Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1904-02-09
Port Arthur Vigorously Attacked by
Brave Troops OF the Mkado.

" lHt pIlHClplc VI INul lcdi inuNPChu
ence; (s) on the preservation Of full
freedom of navigation Of the straits
of Korea.
This project did not satisfy the Jap
anese government, which insisted on
provisions being Incorporated regard
ing the question of Manchuria Such
demands on the part of Japan were
inadmissabie from the Russian point
of view.
Cable Gut
PARIS, Feb. 9.-In the report given
out by the foreign Office to the effect
that the Russian cruiser Pallada was
sunk in a torpedo boat attack, it was
also stated that the cable from Vlad
iVostock had been cut China, ii IS
understood, has given official asslTs
ances that she will Immediately issue
declaration of neutrality This Is
considered highly important, as il was
believed that China, impressed by Jap,
anese5 success at Port Arthur, would
aid Japan.
Demand Of Japan.
PARIS, Feb, 9.The Japanese lega
tion announces that Japan has re-
quested China to declare coal as com
traband OF war; The effect OF this
would be to cut off the main coal sup.
ply of the Russian fleet at Port Ar
thur. The legation adds that China's
continuance in supplying the Russians
with coal will be considered as a
breach Of neutrality.
Three Russian Ships Disabled.
CHEZ FOO, Feb 9.-The Japanese
fleet attacked Port Arthur Monday at
midnight. Two Russian battleships
and one Russian cruiser were disabled
by torpedoes. The battle continues
this morning at range of three miles
No further damage is reported.
TIduSG WIZ 6V INSdA'
PARIS, Feb. 9.-The attitude of the
French government In view of war is
now definitely determined upon
France will maintain neutrality under
any and all circumstances, the Franco
Russian alliance being construed as
not requiring France to intervene in
behalf of Russia, even should Great
Britain or any third power intervene
in behalf Of Japan.
Excitement In ST. Petersburg.
ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 9.-The
news that Japan has duplicated her
tactics at the opening Of the China.
Japanese war by torpedo attack on
the Russian ships off Port Arthur has
created intense excitement. Details
are anxiously awaited. The press
conveys the intelligenc to the people
that all lingering hopes that war could
be ayerted are now dispelled.
nuSSidH otCdIHCT 0dptuIcu.
LONDON, Feb. 9,-7:50 p. ma
dispatch to the Reuters Telegram
company from Shanghai says It is
creditably reported that The Russian
mail steamer Mongolia. which left
Shanghai on Sunday, has been cap.
tnred by the JapaneEe Off Shang Tung
peninsula.
Torpedo Attacks viii Continue.
LONDON. Feb. 81 II Is the belief
Of Baron Hayashi and others well In
formed on japanese naval plans that
the Japanese feet will not blockade
Port Arthur. It is the opinion that
night torpedo attacks will be kept up
by Japan SO long as the Russian feet
maintains an open position outside
Or Port Arthur. This will be done In
the hope Of breaking Russia's nerve.
Hays Wise Action.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.--secretary
Hay has addressed note to number
Of European powers to ascertain Il
they are willing 70 join in notice to
Russia and Japan that during hostili.
ties hereafter the neutrality and In.
tegrity Of China must be recognized.
ii is known that exchanges have al.
ready taken place which justify the
state department In expecting favor.
able response to the note. The mat.
ter has created sensation in diplo-
matte circles.
"FIshtIne Bob to 90.
WASHINGTON, D. G.. Feb. 9.--Or.