Brisk Engagement between Forts and Cruisers Shanghai, Sept. 5.
Important events in connexion with the war situation during the week-end were the bombardment of Woosung Forts by four Pechihli gunboats, the dropping of three bombs near the Kiangnan (Kaojchangmiao) Arsenal by a northern seaplane, and the arrival of Gen.
Ying-yin acting Commander-in-Chief of the Nanking Armies, and members of the Wuhan Govert ment.
Shortly after one o'clock Saturday afternoon the northern feruisers Haichi (flagship of the Pechihli Squadron) and Haishen and the gunboats Chaowu and Weihai were sighted by the sentries at the Forts at a distance of 3) proximately 8,000 metres. Reports. were made to the commanding, officer, Gen. Hsu Kang, and orders} were given to the gunners to open fire, 17 shots in. all being fired. Telephone messages were also sent there also turned-their guns on the enemy, firing 15 ronniis.
The Haichi and her sisters replied! with a score of shots, none of which, itis claimed, did any damage, all falling short. The engagement lasted for about 15 minutes, after which the northern vessels: withdrew, disappearing behind the Middle Island, It is said that the Haichi was hit} three times but there is no gonfirmation of flits forthcoming.
Considerable -consternation _prevailed among the people of the district during the shooting but order was -restored soon afterwards.
In connection with the engagement, the wander-in-Chief of the Nationalist Navy telegraphed to Nanking reporting that British gunboat, -stationed -near the Forts the ime, was, requested to move fray oot-of danger bu this request was ignored, although the yesso! swas-within range of fire, being but 43 away "from the Nationalist gunboats. The Nanking Government is requested "to. instruct the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs to take the matter'up with the British authorities so that there may be no repetition and that _misunderstandings may-be avoided.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.