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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 20, 1904)
THE MORNING O KEG ONI AN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 190I. BLOWN UP of the torpedo attack on the night of De cember 15, says: "Our torpedo flotillas again attempted an attack on the night of December 15 against the battleship Sevastopol, the Otvashnl, and the torpedo-boat destroy ers lying at the foot of Cheng Tao Moun tain. "Commander Seki's flotilla, braving the The Store Will Be Open Evenings Until Christmas Japanese Swarm In Over the Ruins. MEET FIERCE RESISTANCE Battle Is Carried on With Hand Grenades. . SEVEN GUNS ARE CAPTURED Russians Leave About Fifty Dead on the Field, and the Assailants' Cas ualties Are Very Light, De spite Machine-Gun Fire. TOKIO, Dec; 19. Trie Japanese fired an immense mine under the north of Fort Kekwan Mountain at 2 o'clock Sat urday afternoon. The Japanese imme diately charged and occupied the fort with a heavy force. The following report of the capture was telegraphed from General Yogi's head quarters today: "At 2:15 o'clock on the afternoon of Decembor 18, part of our army blow up the parapets of the North Fort of Bast Kekwan Mountain, and then charged. "A fierce battle with hand grenade3 ensued. "Owing to the stubborn resistance, of the enemy with his machirfe guns, our operations were temporarily suspended. "Subsequently at 7 o'clock In the eve ning. General Samejima, commanding the supports, advanced Into the casemates and, encouraging his men, threw his sup ports into the fighting lino in a-last brav.e charge. "At 11:50 o'clock at night we completely occupied the fort and immediately en gaged in the construction of defensive works. Our occupation became firmly assured today. "Before retiring the enemy exploded lour mines in the neighborhood of the neck of the fort. "We captured five nine-centimeter field and two machine guns as woll as plenty of ammunition. "The enemy left 40 or 50 dead. Our casualties have -not been investigated, but they are not heavy." It is reported that the Japanese have gained a strong position about 1000 yards southeast of . 203-Meter Hill, preparatory to assaulting the new town and pushing between Liao Ti Mountain and the Rus sian headquarters at Port Arthur. The fighting against Sungshu Mountain continues. SEVEN MINES WERE LAID. Capture of Mountain Fort a Brilliant Spectacle. , , jy': HEADQUARTERS OF THE THIRD JAPANESE ARMY, via Fusan, Doc 19. The capture of the North Kekwan Moun tain fort was a brilliant spectacle. For weeks the Japanese had beon tunnelling two shafts 40 feet in length with four branches. They laid seven mines which were exploded on the 18th. The two attacking parties were 'com posed of volunteers and those partici pating in the first attempt vowed to cap ture the fort or die. The soldiers of the first force were distinguished by a red badge. They remained in the moat dur ing the explosion of the mines, having charged prematurely, and many were killed by the debris. The second body of assaulters, distinguished by white badges, was in the saps during the explosion and was prevented from charging Immediately, the mouths of the saps having been filled with debris. The explosion resulted in two huge rents on the north walls, through which the assaulters charged the enemy, winning the trenches in front of the wall and kill ing the remainder of the garrison in the rear of the fort. BOTTLED FLEET UNFIT FOR USE Most of the Vessels Seem to Be Aground and Badly Damaged. TOKIO, Dec. 19a-Telegraphing under date of December IS, Vice-Admiral Togo says; "There is no reasoif to doubt that the enemy's ships In the harbor of Port Ar thur are totally unfit for service, i have reason to believe that the battleship Sevastopol has been disabled by our tor pedo attacks, but .no definite data on which to pass final judgment have yet been obtained and Investigations are be ing conducted in all available quarters. "It is certain that at least six Russian torpedo-boat destroyers remain intact in the harbor. "A staff officer of the naval brigade landed at Port Arthur reports' as follows: " Tne. battleship Peresvlt Is lying J00 meters northwest of the Tiger's Tall Peninsula, with her bow turned north east, half north, and at high tide the water reaches to the torpedo tubes In her bow. She is submerged to her stern walk and lies aground without listing. Her central funnel Is severely damaged. " 'The battleship Poltava lies 200 meters north of the point of Tiger's Tall. Her bow points east-southeast, half east. and at high tide she is submerged to her afterdeck. She is doubtlessly aground and does not list. Retvizan Has a Bad List. j " 'The battelship Retvizan lies 500 meters east of the Poltava with her stern toward that vessel. Her condition is worse than that of the. Poltava. She is listing five degrees to starboard and her afterdeck "Is constantly submerged. " 'The battleship Pobleda lies 220 meters northeast, half east, of the point of the Tiger's Tall, with her bow point ing northeast, half north, and her after deck on the starboard side must be sub merged at high tide. Everything seems to show that she is aground. "The protected cruiser Pallada lies 110 meters east by north of the Pobieda. Her Btern Is towards southwest, and she is listed five degrees to port. At high tide the condition of her decks Is about the same as that of the decks of the Peres viet. She is doubtless aground. " "The armored cruiser Bayan lies 400 meters southwest, half west of the har bor entrance, with her bow towards east- northeast, half east. She has listed 15 degrees and appears to be aground. " 'The above-mentioned four battleships and two cruisers have beon abandoned and no bombs are seen noar them.' " Attack of the' Fifteenth.. Auralral Togo' in reporting the rcnevral Tioavy snow, reached the enemy's anchor age at 5JJ0 o'clock in the morning and. running between the Sevastopol and a destroyer, succeeded in discharging1 tor pedoes close against the Sevastopol and the Otvashnl. Explosions were observed each time. The flotillas exchanged gun fire with the enemy's destroyer at a range of 100 meters and succeeded In hitting her. A torpedo discharged from Com mander Seki's boat apparently hit the enemy's destroyer. "During this bold attack the enemy's fusillade was exceedingly vigorous, but owing to the close proximity, our boats suffered no damage and there were no casualties among the crews. Casualties of Attackers. "Commander Jingujis' flotilla, following that of Commander Seki, discharged sev eral torpedoes and at least three explo sions were clearly observed. After an ex change of fire with the enemy's destroy ers, the flotilla gradually steered seaward. Engineer Watanabe, of Commander Jingujl's boat, was wounded, and two men were killed. One man was wounded on Lieutenant Tamaoka's boat. "The boats of the flotilla under com mand of Yezoe wore "undergoing repairs when the flotilla received orders to Join in the attack. Commander Yezoe then boarded a single craft, assuming the com mand of her, and hurrying to the base found that the other flotillas had de parted. Immediately he started alone and Independently attacked the Sevasto pol. He appeared close to that vessel and was killed. His boat was safely re turned to the base. "The result of many torpedo attacks and many effective explosions against the enemy's ships was observed, but It Is re grettable that I am unable to report more definitely. "On the morning of December 18, the watch tower reported that a destroyer of the enemy, with a mast . broken, was visible aground near the coast." WAR TAUGHT TO CHINESE. Many Hundred Youths Are Taking Instruction in Japan. BOSTON, Dec. 19. The American Board of Foreign Missions made pub lic today a report from Its oldest mis sionary in Japan, Dr. D. C. Groene, of Toklo. In which Dr. Greene states that there are now 1000 Chinese students, including 500 military cadets In Toklo under the auspices of the Chinese gov ernment, and 1000 more in the city In dependent of the government. Dr. Greene further stated that if one should add to this fact that in several provinces of China there arc military schools with Japanese Instructors, "it Is not difficult to see that when peace Is restored Japan Is not to stand alone In her purpose to prevent a new Inva sion of Manchuria on the part of Russia.'-' There is no evidence, according to Dr. Greene, that Japan is becoming exhausted. The rice harvest of this year is estimated to be worth 130,000. 000 yen more than the average, and Is the best for 20 years. Prices range high, but otherwise there is no sign of se rious strain. ATTACKS ON THE OUTPOSTS. Three Attempts of the Russians Re sult in Failure. TOKIO, Dec 19. Manchurlan head quarters, in a report dated December 18, says: "On the night of December 17, between 8:30 and 11 o'clock, the enemy made three attacks against our outposts In tho neighborhood of Santaokuntzua, and also advanced at 1 o'clock in the morning to the -vicinity of Sin Lung Tun s.nd Ttmg halsengkou. The enemy was entirely re pulsed. "The enemy, with heavy guns, in the neighborhood of Sufangtai. commencing at 2:30 o'clock In the afternoon of De cember 1R. fired 80 rounds from cannon against tho neighborhood of the Shakhe Railway bridge, but the cannonade did not Injure us." COAL AT FRENCH PORT. Squadron of Baltic Fleet Off African Coast. SPECIAL CABLE TO THE LONDON TIMES AXD PORTLAND OREGONIAX. BRUSSELS, Dec. 20.-rPassengers of the steamer Leopold Ville, which ar rived at Antwerp yeBterday, report that one squndron of the Baltic fleet stopped to coal at Libreville. In the French Congo, where Admiral Rojest vensky exchanged visits with the French officials, to whom lfe expressed the hope that he would arrive in the Far East, about the middle of March. MINE FIRED UNDER FORT. Successful Japanese Charge Follows the Explosion. TOKIO, Dec. 19. (Evening.) The Jap anese fired an Immense mine under the north of Fort Kekwan Mountain at 2 o'clock (Saturday afternoon). The Jap anese Immediately charged and occupied tho fort with a heavy force. It is reported that the Japanese have gained a strong position, about 1000 yards southeast of 203-Meter Hill, preparatory to assaulting the new town and pushing between Liao Ti Mountain and the Rus sian headquarters at Port Arthur. The fighting against Sungshu Mountain continues. Village of Dapindu Taken. MUKDEN, Dec. 19. The village of Dapindu has been occupied, after a sharp fight, by a detaohment of Rus sian infantry, Cossacks and borderers under Bellnskc. Otherwise all has been quiet along the front. Four Japanese, suffering from frost bite of the hands and feet, have volun tarily surrendered to the Russians. The Japanese, like the Russian troops, arc living In dugouts, six men in a house. They have apparently a large supply of clothing, principally Chinese padded coats. Infernal Machine Laid by Volunteers. (SPECIAL CABLE.) ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 19. General Kuropatkln reports that a fougade laid by volunteers near a Japanese outpost exploded inflicting several casualties upon the Japanese. Artillery fire, he reports, is exchanged daily but there have been no engagements of importance. Ready for Baltic Fleet. (SPECIAL CABLE.) SHANGHAI. Dec. 19. Reliable re ports from the - south state that the Japanese are forwarding men. guns, torpedo-boats and submarines to For mosa and the Pescadores.ln order to be ready to attack the Baltic fleet at Its rendezvous. Sighted Off Cape Town. v CAPE TOWN. Dec 19. Sixteen vessels, presumably of the Russian Baltic squad ron, have been sighted 23 miles out steer ing south. It Is supposed they will call at Delagoa Bay, where colliers have al ready arrived. Snow Storms Sweep Sakhalien. JvORSAKOVSK, Island of Sakhalien, Dec 19. Ice Is forming along the main land and terrible snow storms have swept over the Island. The price of food 13 In creasing. . , . . , HOW ABOUT THAT CHRISTMAS PIANO? Remember, this week you can save some mr.ne besides buying It on your own terms, .why delay the purchase when It means so much .in the home? We can meet every requirement from $200 up. Some good second-hand pianos from $150 up. Also a large stock of organs to se lect from at aimost your own price. Call this week and arrange your Christmas surprise. OPEN EVENINGS ALLEN & GILBERT- .RAMAKER CO. Cor. 6th and Morrison FIRED ON OWN CRAFT Probable Verdict In North Sea Investigation. BLUNDER NOT INEXCUSABLE British Naval Officer Says That Such Things Have Happened on Numer erous Occasions Even in the Best of Fleets. SPECIAL CABLE TO THE LOXDOX TIMES AND PORTLAND OREGOXIAN. .LONDON, Dec 20. The prevailing ex pectation In the British navy respecting the inquiry Into the Dogger Bank out rage seems to be that the court will And: First, that no warship of any other country than Russia was present at the time; second, that the Russians fired on their own ships, mistaking them for Jap anese vessels: third, that cither the ves sels of the Gamecock fishing fleet caught the shot and shell meant for the warships mistaken for hostile craft, or were fired on under suspicion, that they were co operating with those warships, and, fourth, that the entire affair was a blun der not absolutely inexcusable, and that, therefore, nobody is deserving of serious punishment. A British naval officer ot high rank, in undertaking to justify the expectation that the court will treat the affair as a blunder, said: "The opinion Is strongly held by our own officers and those of other European navies that a fleet of warships at sea In time of war should not allow any war s vessel It cannot identify as neutral to approach it. It is also generally held that a merchant vessel should be kept off, unless known to bo woll disposed, for otherwise there Is nothing to prevent a belligerent chartering a merchant vessel and doing a lot of damage with her to the enemy's fleet. "No doubt the Russian Commander thought two of his small cruisers which suddenly appeareu were Japanese torpedo boats, and, If he did, the only proper course was to fire on them. There 13 really nothing remarkable in cruisers be ing taken for tprpedoboais, for thero Is -no navy In the world In which the same blunder has not been made. I counted up 16 authenticated cases the other day. In volving the best navies of the world, Brit ish and American not excepted." SULTAN DISMISSES FOREIGNERS Proposes to Carry on His Own Mili tary Instruction. .PARIS, Dec. 19. The Foreign Office has received confirmation of the London Times report that the Sultan of Morocco has dismissed all his foreign military in structors. Including the French. This cau&es much surprise In official quarters. During the Perdicarls affair and other dis orders, France sought to end the condition of anarchy by the organization of an effective civil and military force under French officers the Anglo-French treaty recognizing French preponderance in Mo rocco contributing to the French military steps. Some Italian and British officers were also employed by the Sultan. He has now dismissed them all on the ground that he desires to carry out his own military programme. Fishermen Get Russian Money. SPECIAL CABLE. LONDON. Dec 19. In a dispatch from Hull the London Dally Mall makes the bold charge that emissaries of the Rus sian government have been tampering with members of the crews of the ill fated Gamecock fleet, which was fired on by the vessels of the Russian Baltic fleet. It is the purpose of these agents, the Mall alleges, to Induce the fishermen to sign statements to the effect that the Game cock fleet assisted the Japanese In con cealing the presence of torpedo-boats on the Dogger Bank and to that end the fishermen are made drunk and money Is spent on them with a free hand. The owners of the fleet have long sus pected such activity on the part of the Russians and recently have set a trap for some of the agents. The evidence adduced in this manner, the Mall states, will be submitted to the Inquiry commission, which has Its first sitting at Paris today. Germany Not Yet Invited. X.ONDON, Dec 19. The German "Em bassy informs the Associated Press that there Is no truth whatever In the renewed reports of an Anglo-German movement looking to mediation In the Russo-Japanese War. The visit of Count Mctter nlch, the German Ambassador, to Berlin, was purely private. Germany remains determined to do nothing until invited by the belligerents, and up to the present time, adds the Embassy, Germany has not been invited. sessions In London today. The individual claims for compensation of the men em ployed on the Hull trawlers were pre sented, and also as the claims of the owners of the fishing boats and the solic itors' costs. Russia Is Studying Ships. ROME, Dec. 19. A Russian commis sion, the chief of which Is Major-General Brink, of tho Royal Naval Artillery. Is visiting Italian shipyards studying the best types of ships to be found here and the speediest methods of construction. The members of the commission assert that Russia Intends rebuilding her entire navy, beginning with CO battleships and cruisers and 200 torpedoboats. the total cost being estimated at $200.00.000. Hungarian House Adjourns. BUDAPEST, Dec 19. By a general document issued today, the Lower House of the Hungarian Parliament was ad journed until December 2S. DISORDERS AT MOSCOW. Emperor's Fete Day Marked With Continuance of Trouble. ST. PETERSBURG. Dec. 19. The Em peror's fete day passed without any un toward demonstrations In St. Petersburg, but was marked by a continuation of the Moscow disorders, though they were not so serious as on Sunday. The feature of the Moscow demonstra tion was the distribution of a violent proc lamation of the Soclal-Democratlc-Labor party, describing the whole country as be ing in a state of mourning and tears for the sacrifice of life In the Far East for the aggrandizement of the Romanoffs, pic turing the government as driving the peo ple to starvation and calling upon work lngmen to enter ceaselessly upon a war for overthrowing the tyrants. Other dem onstrations arc reported from various localities. In consequence of the character of the urrent agitation the advisers of Emperor Nicholas have dissuaded him from, his contemplated trip to the south of Russia to bid farewell to the troops being dis patched to the Far East. Conservatives are afraid that the Ill- advised course of the extremists win drive- the government to adopt repressive meas ures Just when a distinct victory over tho reactionaries had been won and a Liberal roglme has been inaugurated. The re newed activity In revolutionary circles already has caused many arrests. May Not Talk to Prisoners. ST. PETERSBURG, Dec 19. The War Office has informed the American Em bassy that no one will be allnxcrt tn nnm. munlcate In person with the Japanese prisoners at tne village of Mcdvid. Prov ince of Novgorod, without imnoriai au thorization The Japanese Minister at Berlin has therefore bee notified of all the facts, and the American Embassy has decided to be governed by his advices in the matter. If he requests imperial per mission it win be granted. (The American Embassy at St Petcrs- uurs receivea a letter signed by 6S Japan ese officers who are prisoners at Medvid, asking the Embassv to send tive there. No reason for the request was - Plague Traced o Sheepskins. ST. PETRRRnnrfrs r io -rv, CmOr of Viatkn rtvirfc n cni-i,c' of Siberian plague In factories In the uiaiwcuj oi viaiica ana sioDodskol, which are preparing fur coats for the troops in Manchuria. Two hundred and forty-seven WISPS hni'A alranflif Viaa. .n nn 1 rr. ..u.u .i..uuj utVII ICHUllCU. J.Iie plague has been traced to sheepskins, and V. Jll - . . .. . mc ucuvery ot mr garments 10 tne troops Hood's Sarsaparilla is unquestiona bly the greatest blood and liver medicine known. Ik positively and permanently cures every humor, from Pimples to Scrofula. lt Is the Best CHRISTMAS Russian Delegates at Paris. PARIS, Dec 19. The Russian dole gates to the international commission which is to inquire Into the North Sea incident reached here this afternoon, being the first foreign delegation to arrive Sessions Resumed in London. LONDON, Dec. 19. The representatives of the Board of Trade, who arc Inquiring into tho Horth Sea Incident, resumed their Spectacles Nothing that you could get for your parents or grandparents would give as much satisfaction and pleasure as a pair of the Oregon Optical Co.'s perfect fitting glasses. With every pair of glasses sold we give an order that entitles the holder to be fitted by us, or on their special prescription without extra cost. OREGON OPTICAL CO. 173 Fourth St., Y. M. C A., Bldg. Lipman ,Wo1 f e & Co. Hurry-Time Is Here and You Want to Know How to Hurry Best Even in these last five days of nervous haste to have gifts and home needs ready for Christmas Day it is altogether possible to do it comfortably. Come to the store at 8 o'clock and you'll not find it crowded Counters will not be in confusion, and you will marvel at the ease with which gifts can be selected. Then the evening hours find the store less crowded. But if you come either early or late you'll find this store more comfortable than any other store even at midday. Skillful management has so arranged ,that the greatest throngs that come pass smoothly through the unencumbered aisles. It's easy to get things, easy to buy,- easy to get away and prices are easily paid. If you want to hurry safely come here Come early if you can but come here. HURRIED Shoppers May Buy Glove Certificates If in doubt as to what to give a woman give gloves practical and always useful therefore sure to be appreciated. We recommend the "Trefousse" Glove at Jp2 as the best in gloves put up in handsome gift boxes Smartest styles If in doubt as to the size ask for a glove cer tificate. Present them to whom you wish that they may select their own gloves, correspond ing to the value stated. This insures satisfaction. H ANDKERCHIEFS Packed in Pretty Boxes Special We've had our holiday Handkerchiefs packed in pretty boxes adds much to their appear ance as a gift but you don't have to pay any, advance in price because of that. Women's all pure linen hemstitched Hand kerchiefs, six special values today ; box of six for $2.95, $1.98, $1.49, "$1.23, 98c and 796 Women's Handkerchiefs, assorted patterns, em broidered and lace trimmed, scalloped and plain edges, six grades; box of six for $2.9,5, $1.98, $1.49, $1.23, 98c and 796 H OLIDAY Gifts for Men: Timely Suggestions It's almost always a puzzle for a woman as to what a man will like. This is especially true during the Christmas season. We offer these suggestions: Men's Blanket Bath Robes, $4.95 to $9.75. Men's Neckwear, superb showing, 506 to 3. Men's House Coats, $4.50 to $15.50. Men's Silk Suspenders, $1.50 to $5.00. Men's Fancy Half Hose, 256, 506, 756 a pair. All Linen Hemstitched and Hand Embroidered Initial Handkerchiefs, 256 each, box of 6 for 1.40. H OLIDAY Suggestions From the Dress Goods Store There is no better gift to a woman than at handsome Dress or Skirt pattern. We offer some remarkably strong special values. Black, all-wool Dress Patterns, $3.50 to $17.50. Novelty wool Dress Patterns, all colors, $2.75 to $10.50. Black, all-wool Skirt Patterns, $1.95 to $7.50. Colored Skirt Patterns, newest weaves, $2.50 to $6.75. Priestley's Cravenettes, for raincoats, pattern, $5.00 to $10.50. Cream and light colored fabrics for evening wear, patterns, $3.95 to $12.50. Great Sale of Gift Umbrellas This sale offers opportunity for buying gift Umbrellas at quite substan tial savings. Our assortments are enormous wide enough to satisfy any taste. All our $1L30 Umbrellas $10.25 All our 12.00 Umbrellas 10.60 All our 5.00 Umbrellas $4.19 All our All our All our All our All our AH our All our All our All our 6.00 Umbrellas 4.95 6.50 Umbrellas 5.45 All our 7.00 Umbrellas 5.90 All our 7.50 Umbrellas 6.60 All our S.00 Umbrellas 6.95 All our 8.00 Umbrellas 7.45 All our 9.00 Umbrellas 7.85 All our 10.00 Umbrellas 8.75 All our 11.00 Umbrellas 9.65 All our 12.50 UmbrolJas 11.00 13.00 Umbrellas 11.50 14.00 Umbrellas 3l1.85 15.00 Umbrellas 12.65 16.00 Umbrellas 13.35 16.50 Umbrellas 13.75 18.00 Umbrellas 15.00 20.00 Umbrellas 17.00 laprapiJWoljfe D Co. Rosenthal's 149 THIRD STREET SOLE AGENTS For Portland SICK HEADACHE Positively cured by these Little Pills. They also relieve Distress from Dyspepsia, Indigestion and Too Hearty Eating. A per fect remedy for Dizziness, Nausea, Drowsi riess, Bad Taste in the Mouth, Coated Tongue Pain in the Side, TORPID LIVER. They Regulate the Bowels. Purely Vegetable. Small Pill. Small Dose. Small Price. 9 jttfc isfe.MMM FUR GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS AT G. P. RUMMELIN & SONS 126 2d St., bet. Alder and Washington Children's Furs, Fur Muffs, Fur Stoles, Arctic White Fox Boas, Sable Fox Boas, Alaska Bear Boas, Ermine Ricas, Sable Ricas, Chinchilla Ricas. CfB In Alaska Sealskin, Persian lUr VUtilS Lamb, Near Seal, Astra - chan, etc. Fur Caps and Gloves Fur Rugs and Robes STORE OPEN EVENINGS Leading and Reliable Furriers Established 180. Send for catalogue., (IS mw . . 'if. She Expects a Fur Muff, Boa or Stole for Christmas Don't disappoint her. We offer the largest selec tion of all kinds of Furs in the Northwest. Our prices will also please you. H.LIEBES&CO. 268 Morrison Street, PORTLAND EXCLUSIVE MAJTDFT'G FURRIERS J. I". Plagemaiw, Msgr.