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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance, 1904-08-25, Page 7A SERIES OF ATTACKS BERN ON PORT ART11 The First Attack on Saturday Said to Have Been Repulsed. Ohefoo, Aug. 21,-A great battle is raging along the whole main line of the fortifications of Port Arthur. It was preceded by a terrific cannonade. A re- liable authority deolivros that yesterday's attack was wisixecessrul, bat continued last night and to -day, and will go on for one more day if the Japanese are still repulsed. The Japanese plans for the reduction of the fortress contemplated a three - days' aasault. They ha.ve sufficient force •there to maintain an assaulting column , of 60,000 throughout, If the great as. frault fails, a long siege is likely to fol- low. It is reported that the Japanese °ap- t's-tired Port 25, a mile north of Golden Hill. The Japanese are not attempting to storm Liao-Eiehan. Their right wing Is now at Pigeon Day. The Russian garrison is estimated to number 23,000 men. They aro holding , a line 12 miles long. Four thousand Japanese taeps .were landed at Dadny yesterday. Chinese who left Liao-Tishau Proem: tory at 5 o'clock on Thurs.day afternoon have arrived here, and say the Japanese liave bui1t two forts at Shushiyen. They confirm previous reports that. the Russian warships now at Port Arthur are in com- paratively good Condition. M. H. Ijum, the Japanese Consul -Gen- eral at Tien-Tsizi, who arrived on the Peehili, said thatthe battle, which began n,t daybreak, was 'directed against the fortress itself. It was taking place along the entire line, and it was Japan'e su- preme effort, to which .the recent battles were but preliminary contests. lie added: .esse-, "I firmly believe that you can solely say that Port Arthur will soon be in our hands. One after the other of the outer defences have been token by the Japan- ese, and when the latter lied completed. their perparations for the grand assault Gen. Stoessel was asked to surrender. He refused. Now comes the final test." Advices from Port Arthur say that Polioehwang, although retaken by the Russians, has not been occupied by either side. The Rusisan batteries have contented themselves with preventing the Japanese from reoccupying this po- eition and plantingguns whitish would command the Russian warships 1n the harbor. TENACIOUS RESISTANCE. St. Petersburg Doubts Whether Fortress Can Hold. Out. St. Petersburg, Aug. 22, 4.30 asm.- The latest reports from Port Arthur indicate that the garrison there is bolding out with wonderful tenacity in the face of persistent desperate as- saults. The only question is how long any body of troops am withstand such awful punishment, and whether the garrison in ,se fortress can outlast the Japanese ammunition and men. The report that 30 regiments have been drawn from Gen. Oku to strengthen the attackers is believed to indicate that the Japanese have not enough men to prosecute simultaneous campaigns of serfs. great magnitude in the north and south. ON EVE OF FALL. Tokio Confident of Taking Port Arthur 4 • in Day or Two. Tokio, Aug. 2I. -The papers hero are agreed that the fall of Port Arthur Will occur in a clay or two. • In eemmensmg bn Lieut. -Gen. Stoes- eel's refusal to surrender, they enress admiration for his soldierly rejection of the advice of the Japanese commander, but deplore his rejection of the Mika - do's humane offer to allow women, children and priests to be sent out. It is thought, however, that most of them have already ben sent away on junks. It is expected that the Russians will utilize the presence of noneombatants to embarrass the Japanese in carrying out their operations for the reduction ' of the fortress, and will later on cir- culate baseless accusations against the besiegers for conditions for which, they themselves are alone .responsible. The Kokumin remarks that hitherto the Itessians have maltreated defence- less Japanese. Now the Russians who are helpless in the hands of the Japan- ese are receiving every consideration. ALL ATTACKS REPULSED. Stoessel Reports Fighting Previous to Demand for Surender. St. Petersburg, Aug. 21.-A despatch from Gen. Stoessel at Port Arthur, dated Aug. 16, . says: "The Japanese made a two days' attack on the position in the I./glovers Mountain e near Louisa Bay, but were repulsed. The enemy's loses were very great. "This morning Mr. Yaniaoka, a Jap- anese member of Parliament. presented himself at an advanced. post with ,a letter Signed by Gen. Nem and Admiral Togo, demanding the surrender of Port Arthur. The proposal was, of course, rejected. I have the happiness to report that the troops are in excellent condition and fight heroleally." TO SAVE POiss• ARTHUR. Kouropatein May Yet Make a Desperate Attenipt. St. Petersburg, Aug. 21. -The 13irselie- mIts Viedomosti publishes a special despatch stating that "events of the highest importance Are in preparation at Liao Yang. The forthcoming fight there will decide the fight of Part Ar- thur." Thin leads to the belief that General ltouropatkin, oven at Gila stop' of the 'conflict, May Make a Supreme effort to try and force the japariese to re me their army around Port Artirar. A SEA FIGHT - The Ntiaelan. Cruiser Novik Destroyed by Jar. Tokio, Aug. 21. -After it severe en gagentent with the protected cruiser Chitose and Tsushima, the greyhounds of the Japanese navy„ the fleet Russian cruiser Novik has been vanquished. The fight occurred to -day. After it, the Novik, in a sinking con- dition, was run ashore iu Kciretticovsk harbor, on the Island of Sakhalien. The details of to -day's fight are not known here, but it is evident that the Japanese vessels caught up with the Novik yesterdaY, and that a running fight ensued, The contest was resumed and terminated early this morning. The captain of the Chitose reported the en- gagement in a brief telegram, which reached the ' Navy Department here this afternoon. He says he first at- tacked the Russian cruiser Saturday afternoon, and that on Sunday morn- ing he inflicted heavy damage upon her, The Novik nearly sank, but was beached at Korsakovsk. The Imperial Prince Higashi- Fu shima, was second in command of the cruiser Chitose, which took part in the action. Capt. Sento commanded the • other vessel. 2 The followingofficial statement was given out: "The captain of the protected cruiser Chitose reports that the Chi- tpse and protectekl cruiseir Tsulfi(ima, attacked the Russian cruiser Novik at Iarsakovsk, Sakhalien Island, on the morning of the 20th. On tho morning of th6 21st the Novik, iyhich had been heavily damaged, was stranded and partly sunk. The Tsushima was hit once in the .coal bunker, but the dam- age has also .been repaired. There was no other damage, nor was there a sin- gle casualty on either of the Japanese vessels." The fate of the crew of the Novik is not known, but it is thought they abandoned their vessel and landed at Korsakovsk. It is generally thought there that the Japanese vessels steamed in close to the Novik early this morning and com- pleted the destruction commenced yes- terday. It is expected a detailed report of the occurrence from the commander of the Chitose will be received to -morrow. From a political standpoint, the news of the destruction of the Novik is highly satisfactory, for the ship could have been most dangerous as a commerce destroyer, but from a sentimental stand- point, much regret is expressed at the loss. PRIZES essit JAPAN. Ships in Neutral Waters to be Claimed at End of War. Tokio, Aug. M. -Commenting on the action of the Russian warships in tak- ing refuge at Shanghai and Mao -Chau, the Asluti maintains that there is a vast difference between a soldier and a war- ship. Disarming renders the former a non- combatant, while the latter remains an implement of war. Consetuently the action of the latter in taking refuge and disarming in a neutral port does not give it permanent protection. The contrary theory would destroy the object of a sea fight, which is the destruction 1ST an enemy's navy. For this reason the pres- ent arrangement by which fugitive Rus- sian ships are disarming in neutral ports where they will remain until the close of. the war, ought to be regarded as a tem-- pbrary measure only. Japan's acquies- cence in the arrangement is only to avoid increasing complications as to the rights of belligerents and neutrals. This acquiescence does not affect the status of the disarmed vessels, which are legi- timately Japan's prizes, and will be claimed by her at the end of the war. Diana Gets to Saigon. • St. Petersburg, Aug. 21.-A telegram from Mukden says that the cruiser Di- ana, one of the ships of the Port Arthur squadron, whose whereabouts has been uncertain since the battle of Aug. 10, has arrived at Saigon, French Cochin -China. To Respect Neutrality. Paris, AM. 21. -The Foreign Office confirms the report of the arrive' of the Russian cruiser Diana at Saigon, French Indo-China. France, it is announced, will strictly observe the law of neutrality in the case. xcs000 CROSS TUREEN. The Russian Army .1.dvancing in Eastern Corea. Seoul, Aug. 21. -Report's from Gensan indicate that 10,000 Russians have cross- ed the Tunien River thus far and are advancing south, leaving garrisons at all important towns and provisioning and fortifying strategic points. This southerly advance presents the appearance of a more important move than those previously made, evidently the first object being to capture Gensan, followed by an easterly advance toward Ping -Yang. The Japanese garrison at Gensan unm- tiers only , a thousand men, though an- other thousand men are on their way from Seoul, which is a ten days' journey. for troops. Trenches and cavalry entanglements 'have been made as far as twomiles from Gensan , and five hills commanding the 'approach to the town are fortified, but the leek of artillery makes an effective defence impossible. Only it few quick - firing guns are there. North-eastern Corea accords a popu- lar welcome to the Russian advance. The inbalitants are repairing roadsunder Russian engineers, and axe provisioning the Russianwith food and shelter and assistieg them in every possible leaner. The Russiansare treating the natives well, paying for everything they use. With the Russians are several native- born Commis, who are now oaturitlized Russians, and who promote a eordial feel- ing between the Corms and Russians. TO SEIZE ASICOLD. Japanese Warships Make a pash Into Shanghai. Shanghai, .Aug. 21.---Mneli excitement IWO created here this evening by the or - rival of a Japanese torpedo-boat destroy- er from the south. She passed Wussiing et full speed, and atarted up the river for Shanghai. The 'United States tor- pedo-boat destroy Glta,uneey gipped her . elide and followed the japancse vessel, 0 dossed for action, Tha Japanese vessel ' anchored off the Cosmopolitan dock, where the Russian cruiser Askeld is be- ing repaired. The Chauncey is nearly between the torpedo-boat and the dock.. A foreign pilot reports that he eaw two Japanese cruisers and it battleship sixty iniles off Wussung. There are no 'Chin- e.%) warships here. The Ta,otai has tele- graphed for a cruiser to be sent immedi- ately. The Russian Consul has flatlly refused te disarm the .Askold or Gromoboi or to order them to leave. The Tested has notified Mr. Goodnow, the Amerlean Consul, as dean of the Con- sular body, that Chino, cannot protect the foreign settlement. Ile contends that Russia ignores the orders of China and the latter country does not mean to ; make her obey. Mr. Goodnow has called a meeting of the C,oneular body to take joint action for the protection of the for- eign residents. The dock where the As. bold is moored is British property adja- cent to the Godowns of the Standard Oil Co., which is valued tat over 4200,000. Other property surrounding it belongs to the Germans and Dutch. The Standard Oil Co. has demanded protection for its property from Mr. Goodnow. TWO British, four French, one German and eight Amelean warships are here. TWO .American torpedo-boat destroyers have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to protect the .neutrality of Shanghai. The stem:her Pialporig, which has ar- rived here, reports that she flighted it japartese squadronwith no lights off Gutzlaff Island last night. BANDITS ACTIVE. Major Seaman Tells of the Work of the Chunchuses. After having spent some time in Japan, Major Seaman, accompanied by Captain Charles T. Body, of the 10th U. S. Infantry, was the guest of Chung- ezorlin, a Chunchus chief, near Siamin- timg, where the Chunchuses number 10,- 000 men. The Major declared these men to be in the employ of the Japanese, who pay the infantry 15 taels a mottli and the cavalry 25 taels month. There are many Japanese offi- cers among these forces, who are uSed to harass the Russians. During the visit of Major Seaman and Captain Boyd, the bandits brought in the heads of five Cossacks on pikes. These Cossacks bad been part of it de- tachment of 35 men, who were engaged in securing a thousand head of cattle. After the bandits defeated the Rus- sian detaehinent they appropriated the cattle. The Chunheuses pride them- selves on their horsemanship, and the visiting officers owe their welcome among them to some West Point riding tricks shown them by Captain Boyd, The attack of the Chunehuses on the Cossack detachment with thd cattle re- sulted in a force of 3,000 Cossacks marching out to avenge the killing of their comrades. Thereupon the robber chief said his visitors had better go, as he could not undertake to protest them. Consequently, Major Seaman and Captain Boyd left the bandits' head- quarters. SAY CHILD WAS A GIRL? • And Son of 0. Peasant Was Substituted For It. New York, Aug. 20.--A Paris despatch to the World says: Russian revolution- ists here declare positively that the Empress of Russia really gave birth to a female child, for whom at her birth a male child was substituted -a peasant woman's baby. , The revolutionists vouch for the truth of this statement, and insist that it comes from a perfectly reliable source, and might be verified later. The Nihil- ists say thitt the internal condition of Russia is such -and it may be more pre- carious by the reverses in the far east -that had the people been disappointed again in their hope of birth of a Czare- witch it revolt would have been iM- minent. This danger, magnified by the probability of the fall of Port Arthur at any moment, caused the Czar's ad- visers to take their precautions. A peasant about to become a mother was smuggled into the Alexandria Villa at Peterhoff, where the Empress awaited the immensely important event. The Nihilists aver that the Czarina was bless- ed with a girl, the fifth, the day before it boy came to the peasant. The fact is the Czarina's aecochement was con- cealed until the baby boy was taken from his mother's arms, presented to the Czar's relatives and the court, and placed le the imperial cradle. Improb- able as the story appears, it must be remembered that the revolutioniste have extraordinary underground means of im- mediate communication all over Europe. The Czar's Congratulations . St. Petersburg, Aug. 20. -The Emperor has telegraphed Lieut. -Gen. Stoessel, in command of the military forces at Port Arthur, as follow: "I direcb you to con- gratulate, in my name, and on behalf of the whole of Russia, the troops, sailors and inhabitants of Port Arthur, on the succeSe gained in the fighting of July 20, 27 and 28. I am fully convitteed of their absolute readiness to uphold the glory ot our arms by their unbotinded brav- ery. I warmly thank all. May the most highest God bless their heroic deed, which entailed so heavy sacrifices, and may He proteet the fortress of Port Ar- thur from the attacks of the enemy. "(Signed) Nicholas." BIG GUNS HEARD. Conditions of Port Arthur Described as Awful. Chefoo, Aug. 10. -Firing at Port Ar- thur by big guns was distinctly heard to -might. Refugees from Port Arthur say that Palug Chang, although retaken by the Ilussians,has not been occupied by either side. The Russian batteries have contented themselves with prevent, - log the Japanese from reoecupying this position, and planting guns which would command the Russian warships in the harbor. Says 3ap Ship Was Sunk. Russian naval officers believe that the Japanese battleship Mikasa was sunk in the engagement of Aug, 10. They de - dare that while the Japanese concentrat- ed their fire on the Czarewitch, the Rus- sians centred theirs on the Mikasa, Ad- miral Togo's flagship. It was the Mi- kes°, which the Retvizau tried to ram during the fight. The Retvizan had been receiving it gruelling, and Iter cap- tain suddenly gave an order to steer into the midst of the Japanese vessels and head for the Wiliam. Bo fully sur- rounded WAS the Retvizan that at one thee she was using every one of her guns, Every Japanese shot rendered her turret unworkable, but repairs were made in ten minutes. The Russian war- ships, which returned to Port Arthur, declare that Admiral Withoeft's last or- der was to return to Port Arthur. This disagrees with a previous statement from Tsing Tau, alleging that the ad- miral's last order was not te return. Conditions. in Port Artlusr. Commercial business at Port Arthur id said to be at a complete standstill. The people are living in bomb -proof houses. A belief on both sides of contending forces that the other side is abusing the Red Cross has led to a feeling that the emblem is little protection. .The Rus- sians assert that the Japanese use the flag to cover reconnoitering parties. Re- cently a Russian sharpshooter noticed a Japanese officer and a party of 150 carrying a red cross flag. He reported that he believed the Japanese were shamming that they were wounded. The 'Russian officer in command gave the sharpshooters permission to fire on them, The sharpshooters killed or wounded all of them. As fast as one dropped the red cross flag another one picked it up. The Russians declare that Takushan is doing the Japanese but little good, as they are frequently driven from .that po- sition by artillery fire. They also are unable to mount guns. Among the buildings in Port Arthur that have not been destroyed is the Russian church, and a large American warehouse. A HARD JOB. Japs Meet With Unexpected Difficulties at Port Arthur. Loudon, Aug. 22. -There is the keen- est anxiety here for news of the progress of the siege of Port Arthur, but it is dif- ficult to extract reliable details out of the voluminous stories of the refugees . at Ohefoo. The reiterated reports of- the Japanese reverses arrive through Rus- sian as well as Chinese sources, and the Complete silence in Tokio on this subject is interperted as shearing that the Jap- anese are experiencing unexpected. diffi- culties. The Shanghai correspondent of the Daily Mail says siewS has reached. Tokio that the delay in capturing the fortress is due to the difficulty in establishing it satisfactory artillery base. THE JAP ADVANCE, . From the Coast is Met With Heavy Ob- stacles and Difficulties. London, Au. 22.-A despatch to the Times from fleungyoching, uncl,er date of Aug. 17, by way of Tokoi, says: "The Russian position is six miles distant from here. There have been notable difficul- ties in the advance from the coast. The Russian conceptions of transport and defense of positions along the Maneher- Ian Railway are rudimentary, but the defensive works erected at Haieheng prove that they are taught by experi- ence. "The Russian cavalry on the right wing obstinately opposes the Japanese advance, Using the defensive works." •••••••.••••••••• GREAT CONFLICT RAGING. - Japs Capture a Fort, But Were Unable to Hold It. Che Foo, Aug. 22. -(Noon) -The first detailed news Of the general assault on Port Arthur indicates that a tremendous conflict is see''ing and that victory is hanging in the balance. Chinese who left Port Arthur yester- day and arrived here to -day state that the Japanese, by making desperate charges, which were reinforced by artil- lery fire from Slmshi Yen and Louisa Bay, swept from the mirth into Pigeon Bay territory, and drove the Russians back from the main -forts. The ground being comparatively flat in this vicinity the Japanese were unable to hold it in the face of the Russian artillery fire, and they retired. north an eighth of a mile beyond the zone of the fire. The Chinese declare that the Japanese captured one important fort located' on the Ezell= Hills, midway between the western coast and the railway on a line drawn approximately from a point mid- way between Pigeou and Louisa Bays. The fighting resulting in the capture of this fort was very severe. Then the Japanese infantry assaulted it and. com- pelled the Russians t6 retire. The Rus- sian artillery then directed a heavy fire on the spot, compelling the Japanese to retire. RUSSIANS' GREAT BRAVERY. Graphic Description of the Fight With Admiral Kamitmura's Ships. Vladivostockt Aug. 20.- (Delayed) - Captain Berlinski, who wits wounded in the battle with the Japaneae squadron Aim. lath, was buried last Wednesday with insist impressive military honors. Nearly all the inhabitants of the town attended the funeral. Most of the wounded. officers now in the hospital are expected to get well, and of the wounded men tho recovery of 321 is now Assured. Vice Admiral Skrydloff has visited Me hospital, complimehted the survivors and distributed among them crosses of St. George. The death of Lieut. Brash, of the cruiser Gromoboi, is reported to have been particularly tragic. He was hurled from the bridge of the cruiser by the explosion of a shell. Although mortally wounded, the lieutenant pulled himself together and continued to issue orders and eneourage the men, until Ire was re- moved between decks. A man seriously Wounded by the sanie shell continued do- ing his duty. amt did. not report until the next day. The Gromoboi and the Rossia present it battered appearance. . Their smoke stacks show great rents, while the masts, bridget; and ventilators look like sieves, and there are nutrks of battle elsewhere. Guns are dismantled, boata shattered, find there are numerous boles in the cruisers' hulls, throaigh whieli a man multi easily, pass. Many of do eabins were eompletely 'Wrecked, Some of the Japanese Shells performed queer actions. On the Thissia, it shell burst in it Clothes eupboard. Garments' therein Were torn to 'shreds, but ror was not seratelied. Photographs and knick-riacks on a writing table near were not dieturbed. lit at..tlit e part of the crubier the waits .-ed by the emoke of a fierce fire, in Wilielt eight onlitelhwe "Callbnrwr noVievv9ein7sco6t raeuhead.1144uue. .Aboard the Oremoboi it obeli entered the wardrobe and wrecked the furniture, but a parrot cage was untouched. All the officers are full of praise for the coolness and bravery of the men who died in the battle without a murmur. Comrades took their placee without wait- ing orders. It was deadly work on the upper deck, where the gunnere were without protection, and shells striking, ._ bursting into it thoueand fragenutts, kill- - ing and wounding mon until the deck be- came it veritable shambles -strewn with ,dead and dying, and slippery with blood. Not a single gunner protected by .caso- mato lot his life, The value of protec- tiv armor Was inestimable when against the enemy's aliens. • There were many deeds of heroism • during the lire -hour battle, but the greatest praise of all belongs to Captain Dabicb, of the Ciromoboi, who remain- ed at Itis post on the bridge from the beginning to the end of the fight. When wounded. in the back he perifieted in re. sinning comniand directly the wound liad been dressed, but, yielding to the en treaties of hie officers, lie sought shelt- er in the conning tower, No soonei had lie entered than a shell struck the foot of the tower, glancing upward tc the overhanging cover and entered it through the peep hole, killing a lieuten- ant and two quartermasters, wounding two lieutenants and again wounding Capt. Debi& in the head and breast. Not a single man in the tower escaped. There being no one to steer the ship, the Captain, severely wounded though he was, dragged himself to the wile°, and managed it until another quarter- master had been summoned. Subs° - quently learning that the men were de- pressed by the fact that he had been wounded a second' time, the captain in sisted, after the second dressing, sup • ported along the decks to the casemates, encouraging the sailors, saying : "I am alive, brothers. Go on smashing tht Japanese. 'When Captain Andreieff, of the Resides ascertained that only thret out of her 20 guns could be fired, he cooly gave orders to get explosives in readiness to sink the ship. • Capt. And- reiff is usually nervous, but in battle he was quite cool. When not giving orders he was cheerfully conversing with the gunners at their stations. Capt. Berlin - ski was killed by it splinter which struck him on the head at the outset of thc fight. Lieut. Moles also distinguished himself. A shell entered. the comport- ment where he was directingthe fire and set fire I,o the deck, on which- a number of 'charges were standing about,' then came an 'eight inch sliellY which scattered the charges and caused a ter- rific explosion which threw the men in every direction and hurled Lieut. Moles to the upper deck. Fortunately he fell in a heap of dead bodies, and map - ed with severe bruises. Dense fire and smoke were thn pouring out of the com- partment, but Lieut. Moles did not hesi- tate for a .moment. Calling for volun- teers, he plunged headlong into the flam- ing compartment and sueeeded in putting out the fire. Another officer, followed by a number of -sailors, brought a hose and played water upon Lieut. Moles and his men while they were' removing the unex- ploded tharges, regardless of the fact that they' might have exploded at any minute in ,their hands. Only one of the dead was brought back --Capt. Berlin - ski, of the Bessie-. His remains lie in a coffin near an Ikon of the Savior, the glass frame of which was smashed. The image, however, miraculously escaped. All the others who were killed were bur- ied at sea. The wife and daughter of Capt. Rroueser and the wives of Engin- eers Evanoff and Soultkoff, who are here, are half crazed with grief. Skirmishes Only. Liao Yang, Aug. 21. -(Delayed in transmission.) -With the exception of little outposs skirmishes, there have been no movements of troops recently. Pirces in Manchuria are rdaching fabu- lous heights. A poud '30 pounds) of horseshoe, nails costs $4u, and some arti- cles cannot be had at any price. The supply of axle grease is entirely ex- hausted. CHINESE FROM PORT ARTHUR Tell of the Strong Struggle Going on for Mastery. Chefeo, Aug. 2'2. -Noon. -The Chinese just arrived, who bring the latest in- formation from Port Arthur, were em- ployed by the Russian authorities car- rying the dead off the field, and also ammunition, which they say is plenti- ful, confirm the statement that the Liati promontory was not assailed, for the reason that it is impregnable from the sea side, and ,the Japanese are un- able to move on it from the north. The Japanese main attack has been the heavi- est against the Russian centre and right, particularly against the centre, fronting which the Japanese have taken up a strong position at Shusiyen. Pigeon Bay had been the scene of fighting several days before the final assault had begun, the Japanese never being able to hold for any time any territory they might gain. Their attacks were made mostly at night, during foggy clays and misty mornings. The Japanese believe that their superior physical condition will win the battle for them by wearing out the Russian garrison, which is constituted of less hardened material, down to the point of exhaustion by the persistency of their attack, and their refusal to ac- cept a repulse. The temperament of *the Russian gar- riS011 is domed and determined. ' Gen. Stoessel, who is heavy, rides care- lessly his chargers, which are showing the strain upuon them, although the gen- eral changes his mounts frequently. Both officers and soldiers have grown indif. fereiit to the shells, which enter the town frequently. Recently the Chinese theatre was bit, and a score of people were killed and.wounded. One shell exploded in the corral of the Chinese, who tell the story, killing five donkeys. Civilians are allow- ed to leave the bomb proofs during the lulls in artillery fires, but these inter- missions are rare, and everybody is 'worn and anxious over the situation. An un- usually large proportion of young eom- pany officers have teen killed, which is partialy owing to their duties and partly to reckless daring. While the Russians apparently believe they will hold the Japanese in .theck, their confidence of their successful, re- sistance is not absolute. The 'Japanese have guns minuted on newly all the hills which formerly formed Russian outposts. The Japanese fire is accurate. The shies and. Chinese houses at Port Arthur are full of Russian wounded. The nat. raters say the dead until reedy for burial are stored in warehouses, end are then buried on the outskirts of the town, quick -lime being used frequently to pre- vent infection. Three largo ships and two gunboats are being repaired in the dockyard and basio. the other Ships being behind the Atelier of Tiger's Tail penin. stela. The junks now depart from Liao Tia lighthouse. Yap Reinforcements. Chefoo, Aug. 22, 0 pan. --Th is asserted in reliable quarters at Port Arthur that the Japanese have received reinforee. THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION - DISCUSS COTTON QUESTION. Extension of the Cultivation of Cotton Might Remedy the Evil. Cambridge, Eng., Aug. 22.-Tbe most intereetinp*ter before the British As- sooiation to -day was a deeision of the cotton crisis. Premier Balfeur, Presideet of the Association, participated. Ife said he feared gambling iu futures could not be stopped, but an extension of cotton Cultivation would remedy the difficultio the cotton mills were experiencing. The principal paper Jof the day was by I. A. Hutton, Vice -Chairman of the Brit- ish Cotton Growing Associdtion, in which he detailed the efforts of the Association to relieve Great Britain from dependence upon the United States for raw "cotton. He said that ithe short time on which the • English factories were running was not, entirely due to the shortageof cotton, but was largely owing to the seriousag- gravation of the difficulty by numerous specalators. Mr. Hutton pointed out that probably it wee not, generally real- ized bow very costly it was to remedy this state of affairs, apart from the dan- ger of English mills playing into the hands of foreign contractive. He esti. mated that no less than 10,000,000 people in this country were more or less depend- ent on the cotton trade. The employere alone were dropping $200,000 a week, and the total loss to capital and labor in, the cotton and other allied trades through- out the eountry was not less tban $1,- 500,000, per week, or $75,000,000 per an- num. Mr. Hutton said there was no hope of any immediate relief. \IAN'S MANGLED BODY FOUND. The Sad Fate of a St. Thomas Man in Detroit, Detroit, .Aug. 22. -The inangled -Laxly if a man supposed. to be Frank Stuart, 731 Talbot street, St, Thomas, Ont., was found on the G-. T. R tracks in West Detroit yesterday. The head was severed from the body and lay on the opposite iide of the track. Prom letters on the fleets of thirty thousand Men from the iorth, JAPS BOMBARD The Town rof Korsakovsk, but Do Little Damage to the Place. St. Petersburg, Aug. 22. --The Emperor Sas received a report,' dated yesterday, 'rom the Russian commandant at Kona- sovsk, Island of Sakhalien, as follow: `Since 7 o'clock this morning the enemy' 'las bombarded Korsakovsk. A few houses have been destroyed. One of the memy's ships appeared on the horizon it about 6 in the morning, approached 10 within 514 miles of the shore and bom- barded Korsakovsk until 8.15, when the vessel disappeared, The damage done a the town was quite inconsiderable. Mere were no casualties. ALMOST AN ULTIMATUM, The British Note to Russia is Strongly Worded. New York, Aug. 21. -The Sun to -day has the following from London: The correspondent of the Sun is enabled to state that the British note to Russia in reference to the recent seizures of vessels and the whole question of con- traband of war is it document of on preme diplomatic importance. It is worded in the strongest terms consist- ent with diplomatic custom and amounts almost to an ultimatum. It permits no peaceful reply except acquiescence to the British demands. It is set forth in polite but firm lan- guage that Great Britain will not toler- ate a repetition of Russian action simi- lar to that in the cases of the steamers Malacca and Knight Commander, arid declares that it is the British determin- ation to take all necessary steps to pro- tect the country's commerce. Russia's sweeping definitions of contraband are repudiated, and a distinction between arbitrary and constructive contraband is insisted upon. RAIN KIDLED SPARROWS. Thousands of Dead Birds Found in New Jersey Town. New York, Aug, 21. -After the heavy storm of yesterday morning thousands of dead sparrows were found in Jersey City, Newark, Hoboken and other New Jersey towns. They were found in piles in the corners of buildings and under trees in the pares. As there was no lightnins,a it is thought that the weight of the downpour simply beat them to . death, The mortality among the little birds was heaviest in Newark.' Under a single tree in one of the city parks over a hundred of the birds were found. In that city a gang of men spent several hems collectingthem, and several eartloads were carried away. There was hardly a. sparrow to he seen in the streets of the town yesterday, as many that were shel- tered from the storm were drowned in the ;overflowing eaves and drain pipes. FIRED FIVE SHOTS. body it is thought he was on his way to Chicago to become a strike breaker in the Stock Yards. It is thought that he jumped on the moving train at Michi- gan ayenue and rode some blocks to Junc- tion avenue, when, catching his foot in a frog in the track, he was torn from his hold. , GOLD CARRIAGES Fuss ALE IS. Gorgeous State Coaches Sent to Peterhof for the Christening. , St. Petersburg, Aug. 2L -Th e golden carriages which are used only at the time of Imperial christenings have been taken from the annex to tue Winter Palace, where State coa'clses and. sleighs of every conceivable 'Shape and color are kept, and, drawn by six pairs of milk -white steeds, gorgeonsly ca- parisoned, have been removed'sto Peter- hof to be used in conveying the heir to all the Russians fom the Villit Alexan- dra to the Great Palace of Peterhof, a couple of miles distant. The christening ceremony will take place in the beautiful little palace church, in which the brilliant assem- bly of diplomats, courtiers, states- men, generals and admirals to be pres- ent will have difficulty in finding room, Two of the brightest personages in the land -the young Empress and Emperor Nicholas -will be absent. Their Ma- jesties cannot enter the church while the christening is in progress, because it is contrary to the rules of the Orthodox church for parents to attend such ceremonies, the godparents being considered to represent them before the Almighty. It is now known that little Alexis will be borne to the font accompanied by Prince Henry of Prussia and Prince Louis of Battenberg, representing the godfath- ers, Emperor Wiliam and .King Edward, and by the godmother, the Empress Dow- ager. The Metropolitan of St. Peters- burg will have the honor of anointing the infant and immersing him in holy water. Complete immersion is neces - sary, according to the rules of the church. The Imperial party will then return to the Villa Alexandra in the same golden carriages that convey them to the palace. It was at first intended to folow the custom of giving a grand banquet at the palace after the christen- ing, but the Sovereigns have decided to forego functions of this kind while the country is undergoing the ordeal of war. VENEZUELA'S TROUBLES. That Country is Again in Trouble With Great Britain-. liondon, Aug. 22. -In compliance with a request received from the Govern- ment of Trinidad, the Admiralty has in- structetd the British cruiser Tribune to proceed immediately to Venezuelan waters to protect British subjects and interests. It is Understood that the re- quest of the Government of Trinidad was based on reports showing that the British employees of the Bermudez As - Pelt Company were in danger in conse- quence of the attitude of the Venezue- lan Government. Under the instructions of Captain Spencer De Horsey, coin- mandin, the Tribune will act in con- junction with the British Minister at Caracas, who is proceeding energetically in behalf of the British employees of the company. AN IRISH MYS'ilatY. 'lite Return of Mr. O'Brien is so Char- acterized. London, Aug. 21. -The London cor- Murderous Attempt Made by Two Lrespondent of the Glasgow Herald, re- ferring to the return of Mr. O'Brien, Drunken Men on Train. M. y., declares it to be one of the rays - Ottawa, Aug. 21. --The dninkenne0 If two men attempting to beat their way on 1. P. R. passen- ger train at Sudbury, probably saved the lives of Conductor Aubrey, Brakes - mon • Lefebvre and Road, Engineer: Young yesterdaymorning. The men : boarded the train at Sudbury, but re- fused to pay their fare when requested to do so by Conductor Aubrey. ' Call- ing the brakesnutif and road engineeer to his assistance, the men were ejected from the train, whereupon they turned on the crew and fired five shots in rapid suecession. None of the shots took effect, how- ever, the desperadoes being too badly in- toxicated to shoot with any degree of ite- curacy, a fact to which Conductor An- brey attributes the fortunate escape from injury, and perhaps death, of the three train employees. The men were eciptured nnd lodged in. Sudbury jail, where they now lie, awaiting a prelimin- ary hearing for their seriouti offeeee. . . Death ef a Wife Seeker. London, Aug. 22. -Edgar Walliteets search for it wife for Cochrane, the Brit- ish Columbia rancher, has had it tragic sequel. Rev. Mt. Duncan, of Stamen Arm, British Columbia, gave COCIltalle certificate of charade; toul'600girls ap- plied. The sitecessful girl was to have left London to -night to -embark on the Lake Manitoba, but yesterday morning a table was received in London, saying Cochrane bad died suddenly. • Italian Priest Arrested. London, Aug. 1h1. ---A despatch from Rome to the Daily mail reporte that a priest of the Moe of WW1() Clastelli has been arrested hi the village of Offi- -dm °it the charge of being concerned in the theft •of the famous cope owned by 3. Piemont Morgan, whieh was stolen from the Atwell Cathedral. moved for the writ in the House of Commons, lion. Edward Blake betrayed great and lofty indignation, and sue. ceeded in getting the motion postponed, but the next day was all miles and benediction, and allowed the writ to be issued, suggesting it was the one thing his soul thirsted for. WOOD'S DISAPPEARANCE. Toronto, Aug. 21 -Detective Greer haft returned from Port Arthur, where be has heels investigating the disapeparance of a man named Wood. Wood left these parts in July, 1003, and it was not till December that one Bissonette reported that one 'Willi:tans had gone away with his (Bissoriette's) wife, and that he be- lieved 13issonette had made away with Wood. The Reteetive has come to the conclusion that Wood was not murdered. Lost in the Weeds. Fort Wilhiain, Aug. 21. -Two children of Joseph Collins, of the mission, distil,. peered last Monday.' 'The family were campiug out seven miles from the mis- sion, and the girl, 10 years of age, and boy, 12 years of Age, were out picking berriee in the busb, and lost their way. On Friday the girl found her way home, - after being out night and day in the laush since Monday. She is seriously ill from the Sexposure and from being without food. A search party is out seeming the woods for the little boy. Death Prom Grasping 'Wire. St. Mary's Aug. 21. Mr. R. T. Swales, who was temporarily toting as Eight conatable, was found dead this morning lut the basement of the town WI. When found he was m it sitting position, with an electric wire string itttaehed to it lamp be was attempting to reach be- tween his fingers. Evidently the shock had killed him.