Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-10-08
THOUGH NOT OFFICIALLY CON-
FlRMED INDICATIONS ARE
THAT 1T HAS.
ARMY'S PLAN UNKNOWN
News From Kuropatkln is Very
Measer and 1t is impossible to Learn
Whether He Expects to Withdraw
From Mukden-Japanese Suffer.


From Mukden-Japanese Suffer.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 7.-(6 p. m.)
The war office has not received
any fresh advices from the front
today.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 7-While the
..dmiralty claims to have no knowledge
Of the departure of the Port Arthur
squadron, it is inferable from the way
in which the report that such an event
had transpired has been received, that
definite confirmation would not create
surprise. 1t is certain that no direct
orders have been sent to Admiral
Wren to break through the blockad
ing fleet, but it is tacitly admitted that
the admiral has discretionary powers
to leave Port Arthur should the situa-
ton demand or conditions be propi-
tious.
In naval circles it is pointed out
that Wednesday morning the condi-
tions might have been favorable for
a sortie. Heavy storms ragged Tues
day and doubtless compelled the
blockading vessels and particularly
the torpedo boats to seek shelter, thus
leaving the way clear for dash to
Vladivostok. Some naval officers, how
ever, are inclined to think the firing
that was heard at Chez Foo may only
have been directed at blockade run
ners
Orders Are Significant.
I Significant orders have been issued
ito keep time expired members Of all
frhe1 guard regiments stationed in and
Naround st. Petersburg with the colors
Ftill March 1905.
4 Orders were. issued today to all sea-
ssmen belonging to the battleship Orel
Sand the cruisers Oleg, Zamtchug, and
y Izumrud to rejoin their vessels at
Cronstadt Immediately 1t is believed
that this presages the sailing of these
vessels tomorrow for Reval, where
Emperor Nicholas is going to review
the whole Pacific squadron.
Japanese Blockade Easily Run.
Tsingtau, Oct. THE German
steamer Progress, which left here
twenty days ago with general
cargo consigned to Vladivostok, re-
turned from that port today and re-
ported that she had found it easy to
elude the Japanese ships in that vi
cinity.
vIadivostok Ready for Fight.
Vladivostok is being heavily forti-
fed, the harbor is being mined and the
repairing of the damaged ships is go
ing on.
Kuropatkin's Plans Unknown.
London, Eng, Oct. Z. - News from
the far east concerning the position Of
Kuropatkin's main army and the re-
ported battles with Kurokis advanc-
ing forces is very meager. Only out
post affairs are reported in today's
dispatches from Manchuria.
The main armies remain quiet, but
the scouts on both sides continue very
active This is construed at st. Pc
tersburg as confirming the belief that
Kuropatkin's main division is safely
at Tie Pass.
A disptach from Mukden says that
sudden activity is apparent, large
numbers of carts and pack animals
crowding the streets.
May Mean a Battle.
1t is impossible to say whether an
engagement is likely to occur or
whether the evacuation of the town is
being considered by Kuropatkin.
1t is predicted by some that he is
preparing to assume the offensive, but
this is exceedingly improbable, as he
J has only six divisions there. 1t is
thought more likely that the commo.
ton had to do with one or the other
of the japanese flanking columns
which the Russian commander may
have been preparing to check.
skirmishes Are Indecsive.
The Russian cavalry seems to be
pressing reconnoissances southwark
toward Yentai. Several skirmishes are
reported in that vicinity, but none oi
them were decisive.
A special from Mukden says prepar
ations for winter quarters are being
made. adding that semi subterranean
huts are being constructed for the
men stationed about the city. The
same dispatch says the japanese are
suffering from privations, cold anG
hunger.
To Command Japanese Forces.
Toxic, Oct. T. - Lieutenant Gener
& al Hasegawa. late commander in chic
of the imperial guards division, viii
depart for Corea today to assume
command of the japanese force
here.
Russian Ships Damaged.
1t is reported here that the fire Of
The japanese land batteries has Sc
terely damaged four Russian warships
in the harbor of Port Arthur. 1t il