antage in that they are so situated
that they are commanded by at least two other forts. All of the guns had
been so placed that they can be turned on their neighbors if the
occasion arises.

A Japanese aeroplane soaring over Tsing-tau on Oct. 30 scattered
thousands of paper handbills on which was printed the following
announcement, in German, from the Staff Headquarters:

"To the Honored Officers and Men in the Fortress: It is against the will
of God as well as the principles of humanity to destroy and render
useless arms, ships of war, merchantmen, and other works and
constructions not in obedience to the necessity of war, but merely out
of spite lest they fall into the hands of the enemy.

"Trusting, as we do, that, as you hold dear the honor of civilization,
you will not be betrayed into such base conduct. We beg you, however, to
announce to us your own view as mentioned above."

*The German Attack on Tahiti*

*As Told by Miss Geni La France, an Eyewitness.*

SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., Oct. 7.--Graphic stories of the plight of Papeete,
capital of Tahiti, in the Society Islands, were told here today by
passengers arriving on the Union Steamship Company's liner Moana.
Several of those on board the steamer were in Papeete when the town was
bombarded by the German cruisers Gneisenau and Scharnhorst. They said
the place was in ruins and that the natives were still hiding in the
hills, whence they fled when the bombardment began.

The stories of those arriving on the Moana vary only in unimportant
details. Perhaps the most graphic story was that told by Miss Geni La
France, a French actress. She told of the Governor's heroism and his
self-sacrificing devotion to duty, which caused him to face death rather
than surrender. All of the passengers were loud in their praise of this
Frenchman, who thought first of his country, next of his guests--for so
he considered all travelers--and next of the city's residents.

"While the shells screamed and exploded with a deafening roar, tearing
buildings and leaving wreck and ruin in their wake, this old Governor
was calm throughout," said Miss La France.

"It was his bravery that enabled us to bear up under the terrible
strain, although it was impossible to flee the city, as shells were
exploding all about.

"I was sitting on the veranda of the hotel, having a lovely holiday.
Every one was happy and contented. The sunshine was lovely and warm and
the natives were busy at t