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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 1904)
THE SUNDAY OEEGOHIAU, PORTLAND, MAT i, 19W. fl RUSH ON TO' YALU Japanese force of 100,000 Cross Rapidly. SERIOUS FIGHTING IS NEAR Russians Repose a Blind Faith in the Strategy of Kuropatkln, and Inti mate Enemy May Find Itself in a Trap. ST. PETERSBURG, May L All news from the front Indicates that the armies of General Kurokl and General Okl, com prising about 100,000 men, are being rapid ly numbed forward and will be thrown across the Yalu as speedily as possible. Japanese transports have also nppeared at tha mouth of the river and, supported hy a few warships, will assist In the op erations. The Japanese seem to be following closely the tactics pursued by them dur ing the Chlno-Japanese war, having al ready occupied Kulien Cheng, above An tung, where they crossed In 1895. The beginning of serious land fighting is con sidered to be not far distant, although a heavy movement of troops may not begin for several days, notwithstanding the Japanese are crossing at several places above "Wlju. It Is believed that the Japanese antici pated more resistance on the Talu than they met with, xmd for ihls reason their armies were not in a position to cross at tho moment the advance forced a pas sage. "With the advance body some guns were hurried over and the Japanese out posts were entrenched. Desultory picket firing Is occurring constantly, but no Importance Is at tached to It. While the Russian plan3 never contemplated strong resistance, to the Japanese on the Yalu, It Is evident that the latter expected a show of de fense of the river, and some surprise is manifested here that practically no at tempt was made to Impede the enemy's iorces. In explanation of this. It Is sig nificantly intimated by members of the general staff that General Kuropatkln has some secret plans, and that the Jap anese may soon find themselves In a trap. General Kuropatkln's skill as a strategist Is a thing In which the Russian army reposes blind faith. Consider Him a Genius. "Wall until the denouement," officers of the general staff say. They consider that General Kuropatkln's skill as a strategist approaches real genius. Many of the of ficers assert that a3 chief of staff, General Kuropatkln was largely instrumental In organizing the victories of General Sko beloff and delight to tell how, years ago, during the big field maneuvers at Moscow against Grand Duke Serglus, he drew the whole of the Grand Duke's artillery into an ambuscade ending the campaign at a single Btroke. It Is estimated that It will take the Japanese at least a week to bring over their men and baggage and to pre pare for an "advance upon the first Rus sian line, which Is strongly posted at Feng Huan Cheng, 50 miles west of the Yalu on the Pekln road. The general staff does not believe it will bo possible for the Japanese to de liver a successful frontal attack on this position, the country being exceedingly difficult and also favorable for disastrous ambuscades. The members of the staff are inclined to think the Japanese may try a flanking movement to the northward, but say if they do" so Mt con only be a diversion owing to the bad condition in which the roads will be for the next fortnight. With in the last few days, General Kuropatkln has advised the Emperor that he Is well satisfied with the dispositions made of the Russian troops to meet the Japanese ad vance upon the Feng Huan Cheng line. He has also made a favorable report on the strength of the Hal Cheng line above Nlu Chwang, and the conditions on the Uao Tung Peninsula. Will Now Hold Llao Yang. It Is sJSd that General Kuropatkln, upon his arrival at Llao Yang, doubted the expediency of holding that place, but he is now convinced it should, and can, be held. While It Is admitted that the Japanese may be able to land at several places on the peninsula, and even cut the railway, it Is believed they will not care to take the risks Involved In such movements. Vice-Admiral Togo could easily hold the Russian fleet In port dur ing the disembarkation of the Japanese troops but to insure their safety after ward, he would be compelled to maintain constantly a superior force outside the harbor lo prevent tho possibility of the Russian fleet seizing the Japanese base and cutting off their communications, leaving them to sustain, unsupported, a land attack. "An Invasion of LJao Tung would be like an Invasion of England," remarked an officer of the staff, "as Field Marshal Count von Moltke said: 'There are many ways in, but not a single way out.' " FIND SHE STRUCK MINE. Experts Report on the Destruction of the Petropavlovsk. ST. PETERSBURG, May 1. The fol lowing telegram from Viceroy Alexieff, under date of April 30, has been received by the Emperor: "The special commission appointed to inquire into the cause of tho sinking of tho battleship Petropavlovsk has es tablished beyond a doubt that the fact that the battleship struck a mine laid by tho enemy within the radius of the customary evolutions of our fleet on the occasion of Its sorties into the outer roads in order to get at the enemy. The explosion of this mine under the boat compartments and bunkers of the Petropavlovsk resulted, according to tho view of the commission of experts In which I share, in. a series of explosions through the detonation of the pyroxylin, and the 12-inch shells in the ship's mag zlne and In the explosion of the powder cartridge stores, as well as of the cylin drical boilers. These several explosions were observed in the two minutes which elapsed before the battleship was wrapped in a sheet of flame and disappeared be neath the sea." by three Russian cruisera and torpedo boats. The Rossia then approached her. Her ship's captain, accompanied by tho superintending naval officer and two other officers, Trent aboard the Rossia, where they were detained. The enemy gave an hour's respite for surrender, but the soldiers, in strict discipline obeying officer's order, refused. At 1:80 P. M. the enemy discharged a torpedo, whereupon our soldiers, forming themselves into line on deck, exchanged fire with the enemy, during which many of our officers and men perished. At about 2 P. M. another torpedo was discharged and, hitting the engine-room, split the ship in two. Some coolies and merchants had previously taken "to boats and were subsequently Joined by some soldiers" after the ex plosion. The boats were then rowed westward and after Indescribable suffer ings the seamen reached Sinpho on the 27th. There were 45 petty officers and privates, six coolies and three merchants. "Most of the crew and coolies appear to have been taken by the enemy. All military, except the above-mentioned, survivors are said to have been killed. The company lost two Captains, two First and one Second lieutenants, the Ensign, 73 privates and two interpreters. Of the survivors, ten were slightly wounded." RUSSIAN REPORTS OF FIGHTING Small Skirmishes Are the Rule, With the Odds Against the .Japanese. ST. PETERSBURG, April 30. An offi cial dispatch has been received at the headquarters concerning affairs on the Yalu up to April 23. It follows: "Official reports received during the last few days state that on April 22 a move ment was seen among the Japanese troops on the Yalu, small detachments moving on tho left bank. On April 23 larger bodies concentrated opposite Wlju and the Japanese proceeded to cross by small de tachments. About two companies with a small body of cavalry crossed at Siapous slkhe. From the evening of April 24 on ward, reports began to come in to the effect that the enemy was preparing to cross at Wlju, Turen Cheng and Tohao Cheng Ling. "On the following day the Japanese en deavored to throw bridges across the eastern arm of the Yalu opposite Turen Cheng and Siapousskhe. Toward 3 o'clock In the afternoon they occupied the Island of Somllandia and spent the night of April 26 on an island north of Sandakou. "The Japanese, who numbered 1500, were received by the fire of our light cavalry, who, being numerically Inferior, took boats and crossed to the right bank, whence they kept up a lively Are, oc cupying a narrow path along the bank sheltered by a sharp ascent. Our light cavalry lost: Chief of the detachment. Lieutenant Somenoff, and 18 men wound ed, but their severe fire at short range against the Japanese In close formation must have inflicted considerable losses. "At 3:30 A. M. April 26, by their firing on the island opposite Turen Cheng our guns destroyed the bridge across the eastern branch of the Yalu toward the Island of Somllandia, forcing the Japanese to continue their passage of the river by pontoons south of Wlju. Toward midday a detachment of Japanese with a battery of artillery began a march upon Turen Cheng, but, meeting with the fire of our artillery, they - retired In disorder and confusion towards the place of their pas sage. The Japanese battery did not have time even to come into action. "At 9 o'clock In the evening of April 27 some three battalions of the Japanese crossed the Yalu at the Village of Ma toutseo, over the eastern branch of the river. The night of April 2T-28 passed quietly. "On the morning of April 28 our scouts reported that the Japanese had occupied an Island opposite Sandakou, having screened advance posts on the left bank of the river. "Our troops continue to occupy their position on the right bank of the river." WILL TRY TO KEEP FLEET IN. Togo Wants No More Raids by the Vladivostok Squadron. ST. PETERSBURG, Mayl, 4:38 A. M. A dispatch received herefrom Viceroy Alexieff, says: "The continued presence of the Jap anese squadron off Vladivostok has con vinced the authorities that VIce-Admlral Togo has taken to heart the sharp lesson taught him through his failure to con sider the possibilities of mischief by the formidable Russian division at that port, and Is now seeking means to stop further raiding operations in the Sea of Japan. It is evident that as soon as the Japanese were Informed of the operation of the Russians in Corean waters, the govern ment Instructed VIce-Admlral Togo to dispatch a strong squadron and send It to Vladivostok to cut off the Russian ships and confine them to the harbor, so they could do no further damage. The former purpose failed, owing to the celer ity of Rear-Admiral Yezsan's move ments." While there is no expectation that Rear Admiral Yezsan will risk an en counter with a superior force by putting to sea, even on a raiding expedition, it Is said he is a bold, careful commander and will spring surprises upon the Japanese. The "Different" Store Portland's- Best Sort & Shop MHBIKn-' aS fSrUuMiif. JSSi Home of QualityNand fashion, fifth and Washington RINGS! RINGS! RINGS! NOTHING BUT RINQS The Opportunity o! Your EVBRY KING IN THIS Commencing to-morrow. Monday, and continuing during the week, you may take your choice of any solid gold or gold filled ring, set with Beautiful They can't last long. Come early. first choice. Life to Buy a Barrios Diamond Ring ENTIRE STOCK MUST BE, SOLD Barrios Diamonds, mounted in bclchen Tiffany j twin gypiy or marquise settings j that formerly sold for from $2. oo to $4. 50. 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"It was reported from Askold Island, at 7:20 In the morning, that ten Japanese cruisers and six torpedo-boats were com ing1 up from the south. They steamed first In tho direction of tho Gulf of TJsuri, without coming within range. At 10 o'clock In the morning they headed toward Cape Gamova and steamed along Russky Island, as far as Scott Island, eventually disappearing In a southerly direction in a thick fog which prevented further observance of their movements." Manchuria, and about SO miles west of Mukden. The Chinese government is greatly amazed at what is termed Rus sian interference with the telegraphs at Hsln Mln Tun, with which place commu nication hitherto has been free and reg ular. That Russians are about to enforce mar tial law la the country west of the Ldao River has been confirmed, and in certain diplomatic Quarters here the feeling that Russia is seeking an occasion to quarrel with China is gaining ground. Russian Force on the Yalu Now Large SHAN HAI KWAN, April 30. Mission aries who have just arrived at Nlu Chwang report that when they left An Tung ten days ago the Russians in that vicinity numbered 30.000 men, and had strongly fortified positions between An Tung and the Ai River, which empties Into the Yalu about 20 miles northeast of An Tung. There were also some Russian forces at Hsu Ten and Feng Huan Cheng, where bases had been established. These two places are respectively about 65 and 45 miles to the northwest of An Tung. The Russians- along the railroad line, according to the missionaries, were burn ing bean cakes, endeavoring, with some success, to prevent the export of this product. Vladivostok Still Free From Attack. ST. PETERSBURG, April 30. Tho ab sence of telegrams from Rear-Admiral Yeszen is regarded at the Admiralty as proof that the Japanese have not attempt ed to bombard Vladivostok. It Is under stood that VIce-Admlral Choukln, now commanding the Naval Cadet School, will succeed VIce-Admlral Skrydloff as com mander of the Russian Black Sea fleet, and that Admiral Korsakoff will succeed Admiral Choukln. through Mongolia to the railway near Harbin with the intention of destroying it. The officers who were executed ten days ago at Harbin came through Mongolia. they were when the war broke out, have been sent to the village of Kolpashevo, 200 miles distant, -where they -will remain until the opening- of navigation. Denmark Declares Strict Neutrality. STOCKHOLM, April 50. King Oscar has signed a decree declaring strict neutrality between Japan and Russia during the war. The decree is similar in terms to that Issued by the Danish government. Russia Protests to China. ST. PETERSBURG, April 30. Russia has called tho attention of the Pekin government to reports received from the Russian military authorities indicating that stray officers are making their way Foreign Military Attaches Leave. TOKIO, April 30. Fourteen foreign military attaches who have been as signed to the first army left Tokio to day by rail for tho port of Shlmonoseki. They will sail May 3 for an unknown des tination, and a large crowd of people bid them, farewell at the railroad station. Japanese Prisoners Sent Away. ST. PETERSBURG, April 30. A party of 140 Japanese prisoners who were re. cently removed to Tomsk from Vladivo stok, Harbin, and Dalny, where TOO LATE T O CLASSIFY. 215 10TH ST. FRONT AND BACK PARLOR and kitchen; elegantly furnished for house keeping. WANTED A MAN TO REPAIR, DELIVER and sot up clocks. Staples, Jeweler, 102 1st street. 5500 TVANTED ON IMPROVED PROPERTY; 8 per cent interest. 612 Commercial bids. WB BUILD HOUSES ANYWHERE. FUR nish lot If wanted; easy -payments. U13 Commercial bid?. NICELY FURNISHED HOUSEKEEPING rooms; all modern conveniences. 321 Eugene St., or 612 Comerclal bldgr. St. Petersburg Little Surprised. ST. PETERSBURG, May 1. 4:30 A. M. The finding of the court of inquiry that the battleship Petropavlovsk was de stroyed by a Japanese mine has caused little surprise in St. Petersburg. This finding has been expected since Viceroy Alexleffs dispatch of April 21, in which Vice-Admlral Togo's claim that he was responsible for the blowing up of the chip was practically admitted. ONE HOUR TO SURRENDER. Japanese Who Went Down With Transport Obey Orders. "WASHINGTON. April 30. The Japanese legation today received the following offi cial report from Tokio on the sinking of the transport Kinshlu Maru: "As the Ninth Company, Eighty-seventh Infantry Regiment, peace strength 150. were returning to Gensan in the trans port Kinshlu Maru. registered tonnage 2SS9, after reconnoltering Yikon and the neighborhood of Pangyongdo, they were "topped at Has A. it,. April 25 off Sinpho RUSSIA HEAVES SIQH OF RELIEF Press Heartily Approves Note Declar ing There Can Be No Mediation. ST. PETERSBURG. April 30. With out a dissenting voice the Russian press approves of the decision of the government, as announced in its circular note, not to permit mediation and warn ing tho powers that they must keep their bands off when the terms of peace are settled. The Svet says: "All Russia heaves a sigh of relief. "We are going to establish ourselves on the Pacific without sharing the spoils of vlc-tery." RUSSIANS SUSPECT CHINA. Accuse Her of Making Secret Treaty With Japan. PEKIN, April 30. It is declared here that certain Russian officials are circu lating story accusing China of having made a secret treaty with Japan regard ing the port of Amoy and the province of Fu Kien. and containing the statement that prominent Chinese and Japanese of ficials already have left Shanghai for Amoy to arrange the preliminaries of the treaty. Chinese and Japanese ofl rial's hero unite in denying this accusation. CHINA IS AMAZED. Russian Interference With Telegraph Causes Feeling of Alarm. PEKIN, April 30. The Russian censor ship over telegrams, has been extended to the station at Hsln, Mia Tun whjch is to " B . Harness Whips Robes FINE VEHICLES MEDIUM-PRICED VEHICLES ALL KINDS OF VEHICLES MOYER, BABCOCK, MITCHELL and "BEE LINE" SOME SPECIAL SALE PRICES -Sj i - 7' 1 "lri . w 1 1 r MITCHELL, LEWIS & STAVER COMPANY FIRST AND TAYLOR STREETS
