The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-08-20

! yesterday ana the RuSS1dHS nave AC-
treated toward Mukden.
St. Petersburg, Aug. 20.-The en-
peror has issued a ukase summoning
to the colors all the reserve officers
throughout the empire.
Chefoo Hears Big Guns.
Chefoo, Aug. 2O.-Firing at Port
Arthur by big guns was heard distinct
ly last night.
Late advices from Port Arthur say
that Palungchang, although retaken
by the Russians, has not been occu-
pied by either side The Russian bat
teries have contented themselves with
preventing the Japanese from reoccu-
plying this position and planting guns
which would command the Russian
warships in the harbor.
Russian naval officers believe that
the Japanese battleship Mikasa was
sunk in the engagement of August 10.
They declare that while the Japan
csc oncentrated their fire on the
Czarevitch the Russians conferred
theirs on the Mikasa, Admiral Togo's
flagship. 1t was the Mikasa which
the Retvizan attempted to ram during
the fight. The Retvizan had been re-
ceiving a gruelling and her captain
suddenly gave an order to steer into
liz IIlIQSL VI lG JdQdICSG VESSELS anu
head for the Mikasa.
So fully surrounded was the Retvi-
zan that at one time h was using
every one of her guns. One Japanese
shot rendered her turret unavoidable
but repairs were made in ten minutes
The Russian warships which re-
turned to Port Arthur declare that
Admiral last order was to
return to Port Arthur. This disagrees
with a previous statement from Tsintu.
alleging that the admiral's last order
was not to return.
Commercial business at Port Arthur
is said to be at a complete standStill.
The people are living in bomb proof
houses.
A belief on both sides of the con-
tending forces that the other side is
the Red Cross has led to the
feeling that the emblem is of little
protection. The Russians claim the
Japanese use the flag to cover recon
noitering parties. Recently a Russian
Ger and a party of thirteen carrying a
Cross flag. He reported that he
believed they were shamming that
they were
The same officer gave the sharp
shooter permission to fire on them.
The sharpshooter killed or wounded
all of them As fast as one dropped
the Red Cross flag another one picked
it up.
1t is also reported that the Japanese
to deceive the Russians into
touching off their electric ground
by driving cattle over them in
the darkness. This ruse has. it is
said, resulted merely in affording the
besieged a fresh supply of beef.
The Russians declare that Taku
is doing the Japanese but little
good as they are frequently driven
that position by artillery fire.
are also unable to mount guns.
Among the buildings in Port Ar
thur which ave been destroyed by
are the Russian church and
& Sons American warehouse.
Anxiety at St. Petersburg.
st. Petersburg, Aug. 20.-1O a.. M
Acute anxiety prevails regarding the
at Port Arthur on cou
of the desperate character of the fight
ing reported as taking place, though
the war office does not seem to be-
lieve that danger of the fall of the
is so Imminent as generally
According to advice re-
by the war Office there is still
an ample supply of ammunition and
provisions there. While it is realized
the Japanese probably outnumber
the defenders 6 to Z fold the great
strength of the Notifications, it is be-
lieved. will do much to make up for
disparity in numbers.
Upon one point there is absolute