Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-10-31
THE WAR IN CHINA.
Two Important and Significant Japanese
yictories-On to MouI(den.

WASHINGTON, u. C., october 90.-Two
important and significant japanese vie
tories arr recorded by United States Min
lister Denby in a cable 10 The State De
partment from Peking to-day. He says
the Chinese forces have been defeated at
Chin-Lien- -Cheng, and have rctreated to
Moukden. lie also reports that the Japa-
nese have taken one OF the Chinese forts
at Port Arthur The scene of the INST
engagement IS Just across the Yalu river
In Manchuria. and il marks the first
really aggressive movement by the Japa-
ncse on Chinese SOIL for il is believed here
that the preceding movements on the west
side Of the Nalu river BY the japanese
have been in the nature Of skirmishes 10
develop the real strength Of the Chinese
forces. This having been done. the Japa-
Dese are supposed 10 have formally en-
tered upon a campaign with Moukden,
the Manchurian capital, as their objective
point. Unless they are fully prepared -
make this winter campaign, something
heretofore unknown in eastern warfare
they will be Obliged to force the fighting
and move with great speed. as but fifteen
days remain OF the open season. and
after that the cold usually becomes IN
tense. In the neighborhOOd of Port
Arthur where the second japanese sue
cess is reported, the winter IS not so
severe. and operations may be main
tained until much later In the season,
particularly in view Of the excellent base
of supplies afforded for the Japanese
troops In the presence of their own war
vessels in the neighbOrhOod, keeping open
free lines of communication with Korea
and the Japanese supply ports.
1t Is believed here that. Notwithstanding
the taking of the Chinese fort by the
japanese at Port Arthur, the place Will
be able TO hold out for a long time. 1t
Is strongly fortified by land and sea.
the plans having been drawn by expert
European engineer officers. and with any
but the most reckless and cOwardly man.
egement on the part of its defenders,
should offer the most formidable resist
ance. Experts in Washington believe that
II cannot be reduced by the japanese
without the use of heavy siege artillery.
and so far as reported the japanese are
not supplied with this.
lnasmuch as the capture OF Port Arthur
would result In giving Japan control OF
the Gulf Of Pechilli. and cut of the
Chinese capital from communication with
the sea, II is believed that the japanese
Will make most determined effort TO
capture the fortress. and the further
belief Is that they are prepared 10 do
this.
This Is borne out by the fact that
agents OF the japanese Government In
this country have quietly bought up vast
stores OF goat-skins. and have practically
cornered the market. and as these skins
are commonly used in China and Japan
as necessary part OF soldiers winter
rament. 1t is fair to presume that the
japanese are making ready for winter
campaign.
the day at both the Japanese and Chi
nese legations here The former. up to
noon. had received no advices from their
home government relative to the last en-
gagements. and the Chinese Minister was
evidently In . similar position, for he