P. Titchener, a Wellington, New Zealand,
merchant, who went through the bombardment.
"From 8 o'clock until 10 the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau circled in the
harbor, firing broadsides of eight-inch guns at the little gunboat Zelie
and the warehouses beyond.
"Only the American flag, which the American Consul hoisted, and an
American sailing vessel also ran up, the two being in line before the
main European residence section, saved that part of the town, for the
German cruisers were careful not to fire in that direction."
According to all accounts, the cruisers directed their fire solely
toward the Zelie, but their marksmanship was said to be poor. Many shots
fell short and many went wide, so that the whole business district, the
general market, and the warehouses along the water front were peppered
and riddled.
The French replied from some old guns on the hills as well as three
shots from the Zelie, but ineffectively.
"It was plucky of the French to fire at all," said Mr. Titchener. "At 7
o'clock we could see two war vessels approaching, and soon made out they
were cruisers. They came on without a flag, and the Zelie, lying in the
harbor, fired a blank shot.
"Then the Germans hoisted their flag and the Zelie fired two shots.
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