The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1904-03-04
Lasted Two Hours, When Japanese Fleet With
drew IN Perfect Order and without Loss-Japanese Shells
20 Great Damage In City Of Port Arthur.
Small E~nsa9ement Expected Soon tn Northern Korea, But a Dig
Rattle Is Not Looked Tor Tor Some Time-Czar
Anxious TO Go 10 the Front

YlnkoW, March Fifteen Japanese
warships appeared off Port Arthur at
10 o'clock yesterday morning and
opened q furious bombardment. The
cruisers Novik, Askold and Bayan,
with four torpedo boats, steamed u
to meet the attack, but they we're
forced to retire. The Askold was In a
sinking condition and the Novik was
badly damaged. The bombardment
lasted two hours. The Japanese fleet
then withdrew in perfect order, and
without loss. Much damage in the
city Is reported to have been done by
shells from the Japanese warships.
According to Japanese information
the stormy weather has delayed their
plans for the investment of the Rus
sian fertilization. All bays on all
sides of Port Arthur are contact
mined by the Russians. but it Is un-
derstood that the Japanese have de-
ranged most Of them by floating over
the mine spots stone-laden barges at
the ends Of long hawsers, allowing
wind and tide to swing them over the
mines, which explode harmlessly.
Port Arthur Seems Doomed.
Tien-tsin, March 2. - News from
Port Arthur is to the effect that the
town Is exceedingly short of ratiOns
and that the prices OF foodstuffs are
going higher and higher.
There r not many civilians In
town. most of them having either fed
or have been tent away, but there are
still enough left to occasion the au-
thorities considerable anxiety.
The reported attacks upon the town
by the Japanese feet have had the eff
decentralization among the soldiers.
who, before the war. were most en-
phatic in their prophecies of heroic
deeds they would perform.
Preparations to withstand a siege
are being completed, but there is lit
tie hope that the Russians will be able
to make a long defense.
As soon as the Japanese land forces
begin an Investment there is not much
doubt that the place will have to
capitulate, even il lot a single shot is
fired. Hunger will do more than shot
and shell.
Big Battle Not Imminent.
Toxic, March 2.-The first shots OF
the war on land were exchanged yes
terday ut Pingyang. A small detach-
ment of Russian infantry, evidently
scouts, appeared to the northward OF
town. The Japanese outpOsts opened
fire from q range of loo meters and
the Russians retired.
The telegram reporting the incident
fails to mention any casualties. 1t is
presumed that there were none, on
account of the small number of men
engaged and the distance separating
the opposing armies. 1t is reported
that there will be a small engagement
somewhere In Northern Korea.
where the Russians are scouting over
an extended area. close to the Japan
ese positions, but a general engage
ment is not expected for some time.
The Russian force south of the Yalu
river is inconsiderable, it's greatest
strength seeming to be in the vicinity
of Win. North OF the Yalu the Rus
sian army constantly is increasing in
numbers and is being modified, Uut
the chances of its assuming the Of
fensive are slight.
Korean Officials on the Run.
Lao Yang, March 2. - Gen. Kis.
tchentko, with q detachment OF
mounted Cossacks. has reached Ka-
SANTA, Korea, and he Is expected to ar
rive In Ichio Yang to-day. His men
and horses are in good condition. and
he is well equipped with provisions.
The Korean officials are fleeing
from the places traversed and they
are informing the Japanese OF the ap-
proach Of the Russians. The Cossacks
have seized the telegraph line In
North Korea. A Japanese major,
Togo Tazusifo, and five men. captured
by Cossacks at Wiju, have been
brought to Lao Yang.
viadivostok II Cut of.
st. Petersburg. March 2. - Direct
confirmation Of the report from Hak-
odate that V~ladivostok is blockaded
by the Japanese vessels cannot be ob-