The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1904-07-21
FLEET LEAVES
VLADWOSTOK
RUSSIAN CRUISERS DASH INTO
THE PACIFIC.
ENGLAND AT A WHITE HEAT.
Prepares to Protect Red Sea Interest
With Force-France Also Gets
Her Ships in Readiness
For Action.
scripps-McRae Telegram.

Scripps- -McRae Teiegram.
Toxic, July 20.--The armored cruis-
ers Rossia, Grombol and Rurik, of the
Russian Vladivostok fleet, entered
the Pacific ocean through the Tsugari
straits early this morning in pursuit
of a Japanese steamer. They were
first sighted at $3.50, passing Hako-
date at seven and steaming east.
Warnings have been sent to all ship
ping interests.
The squadron overhauled Japan
ese steamer east of Tsugari straits.
The name and fate of the vessel is
unknown.
The fleet was not accompanied by
any destroyers. Its destination is un-
known, but it is suggested that it pos
sibly plans to raid the east coast or
Japan and then either return to Vlad-
ivostok, escaping to the southwark or
attempting to form a junction with
the Port Arthur feet.
1t is expected that most of the ship
ping will be warned before the Rus
sian vessels can inf1ict serious dam
age If raid is purposed.
Ordinarily a lack of coal would pre-
vent an extended cruise, but it is pos
sible that the Russians possess a col
lier at a rendezvous in the Pacific
ocean.
Crew Held as Prisoners.
Port Said, Egypt, July 20.-The
British steamer Malacca, seized in
the Red Sea by the Russian cruiser
Petersburg, because the Russian COM
mander alleged she had contraband
of war on board, arrived here this
morning with the British crew as
prisoners under guard. The passen-
gers were transferred to the Marmora
of the same line, and proceeded to
their destination. The prize crew
consists Of four Russian officers anG
| forty-five men.
France Gets Busy TOO.
eherbourg: 5isiS st- e Orders q Tsfss-
issued today for all subaIterns and
sailors of the French channel squad
rons here now on leave OF absence to
report to their vessels forthwith to
take part in general inspection tomor-
row. This is serious measure and
it is generally understood the fleet
will be ordered to the Orient at once.
Great excitement prevails here.
England at White Heat.
London, July 2O.-The wrathfui
sentiment of England was reused to a
white heat today by the announce
ment that a Russian prize crew was
conveying the British steamer Malac-
ca through the Suez canal as prize
to the Russian port, and that Russia
is preparing to abrogate the Treaty
of Paris still further, by sending 9TH
er ships through the Dardanelles. It
is reported that Lord Kitchener has
been ordered to have the Indian army
in readiness for action on short mo-
tice. The British Mediterranean
squadron is in readiness to proceed to
Alexandria to prevent further inter-
ference with British ships. The sit
uation is at strained point and war
is considered imminent. A disavowaI
or an act of ample repartion on the
part of Russia can avert hostilities.
Big Battles Raging.
Mukden, July 20.-Two big battles
are reported to be raging now be-
tween different sections of the armies
Of General Kuropatkin and General
Kuroki, which may result in involving
the whole forces of the two great ar
mics that have been maneuvering for
weeks for mighty general engage
ment o.
According to reports received here
battle began this morning to the
east between the forces of General
keller,who was repuIsed IN an assault
on Molten pass July II, and a portion
OF General Kuroki's army.
At the same time it was reported
that another general engagement had
begun at Tatche Kiao, upon which
place Kurokis forces have been rap.
idly closing in during the last few
days. For some days a large body OF
Japanese troops has been within six
miles of Tatche Kiao, and it is be-
lieyed that they have been sufficiently
REINFORCED to venture an attack on
the strong Russian position.
The Red Cross hospital at Tatche
kiao was removed to Mukden in an
ticipation of today's fighting. Conse-
quently there was large call for Red
Cross trains to proceed to Tatche
Kiao.
The best information received here
indicates that the siege of Port Ar
thur is now being much more closely
pressed and there are most extrava.
CANT rumors Of losses on both sides.
More Troops Disembark.
London, July 20-The Daily Chron-
icle this morning prints dispatch
from its Yin Kow correspondent UNI
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