They knew the measurements of the rivers, the depth of the fords and every minutest detail of the land they intended to invade.

Their emissaries in disguise had also been gauging the strength and the weakness of China from Thibet to the sea.

They knew her corruption, her crumbling defenses, her antique arms and methods, the absence of all provision for the needs of an army in the field.
With a bewildering suddenness and celerity the plan of the campaign developed.

First the control of Korea was secured, then the command of the sea, then the Yalu was crossed; and while one division of the army was pouring into Manchuria, threatening Niu-Chwang and beyond that Mukden, a second division landed at Pitsewo, making a rapid descent upon Port Arthur, the chief stronghold of China, which was captured by assault Nov.

20, 1894.
Wei-Hai-Wei, the next strongly fortified point on the coast of China, south of Port Arthur, of almost equal strategic value, was defended with desperation by sea and by land.