The sun., 1900-07-19
BLAGOvESTCHENsk NOT TAKEN,
Bat Chinese Bombarded the Town-Russians
Said TO Have Captured Aigon.
SnscInI Cain. n...n,.h 4. ,r.... Ola.

|
| Said TO Have Captured Aigon. !
| Special Cans Despatch 10 THE SUN.
| ST. PETERSBURG. July ls-The report that
the town of Blagovestchensk, the capital Of
the Amoor district. had been captured by
the Chinese, which emanated from officials
Of the Ministry of Communications is now
empbatically denied by the General staff.
An unofficial telegram from Irkutsk,
dated July II. states that the Chinese had
been bombarding the town for two days
from Saghalin lAigun). which is across the
river from Blagovestchensk. but does not
mention the capture OF the place. On the
other hand 1t transmits a report that the
Russians have captured Saghalin.
Officials here who consent to discuss the
situation emphatically deny that the Gov
ment has altered its attitude OF that 1t re-
CARDS itself as being at war with China
Such declaration of war as that made by
the local commander at Saghalin could not
be regarded as formal. There was no evi-
dence that il was authorized
These officials declare that Russia Is In
different as to what rebels and usurpers
such as Prince Tuan do. She would not.
however, allow acts of violence against her
self to go unpunished II it once became
known certainly that the Government had
ceased to exist in China then every soldier
and warship ought to be disarmed or ranked
as brigand or pirate.
1t Is understood that Russia has forbidden
the free use Of the telegraph to the Chinese
Minister, and requires that all his messages
be vised by the Foreign ONCE.
The Chinese Legation reasserts the con-
viction that the declaration OF war issued
by the commander at Saghalin was I'M
authorized. The officials at the legation
believe that the commander forged an I'm
perial order. His position anyhow does not
entitle him TO convey such declaration.
The Norosi asserts that a declaration Of
war from Prince Tuan is a matter OF in
difference to Russia. II adds: Let him
declare and do worse"
The Noroe Vremya says that as war exists
it does not matter much who declared il.
DIE 10 E.,A 10.
paper comments on the statement made
in the British House Of Commons by
Mr.. Brodrick. Parliamentary Secretary
OF the Foreign OfIice. that arms had been
supplied to China by British firms. 1t de-
mands that Great Britain Immediately put
restrictions on her traders, and adds that
Russian troops could not fight side by side
with the troops OF a nation which provided
rioters with war material
Gen. Griboyski reports from Blagovest- |
chensk that the Chinese along the Amoor |
have thrown up intrenchments for dis |
lance OF twenty versts. They have erected |
batteries and forty guns are now in posi-
ton.
IL Is reported from Chefoo that Prince
Tuan has modified csc, 900 men and ordered |
= northern force to expel the foreigners
from the district OF Amoor. Another force
will operate against Mukden.
Russia intends to strengthen her Pacific
squadron by the addition OF two first-class
cruisers. one ironclad. two transports and
zen torpedo boats.
The War Office has Informed the press
hat the international forces In China will
number from 10000 to 80, 600 by the middle
,f August. Admiral Alexeff will command.
assisted by Col. Dcssino. the Russian Mill
tary Attachs at Pekin.
The War Office has received despatch
rom Kharbarovska. dated July 10, saying
hat the Chinese artillery employed against
Blagovestchensk is being increased. Tele-
graph communication with Charbin has
,een cut. which causes serious plight.