich and beautiful laud to all
who might seek the hospitality of its shores, should be prepared when

11

the proper time arrived to step into position and assume a place
among the great nations of the earth ? After two ineffectual attempts
to secure an armistice, Li Hung Chang, in the character of China's
Plenipotentiary, proceeded to Japan to sue for peace. It was granted,
and the clash of arms ceased ; but who can tell how long the peace
that now exists will be maintained. The end is not yel.

12

SilCCHKT OK1 BEAUTY.

Hi-A-II

"BIjOOM

KID'S

OF" TOUTH.

EVERY LADY desires to be considered handsome.
The most important adjunct to perfect beauty is a
clear, smooth, soft and beautiful skin. LADIES'
afflicted with TAN, FRECKLES. ROUGH or DIS-
COLORED SKIN, and other BLEMISHES should
lose no time in applying this old established and
delightful toilet preparation.

It will "immediately" obliterate all such imper-
fections and is perfectly harmless.

It has been chemically analyzed by the Board of
Health of New York City, and pronounced entirely
free from any material injurious to the health or
shin.

PRICK 75 CKNTS PER BOTTLE.

sold by druggists and fancy goods dealers everywhere
277 BROA.13WA. V, IV. Y.

A Complete line of

DRESS SUIT CASES

AND.

STEAMER

TRUNKS

■RT

TAYLOR'S

105 East 14th Street,

NEW YORK.

(One door West of Steinway Hall.)

SEVERAL NEW LINES OF LADIES' DRESS TRUNKS

*^£2l°*£

por
<y?ildrer>

ie£-

U/r>ile

Mrs. Wkislow's Soothing Syrup

Has been used for over FIFTY YEARS by MILLIONS
of MOTHERS for their CHILDREN WHILE TEETH-
ING, with PERFECT SUCCESS. It SOOTHES the
CHILD, SOFTENS the GUMS, ALLAYS all PAIN!
CURES WIND COLIC, and is the best remedy for
DIARRHOEA. Sold by Druggists in every part of the
world. Be sure and ask for " Mrs. Winslow's Soothing
Syrup," and take no other kind. Twenty-five Cents a
Bottle,

PENNSYLVANIA R.R.

THE GREAT TRUNK LINE " BLOCK SYSTEM,"

TO

PHILADELPHIA, BALTIMORE,

WASHINGTON, PITTSBURG,
CHICAGO, CINCINNATTI, ST. LOUIS,

A.TS3JD

ALL POINTS SOUTH, SOUTHWEST AND WEST.

SOLID VESTIBULE DINING CAR TRAINS.

thh; routb: of the:
FAMOUS "NEW YORK AND CHICAGO LIMITED."

SFATIONTS I'OOT OJg»

DESBROSSES AND CORTLANDT STREETS, NEW YORK.

R

OYAL

Blue Line

NEW YORK,
PHILADELPHIA,
BALTIMORE,
WASHINGTON,

VIA

CENTRAL R.R. OF N. J.
PHILADELPHIA & READING R.R.
BALTIMORE & OHIO R.R.

FINEST AND FASTEST TRAINS IN THE WORLD.
ST-A-TIOIST FOOT OF L.IBB3R.T"2" ST.

"AMERICA'S GREATEST RAILROAD/'

New York Central & Mson River Railroai

THE FOUR TRACK TRUNK LINE,

And Only Railroad to All Points West and Southwest,
Departing and Arriving in New York, City.

^ ™2?™= s 1CHMN CENTRAL O.

GIVING THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AN EXCELLENT VIEW OF

THE ROUTE OF

The Famous "North Shore Limited."

T-a.k:sj the.

FALL RIVER LINE

BETWEEN

NEW YORK and BOSTON

AND ALL EASTERN POINTS.

THE QUINTETTE OF STEAMBOATS OF THIS ROUTE THE

PRISCILLA, PURITAN, PLYMOUTH,

PILGRIM and PROVIDENCE

ABE THE LEADING VESSELS OF THEIR CLASS IK THE WORLD.

MUSIC ON EACH STEAMER THROUSHOUT THE ENTIRE TEAR

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

■111

0 019 7

1 434 4

THE CELEBRATED

SOIMES

PIANOS.

Are at present .

dtitmL

j^ Preferred by

the most "

:y the leading

popular and

*W SWaj^-^^HJI^iSfe

%0 Artists.

Every genuine SOHMER Piano has the fol-
lowing Trade -mark stamped upon
the sounding board.

^ FIRM TO >VJ*

' ffADE MAR*"

SOHMER & CO.

WAREROOMS: Nos. 149 to 155 East 14th Street,

NEW YORK.

CAUTION The buying public will please not confound the

Genuine S-O-H-M-E-R Piano with one of a similar sounding name
of a cheap grade.