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The Wingham Advance, 1905-06-01, Page 7TOGO WINS ROJ[S V[NSI( EAT VICTORY. ADLY i[ATEN Two Rus&&an Battleships, Three Cruisers and One Repair Ship Destroyed. Japan Loses One Cruiser and Ten Torpedo Boats in the Fight With Rojestyensky. Tito Battle Took Place in the Straits of Corea---Report That the Russians are in Retreat Pursued by the Japanese --Most of the Russian Ships Said to be Disabled Losses on Both Sides Reported to be i-leavy--Tokio is Silent as to the Fight and its Results—Great Anxiety in St. Peters- burg --The Czar Extremely Anxious ---Another Battle Reported--Oyama Waiting on R ♦4+ 4.440 4 0.0-40-0-0 q -0-d4 O4PO-d-O-Y.� PO.4W^0-0-0'PO O.O t-$ • Washington, D. C., May 28,—The following is the text of a cable despatch received at the State Department to -day from the American consul- at Nagasaki: "Japanese sunk the Russian battleship Borodin and four more warships and a repair ship." Another from Tokio, dated Sunday, says: "Japanese fleet engaged Baltic i' squadron this afternoon in the Straits of Tsusnaiha, which was held; can- nonading heard from shore." London, May 28.—The Tokio correspondent of the Daily Mail says that the Russian fleet has dispersed, that several Russian ships have been dis- aabled, and that the remainder are in flight, with the Japanese pursuing, Tsingtau, May z.—There is a running naval engagement between the Russian and Japanese fleets in the Straits of Corea, near the Islands of Oki. It is reported that the whole Russian fleet is not participating, all the slower vessels ]laving steamed around Japaa, The Japanese losses so far are stated to be one cruiser and ten torpedo boats. London, May zg.—The Times' Tokio correspondent says that telegrams from apparently trustworthy sources show that Rojestvensky approached Tsu Islands Saturday forenoon during a fog, which cleared up in the after- noon, when the Russians were sighted by the Japanese. The battle com- menced between z and 3 o'clock. There was a strong breeze blowing, with a high sea. a. i•o44-4+e+4-44-4-0-44-44-e-4 aaa+e ao -0 44-44+4-4.4.4 *4+44 e+4 r44-0-4-4.4-0 Washington, D. C., May 28. —Tile American Consul at Nagasaki cables the State Department the Japanese have sunk one Russian battleship, four other warships and a repair ship in the Straits of Corea. From information which has been re- reived in Washington to -day it is be - "—Sieved that two of the Russian ships reported to have been sunk in the Lorean Straits by the Japanese are the Orel and her sister ship the Boro- dino. They are battleships of 13,000 tons. Three other vessels reported slink are believed to have been cruisers, the remaining one being a repair ship. Tho belief in naval circles in Wash- ington is that the Japanese resorted to a free use of their torpedo boats in their attacks on the vessels of Vice - Admiral Rojestvensky's fleet. The Japanese have a large number of tor- pedo boats in their fleet, and they de- monstrated their effectiveness in the operations around Port Arthur. Naval • THE FIGHT. A Met in the Straits of Corea—The Result of the Clash. officials here to -night express the opin- ion that it was unlikely that such seri- oue losses as those reported could have been inflicted by ordinary gunfire. The Orel and Borodino are of 13,516 tons displacement, each heavily armed, protected and designed to make eigh- teen knots. They measure 307 feet by lip feet, with 30 feet draught, and have each a lofty spar deck, fully 30 feet above water line, extending from the bow to the quarter deck. Forward is mounted a pair of 12,4 inch guns in a turret protected by 11 inches of Krupp armor. Another pair of guns, of the same size, are mounted aft. There are 30 other guns of the intermediate battery, the vessels carrying two sub- merged torpedo tubes and two above the waterline. A special feature of the vessels is ' their vertical longtitudinal stn final bulkheads of bt a inch armor, runmting throughout the whole length of the ship at a distance nine or ten feet inboard from the ship's'. sides, designed to localize the effect of a blow from a torpedo. Japanese Minister Takahira has re- ceived a despatch front Tokio saying, -in effect, that the fighting in the naval battle thus far has been with favorable prospects to the Japanese. The Minis- ter's despatch is from private sources. JAPANESE LOSSES. One Cruiser and Ton Torpedo Boats. -lTsingtu, .Monday, May 20. --There is a running naval engagement betwe% The Russian and Japanese fleets in the Straits of Corea, near the Islands of Oki. It is reported that the whole Russian fleet is not 'participating, all the slower vessels having steamed around Japan. Tho Japanese losses so - far are stated to be one cruiser and ten torpedo boats. The Island of Oki is in the Sea of Japan, about 200 miles north-east of the Straits of Crea, where the battle between the Japanese and Russian fleets is reported to have had its be- ginning. - WHAT CHEFOO HEARS. Rattle Progressed on Saturday After- ' noon. Chefoo, May 28. ---Private telegrams front Corea to the Japanese Conant here state that a battle was progress - in; yesterday afternoon at or near the •Corean Straits between the main por- 'on of the Russian sqaadron and the Japanese fleet command under of Ad- miral a nliral Toe. Telegrams 'almost identical with the above iinvvo been received, and • an- nounce that a large portion of the li.hts- sian fleet was sighted approaching the Corean Straits, headed for the channel between Tint Island and the Japanese coast. According to the best information re- ceived here recently the main portion of Admiral Togo's fleet has been almoet constantly at aliteanplho Bay. l✓NTERED STRAITS IN STORM. Handling the Smaller Vesscle of Baltic Fleet Impeded. Paris, May 28. -The Tokio okio correepond- rnt of ,th Joursal states stilt while the I#alf$e fleet wag entering Tausitint•t Straits a violent storm arose, impeding handling of the smaller vessels and involving a slight confusion, The LOsse8 l"'riglitful, P&rli, May. 28.--4 despatch from Rome states that the Italian Government has received a despatch from Chefoo, stating that the engagement between the Rus- sian and Japanese fleets was disastrous to both fleets. The losses were frightful. Every Russian ship was damaged. BOTH SUFFERED LOSSES. France Hears Japanese Did Not Escape Scot Foe. Paris, May 28.—Intense interest has been aroused here by the news that a naval battle has been fought between the Russian and Japanese fleets. Tokio, May 213.—(Evening.)—'Through- Official ,and diplomatic quartets are out the day the Government shut all without advices, most of the infornta- sources of news which would substan- To, o. as a report. There are no reliable de- tails from any sources of the strength of the forces engaged. alany despatches refer to the supposed division of the Russian fleet into two or three squad- rons, taking different routes. The Tokio correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says the Russians were first sighted nt 0 o'clock in the morning, ap- proaching Tsushima Island, It is believ- ed that the squadron included six first- class ships. Tltey were under cover of a fog, which. however, lifted, and the Rus- sians retired, It is stated that 21 other vessels were near. On Saturday in the Japan Sea there was intermittent fog and sunshine, a high wind arta a rough sea. A telegram from Shanghai received in Tokio states that Japanese warships arrived in the offing of Woosung at 9 o'clock on Saturday and attacked a Russian detached squadron, The result is not stated. TOMO SILENT. Transmission on of Despatches p tches Recused Cor- respondents. . London, May 2S.—A telegram from Tokio states that the censorship is re- fusing to allow the transmission of de- spatches giving any information con- cerning the fight between the Japanese and Russian fleets, and that the Gov- ernment is maintaining, as usuaal, the strictest secrecy regarding the engage- ment so fair as the correspondents are concerned. AS SOON AS ADVISABLE. Not Till Then Will Jap Admiralty Break Silence. ADMIRAL TOGO. tion reaching Paris coining through the Associated Press dc:•tpatcltes, forwarded from the United States. These despatches are prominently displayed in the evening editions of the newspapers and are eag- erly aaerly commented on. 'Mile Temps reproduces a despatch from Rome saying that the Italian Minister of Marine, Admiral Mirabello, has receiv- ed a cablegranr from Chefoo Riving a rumor that a battre of the most violent character has been fought, in which both combatants suffered serious losses. All the newspapers display a tone of extreme anxiety over the result. The Temps pays a glowing tribute to :lcbtiiral Rojestvensky's skill in prepar- ing hie squadrons for the final encounter and to his audacity in taking the rouse where the Japanese were strongest. The Ecllo de Paris' St. Petersburg cor- respondent says that a letter has been received from Admiral Rojestvensky, written six weeks ago, hi which the Art- miratl said he desired to reach Vladivo- stock without it combat if possible, but that he would do nothing to avoid an encounter. TRIED TO FORCE PASSAGE. Rojestvensky Steamed Through the Straits Without Lights. Berlin, May 2S. -•-A despatch front Che - foo states that 0110 of Acheiral Rojest- vensky's ships arrived at Kiaoclhauh, the German port in Shantung, last Friday, having been badly damaged in a col- lision. Ti is reported that Acheiral 110- jestvensky tiled to force the passage of the Straits er Corea on Friday night without lights. Ilis vessels were formed in two lines, 0110 on each side of 'I'sns- laima Island. There wast hent y firing in the straits from 0,30 to 10.30 at night. It then ceased. STREI'TGTII OF FORCES. No Reliable Reports Received in London. London, May 'w0.-4 a. m.--'l'be only news of an official character relating to the naval cngngement that has been received here is the despatch from the Americans Consul at Nagasaki to the De- partment of State at Washington. Nit - venom Press telegreme from. Tokio re- port that the battle ocenrrecl on .lull, day. None of the correspondents was able or allowed to give the result except Unto or dispose of the numerous ru- mors of a intent engagement. The cen- sorship on the newspapers is as corn plete, so far as natal operations are con- cerned, as are the restrictions on the telegraphs and the despatches of co:•ree- pondents. The Ministry of Marine pro- mises to give out information as soon res its publication is advisable. It refuses even to encourage enquirers to hope for a victory. Its justification is that noth- ing that could possibly be of value to the enemy must be circulated. TO T13E RESCUE. Tho Vladivostock Squadron Has Left Port. London, May 28.—It is believed that the Russian warships at Vladivostock have left that port and started south, possibly with the purpose of aiding Rojestvensky in rho fight with Togo. It was reported to -day that five Rus - elan warehips were sighted three days ago orf Sturup Island, one of the Kurile chain, between Northern Japan and Kamchatka. TOOIs PART IN FIGHT. Vladivostock Cruisers Participated in the 1 Engagement. St. Petersburg, May 28.---A Shanghai despatch to a telegraph agency says that the cruisers from Viadivostock took part in the engagement. A meal Euglielt first hats received a telegram stating that the Japanese were, vie to•ious, but nobody believes it, '(here is great excitement in Shnng- inti. All the warships are cleared for netiott. ANOTHER NAVAL BATTLE. Said to be on Larger Scale Than hi Corean Straits. Ti-ingtatii. May :38,/ --According to n ("hitiese telegram, another naval fight is on near Oshira, 1t is believed that thie engagement is an a larger senile than the 0110 111 the Straits of ;l:su. shintn, it la not stated whether the ()Alum referred to is in K0kkntclo or the 'l.nochoo lehoule. Into Three Squadrons. i hu11i hai, May 28.- 1t is believed here that the Russian fleet has separated into three squadrane, respee. • tfvely for the Tsushima, Tsugaru, and Jia Ecrouse Straits, T#IE NEWS IN RUSSIA. St, Petersburg Waiting Breathlessly for Authentic Details. it. Petersburg, May 29, 2.1$ a. ne— in this momentous hour the I';mperor, the Admiralty and the Russian public concentrate their fire. The sinking of the repair ship Kamchatka, which was filled with the most modern machinery, might, are waiting; breathlessly for the japan: ese to furnish authentic netts of the fate of Vice -Admiral Rojestvensky and his fleet, in which the hopes of the Russians are centered. The official disposition is to construe Tokio's silence favorably, but at the same time the strategic reason for such silence is recognized. The public, after the premature jubla- tion of Saturday, is inclined to reverse its attitude and to became pessimistic. The report sent to \Vnshinpten by the American Consul at Nagasaki of the sinking of five Russian warships, includ- ing a battleship and repair ship was accepted as the most definite and the most authentic piece of news received up to midnight, and undoubtedly pro- duced a bad impression. The fear was 'expressed that the bat- tleship stalk might have been Rojestven- sky's flagship, the Kaniaz Souvaroff, on which the Japanese would undoubtedly it was thought, prove later to be a more severe loss than that of a warship, but at the Admiralty, where crowds congregated on Saturday and Sunday evening, the, opinion was expressed that if Rojestvensky had cleared the gate- way 10 the sea of .Japan with no greater loss than that reported by the Ameri- can Consul the passage had not been dearlypurchased, especially 1 if 1 , v later re- ports should prove that the ,7apauese tions. losses were anything like equal propo•- Probably no one in Russia aisplayca such intense anxiety as the Emperor, Early Sunday morning he summoned Grand Duke Alexis, high Admiral Aeolian, bead of the Russian Admiralty Department, and Aduli'atl Wirenius, chief of the general staff of the navy, to Tsarskoe-Selo and remained closeted with pleat up to a late hour last night, impatiently awaiting information and poring over charts. • Tlhe only news received by his Ma- jesty from Russian sources were de- spatches from Russian agents and Con- suls at Chinese ports, which could give nothing but current rumors. The only time the Emperor left the mem- bers of his Cabinet was to attend ser- vice in the Chapel of the Alexandra Palace, when the chaplain prayed for Rojestvensky's success. The Emperor was greatly distressed when the Washington despatch con- taining the information sent by the Consul at Nagasaki arrived. The newspaper despatches naturally created the widest speculation. Some of the officers of the Admiralty who on Saturday were inclined to take the view that the ships off Woostmg were empty colliers sent to the rear to avoid hampering the warships unne- cessarily, or that it was a division of little fighting value, despatched to con- fuse Toko and to throw hint off the scent, thought on Sunday that it was possible Rojestvensky might after all, have divided his fleet, and that the Japanese were awaiting the arrival of the second Russian division before • making a general announcement. The majority of the naval authorities, however, continue to believe that Ro- pestvensky could not risk a division of his fighting ships. Those of an optimistic turn hope that Rojestvensky did actually throw Togo off the trail and escaped him, as the French fleet eluded Nelson on the tvay to Egypt, and that they encoun- tered only torpedo boats in the Straits of Corea. This opinion though, is not generally shared, and the great ma- jority think that the Togo's scouts were able to keep in touch with the fight- ing division, and that the Japanese lay in wait for Rojestvensky in the narrow waters where a battle is re- ported to have taken place. Nevertheless, practically nobody be- lieves that Togo offered open battle, the consensus of opinion being that the Japanese, favored by a stage of the moon, which wits at three-quarters full, waited, and delivered a serious of torpedo attacks Saturday night with such aid as their heavy ships could offer, with- out running too much risk. Mines may have played an important role, and perhaps been responsible for a large share of the losses reported. At any rate the result is not fully satis- factory to the naval authorities. It is possible that running fight at long range took place Sunday, from which better results were anticipated, as the naval authorities generally do not believe that torpedoing could be renewed Sunday night its tihe open sea. BEFORE THE BATTLE. Dash of Rojestvensky Through the Corean Straits. London, May 28.—Adingirai Rojest- vensky's fleet was first sighted in the Straits of Corea, off leush3r)tat, on Saturday morning. It was steaming in two columns and the cruisers and moni- tors of the port side. The first report of thee presence of Rojestvensky's ships thus far north came from Sasebo. Orders were im- mediately issued suspending navigation in the Conan Straits. Tile report was .scall confirmed by an announcement from the Admiralty that the full strength of the Russian sea force in the Ear East had been seen heading for Tsushima. The netts indicated that the Russian commander had determined to take lila bold.e;4t (entree, 1)1)11, instead of skirting "t ,:• japan and entering the .rd. of japan, by I> a+ 1 • '('sumtru or let 1'ernuse Straits, to push direct through the Straits of Corea and try to reach V ladivostock, 111)1011 ie • about 64e) miles from the '1:411 islands. That he would be able to do so without at least being harassed by the Japan- ese seemed improbable, and the report eireulntrd that the two fleets, tinct en- gaged in the Straits of Corea was not a surprise. Tsu .Island or the '1'8u Islands are situ- ated in the 0011(10 of the Straits of Co- rea. It is only at high water that Tsu beemnee a double islaul, a deep sound then dividing it into two parts. North and west of 'Csn 1siands is the Western ('flannel, 25 to 34 utiles wide a" )afatiltg them from Corea. South and east of the Tim Islands is the. Eastern Chemed, 23 Mile:i 'wide at rte narrowest part, wpm; sting them from the Japanese islands off the mainland of Japan. NOW THE FLEETS COMPARE. Russians, Nave More Battleships, Bu Japanese Gun Power is Superior. All mune/mesons of the two fleets have been lnado without official informa- tion frim Tokio as to what ships Ad- miral Toga would use in the battle, it is known .quite accurately what vessels Itojestvensky took from the Baltic to the :lar i'east and what reinforcements afterward joined him, It has been ne- cessery to ass111110 that Togo would use practically the full strength of the lap - twee navy. In that event the fleets would si NL BOG TOf F A PRISONER. t Former Commander of the Fourth Division zc ttp as xollows; Russia, Battleships—Alexander Ili., Borodino, Orel, Suveroff and Oslybia, cads with a gun power of 10 12•iueih, 4 10.111cb, 58 6-inclh, 100 12-poundeds, and 100 3 -pound- ers; the Siesoi Veliki and Nayarit', 8 12- ineh, 14 0-111011 and 20 3 -pounders; the Nicolai, 1 12 -inch and 2 6 -inch, Armored cruisers—Makhilnolf, Dmitri 1)onskoi, each with a gun power of 14 Cinch, 20 4,7 -inch, 19 3 and 1-poandevs; Vladimir Moromaeh, 5 0 -inch, 0 4.7 -inch and smaller guns. Protected cruisers — Olig, Atirora, Svictdana, Senitehng, Izunirud, and Al- moz, each with a gun -power of 20 6 -inch, 31 12 -pounders ,and 42 3 and I -pounders, Coast defence vessels — Ousltakoff, Seniavine and Afrakain, each with a gun power of 3 10 -inch and 4 0 -inch, Torpedo-boat destroyers -- I3ledory, Buiny, Bystry, Bezupretslhny, 13lestiaslt- ty, Eravy, ]3odry, Groinki, Grosniy, 1'res- orlivy, Rezitky, and 1liany. Unconverted merchant steamers — Kuban, Terek, Ural, pion, and D'tciper, with small fighting strength, but of value as scouts. Balloon ship—Russ, Repair ship --Xenia. Hospital ship—Koseronna. Transports (reported) ---Okun, 1'ero- nej, Tautbaff, Yaroslav, Orel, Reentcihat- ka, Kieff, Vladimir, Corea, Meteor, Kitai, Jupiter, Espet•anza (cold -storage ship), Mercury, Anadir, and Gortsehakoff. japan. an. . Ilattleships—:1'Iikusa, Asahi, Shiki.i.ht- ma, and Fuji, caarll with a gun power of 16 12 -inch, 52 6 -islets, 76 I2 -Roundel's, 40 21 2 to 3 -pounders; tate (Alin Yen, 4 12 - inch, 6 -inch, and 2 4 -pounders. Armored cruisers—Adsuma Yakumn, Iurate, Idzunto, Tokiwa, Amnia, Kasuga, and Nisshin, each with a gun power of 1 10 -inch, 30 8 -inch, 10 4 -inch, 92 12 - pounders 42 2 1 -2 -pounders. Protected cruisers—Kaasagi, Chitose, Itsukushima, Iitsltidate, Matsushima, Iianiwa, Takachico, Akitsushima, Llz'.t- nhi, Akashi, Sunla, Ohiyoda, Niitaka, Tsu- shima, and Otawa, each with a gun power of 3 12.6 -inch, 4 10 -itch, 4 S -inch, 36 6 -inch, 04 4.7 -inch, 62 12 -pounders, 40 6 -pounders, 55 3 -pounders, and 20 1 - pounders. Unprotected cruisers—Takas, Yae;a- ma, Tenth', Katsuragi, Yamato, Masashi, Captured. Tokio, May 20, 3 p.m.—Reny-Admiral Nehogatoff, for1uer commander of the fourth division of the Racifie fleet, and recently cotnnlander of the inforill - tion squadron, composed .of scouts and niereltantnteu, with 3,000 other Russians, is =wig the prisoners captured by the Japanese. Viec•Admiral Rojestvensky appears to have escaped. The battle began Saturday morning, and the Japanese are still in pursuit of , the Russians, the conditions. The local French author- , that there was also a severe censorship ities refused to transmit the despatch. Later it was sent from hong Kong, and its publication aroused all Europe, because of the appar'anct violation of neutrality it described, France, finally stirred to action, ordered the Russian ships from its eastern waters, and Ro- jestvensky, now fully equipped, saile north for battle. SANK AMERICAN VESSEL. Rojestvensky Sends Steamer to Bottom Off Formosa. Tokio, ;flay 28.—News has been re- ceived that Admiral Rojestvensky's fleet sank an American steamer off Formosa, about May 21. The name of the Ammer is unknown. ]Ier crew was saved. The name and destination of the steamer are unknown here. De- _ tails concerning the sinking of the vessel are expected to be made known when the crew of the steamer reaches Japan. Although nothing is known here about the case, it is expected in official circles that Vice -Admiral Rojestvensky will claim that the vessel was cruising. OYANA WAITING BATTLE AT SEA. Offensive Movement Temporarily Halts —Japanese Plans Changed. St. Petersburg, May 2S.—Tho news from Manchuria indicates that Fiehl- Marshal (Jemmies offensive lents conte to a - halt. The transport service between ,1a - pan and the mainland of Manchuria is believed to have been suspended, al- though1 tee ;Japanese have accumulated reinforcements and large quantities of supplies on the mainland since five-Atl- nttral Rojestvensky appeared in Chinese staters, the dictates of prudence or the decision of Admiral Togo against the advisability of accepting an open batik, with Rojestvensky may have induced a - ehonge. in Oyania's plans. The correspondent of the Associated Press at the Russian headquarters con- firms the theory of a change in the Jap- anese plans. Iie telegraphs that the .Jap- anese are retiring at the sligltteet pres- sure on their right or centre, and are shifting eastward, seemingly with Cen. Kuroki developing a turning movement against Gen. Linevitch's left for the pur- pose of screening Gen. Kakannu•a's army, wheel is reported to be still further east, presumably ready to inarclt on Vladivostock. But the Japanese movements are ap- VICE ADMIRAL ROJESTVI;NSKY. Csukusiu, an8 Amagi, en the order of their size. Torpedo-boat destroyers — Shiaktnua, Asas)uo, Harttsamc, Murasame, Alcatsn- I.i, Kasuri, lkadsuchi, Inazunha, Ake - bone, Sazauaiui, Oboro, Shinonomr, 1lu- rakunto, Yugi11, Slnranubi, 1i:tgero, Ceti - gime, A.sagi]'o, and llayartori. - Torpedo gun-vessels—Chihaya and Tat. state.. Gunboats—Akagi, Banjo, Oshinna, Ota- go, Maya and Chiokai. ('oast clefenee vessels and auxiliaries in proportion to the fleet. Naval authorities in 'Washington fig- ured on the information obtainable in April that the balance of gun power wee greatly in favor of the Japanese, though the Russians had the greater number of battleships. The difference was amount- ed for in the superior number and arma- ment of the Japanese cruisers. The first two squadrons of the Rus- sian fleet started from the Baltic Sea in October, before Port Arthur had fallen, and it was expected that the ships would arrive in time to relieve the blockade of that port. But their progress was slow and marked by seuse tiona1 incidents. At, its start the fleet was in it demoralized condi- tion. It bad been reported that the .Japanese had torpedo boats, bought in England, in the North Sea. When the Russians ran into a British fishing fleet they mistook the trawlers for the feared .laps, and opened fire. Otto fish- ing boat tees sunk, a number damaged, and several of the crews killed and wounded. Great Britain matte prompt demand for reparation, and for a time the crisis was aentt. Finally the affair was submitted to an international court of arbitration. which met it Paris awl decided against the Russians. Damages were paid. The fleet stopped at Cherbourg and then split. Admiral Rojestvensky, with most of his ships, stunt aouitti the ("ape and the rest went through the Suez ('anal. 'Fire two squadrons met again at• Matdaagasear, where they took on supplies of Boal. Crossing the Indict' Ocean, they passed through the StrniLLs of Malacca, into the South ('pitta Sea, nil steamed along tine coast of Saigon arid then to Iianranth Bay, French Nilo - Chin a. ndo- (' hina. ITcee they took on more supplies, and 11)10(lher international crisis rose, One of the special carrespmuh'nts who visited Kann•a nit Pay, and Sant 1114' at';sistanee the erencb authorities were giving to the lttiseinne, attemlltetl, to' tend a despatch from Saigon describing parently awaiting the result of the. sea fight. The correspondent also says the eyes of the whale Russian army are cen- tered on Rojestvensky. A despatch form Gen. Linevitch dated May 260, says: "There tuns 110 change on May 24th in the position of the armies on our left flank.. The Japanese on. May 24th as- sumed the offensive from Eiirdagan, in the west toward Bankhegan. Our troops ambushed a e0mpany of Japanese, kill- ing or wounding more than thirty of them." Cut Their Way Out. Chanehavndz, illanehuria, May 38:._ ' The rrennunisauc0 of Gen. Mistchenko, which, beyond ctotd>t, was the most bril- liaut cavalry exploit of the war, was well planned and dashingly executed. It established the fact that the Jepenese are concentrating south of Kaiyuan, and was fruitful of meet! other information of the greatest value. The Japanese prepared a trap for (ren. elestehenko's return, and flung a strong force of infantry, cavalry and artillery across the line of hie retreat, but tiro 1bissiau cavalry, after a bold feint in one direction, cult its way through. The total loss to the Japanese in men killed and taken prisoners was over Sn,). The raid of the last three clays lits caused some of the wagon trains to be- come bogged. RUSSIAN FLEET. Appeared in the Tsu Straits on Saturday mad Hostilities Immediately Began. Paris, May 20. ---Tho Journal's special twat eorresponalettt, LUdoviC Nudeau, who was taken prisoner at Mukden, and sent to Japan, edited from Tokio ander date of May 28, that the authorities there were obse•vnhg the strictest secrecy re- garding the naval battle. Ito said that on the morning of May 27, n large Rus - elan fleet appeared in the Tsu Straits, entering the channel between Tsu IS);tnd and Kiushi t Island, where the belliger- ents mum in contact immediately, their cannonading being heard at Shimonoseki. The tempest which raged in the Japanese s the eo • •es - re 'lou e � u seas for sante daysp � , pendent says, lens settled down and the sea AM more 0x1)11. A later despatch from the sane cor- respondent puts tine puddle on guard ngatmst false rumors, reiterating, tihe •statement to the effect that the Japanese ' authorities were observing the strictest silanto regarding naval ntovenli ntat and which it was impossible to evade, War Vessels off Corregidor Island,. li?anile., I'day 20, —Five warships were sighted. off Corregidor Island en the entrance to the Bay of Manila this morning, headed south, It is believed that they were Japanese vessels, On Sat- urday two transports were sighted 120 miles west of the Bashee Straits by the British ,Steamer Yuensang, Sinking of the V. S. Steamer, Washington, May 20, --The Post to- day says that, acting on instructions of President Roosevelt, acting secretary of State Loomis, Inas telegraphed Minister Griscom, at Tokio, to inquire into the sinking of an American merchant steam- er by the Russian fleet off Formosa, No Trace of Russian Ships, Shanghai, May 20,—The steamer Sam- son visited the Saddle Islands yesterday but found no trace of the Russian ves- sels reported in that vicinity, a few days ago. Near Barren Lslands, the Sam- son 12315 stopped by the Russian Volun- teer Cruiser Dnieper, crowded with men well armed. After exchanging courtesies, the Samson returned to Shanghai, pass. ing a Russian transport from Junks sev- evarl miles below Woosung. EXCHANGE CHEERFUL, Hopes That the Battle Would be Decisive and Lead to Peace. London, May 29. — The opera- tors on the Stock Exchange here were cheerful over the far eastern news hoping that the battle might prove de- cisive and lead to peace, Consols went up 5.10 and Japanese bonds rose from 2 to 334 points. In Russians no business was transacted. Nominally prices wore unchanged, Americans were 1 to 1% pointy over parity. Orders from Paris forced the prices higher. GLOOM AT ST, PETERSBURG. Looks Like a Disaster to Rojestvensky, Unless Togo Also Suffered. St. Petersburg, May 29., 1.55 p.m.—At the Admiralty this morning, absolutely nothing was known of the naval battle in the Far East except ,the news contain- ed in the despatches of the Associated Press. The general impression pro- duced by the cable messages was un - doubtedly gloomy. \Vltile Admiral Ito- jestvensky was expected to pay the price for reaching his haven at Vladivostoek, the complete loss of two of his four best battleships besides several other war- ships with heavy damage to other ships which such havoc indicates is admitted to spell disaster unless the Japanese suffered correspondingly. For this rea- son news front Vladivostock, where the irst communication with the Russian fleet is expected, is anxiously awaited. he Admiralty calculates that wireless communication with Vladivostoek might be established so early as this after - noon or to -night, but as all despatches must first go to the Emperor the news s not likely to reach the public until to - narrow. It is a matter of general com- ment that the most definite and most 'eliable information received up to the ime the official announcement was sent ut from Tokio, came by way of Washington. Some of the foreign press despatches received were very on/using, but everything seems to indi- ate that Togo delivered a series of des - Fate torpedo attacks during Saturday 'gilt, with tate support of his heavy ships. The reported sinking of so many hips it is believed might also be par- ially due to mines Go2n ahead of thedvancing-Russian columns. The belief s also strengthened that Rojestvensky'as forced, in order to secure homogen- ty in speed and fighting power, to di- idc his fleet, only a single division pass - ng the Straits of Corea, the other going round Japan. But the Straits of Corea ivision evidently included the picked ussian fleet, Borodino and Orel being mong four of his best battleships. It is ossible that Admiral Rojestvensky ansferred his flag from the battleship niaz Souvaroff to the Borodino or Orel efore the fight in order to prevent the oneentration of the Japanese fire on his tan ship. Captain Sreberinnikoff, of the orodino, and Captain Ignatieff, are re - (idea extremely capable officers. Owing o the decision of the newspapers to sus - end Monday publications, only tele - ranks are being printed on fly sheets. he Novoe Yrenlya alone comments cdt- -neatly on the battle under the caption The hour of fate has struck." The paper aye: "Russia has been reproached with titling too notch trust in God, sending to many ikons to the war and not nou,g'h men. The result is now, in the anruage of the Americans, in the hands f 'the When behind the guns.' We Rus• ans will be patient until the full results re known." 121ack pessinhisut reigns among the pub- o, PRACTICALLY ANNIHILATED. ,1 0 c c P n a 11 R a a a K1> 1 b e 0 11 I) t T t s 11 t. 0 0 0 s1 a 1i Japanese Minister at Washington Re- ceives Official News of Victory. Washington, May 20, 9 a.m.—Minister Takahira, of Japan, received his first information of the practical annihila- tion of the Russian fleet in the Straits of Corea from the Associated !Tess. When the bulletin from Tokio, contain- ing the .lapauiese Government's official announcement that Admiral Rojestven- sky had lost tuel1e warships was read to Minister Takahira over the telephone, - he carefully repeated the words of the despatch tinct thou expressed satisfaction at the apparent result of the great con- flict. The Minister and other tnctubers of the Japanese legation remained in their offires nearly all night eagerly awaiting news of the battle. Up to this hour no official advices have been re- ceived at the legation. Aside from the press tk'spatehes, the only information received at the legation contained its a private message to the Minister 111a1ca.t- oar that the result of the fight wise favorable to the .Japanese. Minister 'I')kalira, 1s expeeting momentarily ticfinite 110111.1 of the battle. Togo Reports. 'iWnslhineton, May 20'. ---An official tele. ;rt,nt from Tokio states that Admiral Coto reports to his Government that the talar losses sustained by the Russian fleet en Saturday anti tennttay were: Two battleshipe,'(1113' coast defense arm- or elati, five cruisers, two speeiel service ship;;: and three tlestrcyere—call sunk. In eddition, tl,1.1' 2 ere 'captured two Cart• ll<'sbips, two eoeost defetl0e nriuctt'rlatta, 10110 special ecrt•iee ship, ono destroyee and over two thousand prisoners. Ad- miral Toga •adds that the Japanese squadron WAS ttntla±tinaged,