Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-02-25

ports from various quarters of fresh
attack on Port Arthur by the Japanese,
London, Feb. 1s.--Littls far eastern
news appears In the press this morn
ing, with the exception Of official dis
patches, and the comment ID made that
the Official report Of Vicef0y Alexieff
and others are remarkable mostly for
what they leave unsaid. These reports
attract far less attention than does
the significantly frank Russian proc.
lamation asking the people to be pa
tient until the army is ready to strike
blows worthy Of the dignity and might
Of Russia. The threats in this docu-
ment are commented upon by the Brit
ish press in tones of considerable
irony.
1t is now believed both in London
and on the continent that Viceroy
Alexieff has decided to fall back upon
Harbin, practically abandoning Port
Arthur, Vladivostock and the whole of
southern Manchuria to the Japanese
and that he is perhaps hoping that the
reduction of Port Arthur and Vladi-
vostock will occupy the enemy while
he Is concentrating his forces at Har-
bin.
The correspondent Of the Times and
the Daily Telegraph at Toxic unite in
announcing the resumption of the Jap
anese coasting trade and confirm pre-
vious reports that the Russian cruiser
Boyarin was sunk during the attack
on Port Arthur of February IA. Some
correspondents say the warship in
question was the cruiser Bayan and
not the Boyarin.
Attack on Port Arthur RepuIsad.
st. Petersburg, Feb. 19-oficial con-
frmation is made that an attack made
on Port Arthur February 16 was re-
pulsed after heavy firing on both sides.
According to the story this attack was
intended as a feint to cover landing
at Talienwan bay, but 1t failed be-
cause the Russian guns were placed
with great foresight to command that
shore. A Russian exrert says the
Japanese evidently hoped the adjacent
group of Eliot isles would cover this
as they did the same thing
during the Chino-Japan war, land
Ing simultaneously at Talienwan and
Kinchou, thus cutting off Port Arthur
from each side Of the Liao-Tung PEN
nsula.
1T surprises me-" this expert con-
.jnues, that the japanese should have
made such foolhardy attempt to face
he Russians, as they must know from
heir spies how strongly the peninsula
s mined and defended"
The governments frank statement
n its communique of this morn
ng of Russias unpreparedness,
wing to Japan's sudden precipi-
alton of hostilities, and warning |
he Russian public not to expect
victories, confirms the
'pinion which has existed here that
russia will act upon the defensive un-
II her army is fully mobilized and the
quipment of the commissariat in
rorking order. There are already over
10000 men in the field, but this num-
er will be largely augmented. About
0 1000 men are required to guard the
abroad.
Russian warships Being Repaired,
st. Petersburg, Feb. ia long Off
lal dispatch from Viceroy Alexieff re-
Dunting the details Of the fight Of
ebruary at Port Arthur was given
ut yesterday. 1t enumerates the Rus
AN casualties and says 1t is known
lat a number of Japanese ships suf-
,red severely, which accounts for
leir not following up the attack.
The repairs to the Russian warships
amaged during the bombardment of
ebruary are rapidly proceeding.
he Czarevitch,. Retvizan and Pallada
Ill soon rejoiH the feet. The work
being carried on with the, aid Of
lissons The mishap was not so
reat as at first believed.
A magnate named Salabek, has ar
we'd at Port Arthur, asking the vice
,y's permission to go to the front
ith 5000 Kurd horsemen. He only
sks the government to provide for
Il transportation Of the men, their
Drses and arms. Admiral Alexieff de-
Na ha