Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-05-12

clear up.
The citation of the authorities, a nat
urai consequence of this achievement,
is sobered by official dispatches show
ing the activity of the Japanese in
eastern Manchuria. Kuang Gen Sian
(Iuang Tiang SLAP so miles northeast
of Fcng Wang Cheng, was occupied by
the Japanese, May 5. This enables an
advance along the back roads to flank
either Lao Yang or Mukdcn. The ter
ritory between the main road to FcnS
Wang ChenS and the river Tayang has
been penetrated by such Il strong force
of Japanese as to lead to the suggcs-
ton that another army has landed ut
T.ikuShan, of which the aside world
has not before heard. Activity of the
Japanese, however, has been expected
and therefore has not diminished the
satisfaction felt at the opening of COM
nlunicltiun with Port Arthur. The S!lv
swings from pcsSimism to optimism as
quickly as Il pendulum, and Niceroy
Alcxieif's dispatch has produced a feel
ing among the people that the defeat ON
the lalu and the Interruption of com
municatlon with Port Arthur should
not have becp taken 50 seriously, that
Gen. Kuropatkin never had any intcn-
ton of making Il stand on the YalI
river, that an attempt OF Port Arthur
was Il feature of the cnrmv's cam
pli%n and bound to occur sooner or
later, and that the Russians should Dc
thankful that they had time to prepare
Tor the defence Of Port Arthur until
Gen. kuropatkin could relieve it.
Inc people naturally wish for more
details concerning the re-cstablishmcnt
OF communication with Port Arthur.
All they know definitely is that the rail-
road has been rcopcncd and that at .
o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, the first
dispatch passed over the reconstructed
telegraph Ines
There probably has been some fight
lnG, but whether with Japanese YES
sells or with the troops north of Pulse
W0 Is not known, nor have the where
aboutS of the Japanese landed III the
southern part of Lao TunS peninsula
been definitely established. 1t is sad
to say, however, that no engagement
of Importance has occurred in order to
rc-eStabliSh communication. InuOubt-
cGly news of such a victory would
promptly be made public owing To the
state of the temper of the people. All
Impotence arising from Gen. kuropat-
kin's withdrawal has disappeared.
The Japanese seeing that the with
drawal was thorough ana with the care
that has distinguished their past oprr-
atiOns, making sure that no ltusisans
We're left behind, cut the vital line of
communication.
ard May 6. east of Tayangho. must
not be confused with the army at Pit
sewo, because the latter dcharkci on
May 6 If third army had landed at
TakuShan it could have moved to Fang
Wang Cheng and thanked the Russians
in Case Gen. Kuroki had encountered
strong opposition. The suggestion Of
another Japanese dcbarkation is gem
orally discredited. The force acting
Independently is believed to be attached
to Gen. Kuroki's army. Whether an
army has landed or not the fact was
impressed upon The Associated Press;
by a member of the general staff.
The Japanese are placing southern
Manchuria absolutely under control be
fore beginning a forward movement.
sack raids.
Whether Gen. Kuroki intends to
move on Lao Yang and Hal Cheng has
not yet developed, though the latter
now does not appear 50 rrohabl" in view
nf the despatch of IL force to kunagin-
SIGN. The marching on Hal Chcng is
not as important as it would have been
had the Russians continued to occupy
New ChWanC.
Gen. kuroki. in view Of an authority
here undoubtedly is informed Of the
preparations for the cVacation Of New
fhwanG and knows that the Russians
force operating on the Lao TunC
peninsula would promptly retire shoIld
he advance to Hal Chcng. In the light
Of these considerations he may deter
mine to boldly march to Lao Yang
either by the northern road or on the
road by which the russians rctrcatcd
and along which he has sent scouting
parties.
The reports of severe engagements,
which are not officially confirmed prob
ably grew out of Skirmishcs along tn"
Yalu river before Lieut.. Gen. ZaSSa-
ltch's retirement.
Information, which was received by
til" Emperor. Tuesday. set ut rest al
runners affecting the Nladivostoll
squadron.
The Associated Press was authorize
lively informed that there is absolutely
no intention ON the part Of Vice Admiral
SkrydioH t" order IN attempt 10 make il
junction with the Port Arthur fleet. Tia
squadron will use NIadivoStok as q base.
for raids. but viii he preserved iutnCt
until the Baltic fleet arrives in thu Iaoi.C.
when it Will proceed to Sca AMI rcp'tt L.
Rear Admiral R"jcstvcnsky at a certain
determined point.
TIL" Associated Press is further Inform
Cd that the garrison at Port Arthur l.
stronger than heretofore has hcon stated.
Of the garrison at Port Arthur II secret
said the informant of The ASsuriltcd
Press. The Japanese know it. trcIlS,.
Of their perfect informl ton. We have,
~. 600 soldiers and 1nH1 sailors there. The
latter will not hr used on the fortilica-
ti"nS except as Il last extremity.
9TH" Japan"S" will not obtain posses
sion of our fleet even if they capture Port
Arthur. The orders to IN" commanti;nI
cVitaflc put to sea and engage the one
my. We do not propose for tn" Japaff"SC
to find in the harhor Il number of ,aIu-
able warShipS which they can add to their
feet. Moreover. in battle the Japanese
will suffer as we'll as our ships. and those,
Of the latter which do not escape will 70
down to tic bottom
NOTABLE JAP MARKSMANSHlP