davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
THREE VESSELS DISABLED.
Japanese Torpedo Russian Warsh ps
 at Port Arthur.


 Che Foo, Feb. 9-The steamer Columbia has arrived from Port Arthur with addi- tional news of the attack by the Japanese fleet upon the Russian fleet in the roads outside of the harbor of Port Arthur.
 The Columbia was in the roads at the time and felt the first shock of a torpedo explosion at Il o'clock Monday night. The attack continued all night, and at daylight this morning two Russian battle ! ships and one frst-class Russian cruiser were seen to have been disabled and , beached at the entrance of the harbor. The cruiser was badly listed to one side.
 This morning the Russian forts opened fire on the Japanese feet which was about three miles distant. The Japanese vessels returned the fire, hitting several of The Russian ships. but doing little damage.
 The Russian cruisers then went out and the Japanese vessels disappeared. They were seen later going in the direction of Dalny, apparently undamaged, although the officers or the Columbia say there were seventeen in the attacking party and only sixteen were seen later in the day by the steamed Foo Chow.
 A member of the crew of the Columbia tells this story of the naval battle off Port Arthur:
 ''The Columbia was lying in the roads surrounded by fourteen Russian battle ships and cruisers. At 11:30 o'clock Mon day night, a severe shock was felt on Board the Columbia. The Russians opened fire toward the sea. The firing lastei only a short time. At 1 o'clock more shocks were felt, and the Russians again commenced firing. The Japanese did not return the fire.
 "At o'clock two Russian battle ships went in and were beached across the en- trance of the harbor. They were soon followed by a Russian cruiser, which also was beached None of the vessels was damaged above the waterline. More shocks from torpedoes were felt during the early morning. and then all was quiet At 10 o'clock Tuesday morning. three Japanese cruisers passed Port Arthur in sight of the Russian fleet. The whole Russian fleet immediately weighed anchor and went after them, but return ed in half an hour.
 "The Russians left one cruiser outside to watch for the Japanese ships. The cruiser was fired upon by the Japanese and the other Russian vessels took up their anchors and cruised around the roads.
 The Japanese fleet came up within three miles, and d battle commenced The Japanese fired on the ships and forts which replied. Two Russian ships were struck by shells, but were only slightly damaged. The Russian fire fell short. The Columbia steamed away while the battle was in progress, but later saw the Japanese fleet leave. One Japanese cruiser with torpedo boats is reported north of Che Foo.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
ALEx1EFF TELLS OF DISASTER
Notifies St. Petersburg of Disabling If Ships.

St. Petersburg, Feb 9.-An ofnclal dls- patch received here says that Japanese torpedo boats have attacked the Russian squadron in the outer roads at Fort Arthur and that three Russian shlps "e'o damaged.
 Admiral Alexieffs ofa al report of the attack by the Japanese IS as follows:
 "I most respectfully inform your ma jesty that at or about midnight of Fep- ruary s-9 Japanese torpedo boats made a sudden attack by means of mines upon the Russian squadron fin the outer roads of the fortress of Port Arthur in whlch the hattleships Retvizan and CzareUtcn and the cruiser Pallada were damaged An inspection is being made to ascertain the character of the damage. Details are following for your majesty.
 The special cable sent from this city to- day to the effect that the Russian and Japanese had engaged in naval battle and eleven ships of the Japanese had been destroyed and one ship of the Rus sians sunk, Is untrue.
 The information was given out in St. Petersburg as official. but has been dis covered to be untrue.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
THE CHAR GOES TO CHURCH.
Ruler of the Russ'as Greeted With
 Acclaim hv His Subiects.

ACCla1m DY 11IS ouOJSClSs
 St. Petersburg, Feb. 9.-There was an unprecedented scene at the religious ser vice held in the winter palace at o'clock this afternoon. At the command of the Czar, a great concourse of ministers court officials, high State funcuonaries' ladies of rank and military men assem- bled in St. Georges Hall, all the, men arrayed in full uniform.
 After some delay which became almost oppressive because of the feeling Of SOL emnity plainly apparent, the doors of the imperial apartments were opened, and the Czar entered. wearing the uni- form of the 1st Guard Regiment of Rus sia. with the Dowager CZarina on his arm. The Dowager wore a costume or pearl gray, and no jewels. The young Czarina, wearing her favorite white and silver, followed. escorted by the Grand Duke Michael. the heir presumptive.
 Approaching a group of naval and mill itary officers. his majesty turned grave Iy and greeted them wILn the customary Russian phrase: T wish you good health. gentlemen"
 The officers responded with a loud ac- claim, shouting vigorous hurrahs. The scene became one of wild enthusiasm, amid which the imperial procession nov ed forward, entered the chapel, advanc- ed to the altar and stood with bowed an impressive intercessory service of the Greek church. An intensely religious spirit pervaded the entire assembIage, which crowded the little palace chapel to its utmost capacity. During the re- cItal of the litany, many knelt and even bowed their heads to the chapel floor.
 The court chaplain. attended by the deacon, reverently approached the Czar and sprinkled him with sea water from tho chaIiCe and DreSented a Crucidx which the Czar kissed ferventy.
 At the conclusion of the service, the imperial party slowly retired. As they re-entered the palace another scene of enthusiasm greeted them. The Czar made no address.
 Darkness had fallen before the service was finished.
 Serious differences have arisen in high quarters over the commNAA of the Rus
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
FRENCH FAVOR RUSSIANS.
Parisian Press Arraigns Japan for Its Might Attack.

l It's Night AtCack. Paris, Feb. 9.--At 6 conference of min isters held at the Elysee Palace today under the presidency of NJ. Loubet, For eign Minister Delcasse communicated tho | news of the first Japanese attack with torpedo boats on the Russian fleet on Port Arthur and announced that the French Minister at TolSio had been in- structed to assure the protection of Rus sian subjects and their interests in Ja- pan.
 The attitude of the French Government in view of the war Is now definitely de- termined upon. France will maintain neu- trality under any and all circumstances the Franco-Russian alliance being con strued as not requiring France to inter. vene in behalf of Russia even should Great Britain or any third power inter vene in behalf of Japan.
 As the day wore on a great wave of popular sympathy for Russia was brought about by the news of the engagement of Port Arthur. The newspapers, without exception. severely arraigned Japan.
 The Temps. semi-oficial. said: ''Ja- pans brutality in making a night at- tack before a declaration of war is a 2e- rious offense against the rules of intei- national law"
 The Journal des Debats declares Ja-
 
 ed rules of international law, giving promise that Japan proposes to conduct the war without regard to modern usages of warfare.
 The Patrie gives sensational prominence to its assertion that Japan committed sin act of international treason, compares the attack on the Russian fleet off Port Arthur with the blowing up of the Maine and asserts that Europe will hold Japan responsible for this treason.
 Authorities on international law wno were interviewed on the subject expressed the belief that Japan committed breach of international law.
 Notwithstanding this bitterness, how ever. universal recognition was given to Japan's audacity and it was evident that Japan's naval prestige had been mate rially increased.
 The Associated Press is informed by high Russian authority that now that Japan has begun war. the Russian Gov ernment. following the manifesto whi.n is expected to be issued in St. PeteIs- burg this evening, expects that the Va riOus States will issue proclamations of neutrality.
 In Russian diplomatic circles the sue cess of Japan last night naturally aroused the greatest regret It was frankly ad- hAieSu li'ae AeN9Sid SApSStCu lO OO uSAS"' upon sea but 1t was added that she would certainly be conqueror on land. The United States Ambassador called at the Foreign Office today and conferred with M. Delcasse. the Foreign Minister The principles of Secretary Hays note to the powers are Identical to those which have been the features of Frances Chi nese policy, but in view of the outbreak of hostilities. 1t is believed that M. Del case will want to inform himself of the views of the other powers and especially Russia on this matter before definitely committing the French Government.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
REPORT BAD FOR THE BULLS Fortunes Lost Through
 BlundeTS. HEAVY SLUMP IN COTTON Mistakes Made in Posting the
 Figures. New Orleans Cotton Exchange on. cials Begin Investigation to Plasa Blame for Error Which Cost
 Hundreds of Thousands.
HEAVY SLUMP IN COTTON

New Orleans, Feb. 9.--It was bureau day in the cotton market today, but tha census report, instead of being the means of materially advancing prices as tho bulls have confidently expected for sew- eral weeks past; proved to be the most disastrous feature of the season to ths holders of long cotton.
 It was first announced that the total number of square bales ginned was 9.859.- 277. For a moment thet brokers at the ring stood silent in stupefed amaxement. Such an amount was even beyond the widest dreams of the most confirmed bear. Then frightened longs commenced to throw their cotton overheard. Thou sands upon thousands of bales were of fered. and prices tumbled down 10 to % points at a time, until they were a cent below the prices just preceding Il o'clock.
 Tnother Blunder.
 Tn the twinkling of an eye the scena was changed. A clerk hurried to the ring and being unable to make himself heard above the din, wrote on a small black board which he held high above the heads of the brokers. The writing said that the amount of cotton ginned was s,0a8S90 bales, instead of the previous figures. With yells of amazement and 1oy tha longs commenced to buy back their eot- ton, while shorts had their turn at being PeIttAC DtAANhch anu AAdbbcASu hO CutGE AMNAk sales
 Within a minute prices had recovered al- most every point lost. and bid fair to make substantial gains for the day. when the blackboard was hoisted again and this time t said that the correct report of the number of square bales sinned was a5sS.- ka7. &
 While this was considered extrsmelv buliish, many longs were sick at heart over the events of the morning and they kept up the liquidation which had the ef- feet of causing prices to close from 8 to 91 points lower than the close of yester. day in March, May and July.
 The cotton exchange officials immediate- ly commenced an investigation of the blunders that had been made, and 1t was soon seen that the instructions that had been given as to the manner of sending the report to the exchange had been dis regarded.
 Although the blame for the blunder can not at present be attached to any one, it nevertheless cost local traders hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many of the small traders and spe1nlators were wiped out The big bulls supported the markets their support came at the proper time and undoubtedly saved futures from even wtd- CT declines. They were immense buyers at the lowest levels, taking cotton a thousand bales at a time.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
FOR INTEGRITY OF CHINA.
United States Issues Joint Note te rhe Powers.

The Powers. ..
 Washington, Feb 9.-Secretary Hay has addressed an identical note to a number of European powers to ascertain if thoy are willing to join in a notice to Russia and Japan that during hostilities and thereafter the neutrality and integrity of China must be recognized.
 Details of the note are not obtainable in advance of the receipt of the replies.
 It is known, however. that exchanges already have taken place which Justifies the State Department in expecting fa- vorable replies to its note.
 The matter has created a great sensa- tion in diplomatic circles here. -
 It is further learned that the proposition of the United Staes. contemplates "a re- striction of hostilities and the consequent hardships of war to the smallest possi- ble area. Just what this means is not made clear to the public, but the de- termination may have the greatest effect on the struggle between Japan and Rus sla,
 It, ia almost certain that neither. win be allowed to invade China proper. mean ing by that that they may not with hos tile intent go southward below Shan Hai Kwan on the border between u and Manchuria. It is a grave question wheth- CT or not 1t will apply also to Korea, which is striving desperately to preserve neutrality and prevent invasion. but the general opinion that it Is too late in that case to do more than to seek to preserve Korean independence after the war.
 No explanation is accorded as to wheth- CT Manchuria itself, already the scene of the first battle off Port Arthur is being part of China, regarded as being within the. scope. of the proposition, but here, as in the case of Korea, 1t is believed that the determination will not be decided be- fore the close of the war. The exchanges referred to as preliminary to the issue of the note have been going on for several weeks in anticipation of an outbreak of hostilities.
 It was at first supposed that the inten- tion was to do no more than maintain the open door in Manchuria but 1t Is apparent that there is a deeper purpose and that from the original thought the proposition has grown into one that will conserve the territorial integrity of China. It is point ed out that some such outcome followed the Chinese-Japanese war and that after all the present action is within the line of precedent.
 It is understood. relative to the ques- the narrowest possible limits. that the proposition took the form of note to Russia and one to Japan suggesting some such limitation. In addition the neutral powers were called on by the United States to address themselves in the same fashion to Russia and Japan and 1t IS intimated that the suggestions have been well received.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
REPORT ON BALES o1NNnD.
e,s54,277 Commercial Bales Up to
 Jan. 10.

Jan. 19. ! Washington, Feb. 9.-The report issued by the census office today os the quantity of cotton ginned from the growth of 1908 up and including January 1s. 1894, shows | that 30.171 ginneries were operated and these ginned 9s54.277 commercial bales. Counting round bales as half bales, the number is 9.4SS.537, compared with ssOe.5oa and f0,5sS. .250 bales to December 1a, 1902, and to March A. 1903, respectively.
 The report for the entire country Ia aa follows:
 Nine million. thirty-eight thousand. eight hundred and ninety square baless 747. .4S0 round bales; 72.907 Sea Island crop bales; s,S5S,2T total commercial bales. Tho total commercial bales ginned from tho crop of 1902 to December 31 1902, was D. S11 .SS5 and to March IA. 1903. was 11.07oSS2s
 The cotton ginned from crop grown in 1903 up to and including January 16 1903s is given by States and Territories as foI- lows:
 Alabamn--S.s7S ginneries. S47.5ss square bales. 72,993 round bales, 1,020,592 comnleI- cial bales.
 Arkansas-2,5SO ginneries. 61s,e94 square bales 44,716 round bales. G644l0 commer~ cial bales.
 Florida-272 ginneries. 3O,41S square bales. 26.T56 round Sea Island crop bales, 57,lzA commercial bales.
 GeorSia-,9O4 ginneries. 1,224,419 squale bales, 46, 6,516 round bales, ,234 Sea Island crop bales, 1,S07,169 commercial bales.
 Indian Territory-4S9 ginneries. 27.3S9 square bales, S1,6l4 round bales. 299,o6a commercial bales.
 Kentucky-2 ginneries, 562 square bales. | 56S commercial bales. Louisiana-2,2 POI gineries. 746.Ts square | bales. 79,543 round bales, S26,31s commer- cial bales.
 Mlsslssippi-4,255 ginneries. 1.sl0.sa1 square bales, 56.49s round bales. 1.s67. .aS9 commercial bales.
 Missourt-4 ginneries, 26.59T square baiess 5.s42 round bales. 2,a39 commercial bales
 North Carolina-2.7ss ginneries. 54i.s25 square bales. T round bales, 54i.l56 com mercial bales.
 Oklanoma-931 ginneries. 15S.S34 square bales S2,761 round bales. 1s1.095 commer- cial bales.
 South Carolina-s.1sS ginneries. 7ss.1s7 square bales. 9,917 Sea Island crop bales, 19S.714 commercial bales.
 Tennessee-7S9 ginneries. 216,069 square bales. 234,919 commercial bales.
 Texas-4.43S ginneries. 2,197.2O2 square bales. 30S.326 round bales, 2,055,5sS corn- mercial bales.
 virginia-l17 ginneries. 12.25S square bales. 12.255 commercial bales.
 The report issued today no account has been taken of linters obtained by the cot- ton seed oil mills from reginning cotton seed. Statistics of such cotton will be Included in the final report of this sea- son. which report will be issued about March 15. The final report will distribute the crop by counties, segregate upland and Sea Island cotsons and give weights of bales.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
THE RUSSIANS UNPEADY.
Japanese Bol1iy Defy the Fleets ant
 TnYf.


 Che Foo, Feb 9.-The British steamer Columbia. which arrived here to-day from Port Arthur, bringing news of the attack by the Japanese fleet upon the Russian fleet, reports that the Columbia had a narrow escape from injury.
 Her passengers and crew were very much excited in regard to her danger ous position. Whl.1 going out of the roads at Port Arthur. the Russian cruis- CT Novik got between the columbia and the Japanese fleet. Shells which passed over the Novik struck around the Colum- pla Her flag was cut into shreds and one shell fell on her deck.
 The faces of those who were on deck were blackened with powder smoke.
 A naval officer who was recently at Port Arthur says the Russians were not prepared for the attack on their ships and had an insufficient amount of steam up A boat patrolled the Straits of Pc Chi Li continuously, but apparently the Japanese torpedo boats were not noticed until after the first torpedo was fired The Russians fired, but the Japanese did not return the fire and backed off.
 An hour later the discharge of torpe- does was repeated, after which the tor pedo boats withdrew some distance.
 At 10 o'clock Tuesday morning the Japanese fast cruisers circled within view of the whole Russian fleet. but they were not engaged. The Russians re- turned toward the harbor after an hour. he Japanese continuing came within three miles. A battle then began, and the Russian forts fourteen ships against sixteen Japanese vessels. A few of the Japanese shells were effective, but as far as seen, the Russian shots fell short
 The Japanese fleet was steaming to- ward Dalny when seen last.
 The steamer Columbia left just as
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10

Tokio. Feb. s.--It is reported here that the Japanese fleet engaged and defeated two Russian warships, whose names have not yet been learned, at Chemulpo today.
 It is said the engagements began at Il .. m. and continued until 3 p. m. The smaller Russian vessel is reported to have been sunk and the larger one fired and hopelessly disabled.
 A part of the crew are reported to have escaped to the shore and to have been captured.
 The Japanese ships are reported to be slightly damaged.
 Onicial confirmation of the report Is un- obtainable. It was reported yesterday that the Russian cruisers Korietz and Varyg were lying at Chemulpo, and 1t 's possible that they were the vessels re- ported to have been engaged.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
HARBoR's ENTRANCE BLOCKED
Torpedoed Vessels Aground in Roads
 at Port Ar hur.


 Che Foo. Feb. 9.-The steamer Foo Chow, from Dalny. passed through the Japanese fleet today. The fleet consisted of six battleships. four first class cruisers and six other vessels. They were eigh- teen miles from Port Arthur this morn ing and were proceeding in a southeaster- ly direction The Foo Chow brought 300 Japanese refugees.
 The two Russian battleships disabled are the Poltava and the Czarevitch. The d'NNbled armored cruiser Borgaim and the grounded battleships block the entrance to the harbor, preventing gunboats from going out and battleships and cruisers from going in and getting coal. Besides this, Japan has the Russian gunboats Variag and Korez caught at Chemulpo. They were bound for Vladi- vostock.
 The Japanese fleet was under the com mand of Vice Admiral Togo and consist ed of four fast cruisers. the Chitoe, Ka- sigi. Tagafago and Yoshino. which circled outside drawing the fire of the Russians. They then joined the main fleet and all went in to attack the armored cruisers.
 In the Japanese fleet which consisted of two divisions were the Mikasa, the flag ship; the first-class battleships Asahi. Fuji Inishima, Shikashima, Hatuz and the dispatch boat Tatusma. The second division or the meet, under command of Admiral Hamimura on the flagship Idsumo. consisted of the armored cruisers Yakuma Asama and IwatZ.
 When seen by the steamer Foo Chow Tuesday morning the fast cruisers were circlng fin radius of sixty miles. No torpedo boats were seen. and 1t is proba- ble that they left the vicinity after the torpedo attack Monday night. The Rus sian fleet outside of the harbor consisted of the battleships Petropavlovsk, flagship; Peresvet. sub-fiagship: Pobieda. Poltava, Czarevitch. Retvizan and Sebastapol and the cruisers Novik, Boyarin. Bayaru, Dianu Palada, Ashkold and Angara. | The disa bled battleships are inside forts fIuan Ching Shan and Chi Kwan Shan. The cruiser is outside but within range of the forts
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
DUEL WITH THE FORTS.
Alexieff Seeds Report of His
 Casualties,

St. Petersburg Feb. 1O.-d a. m.)-The following bulletin has just been issued in the form of a telegram from Viceroy Alexieffs chief of staff, dated February g.:
 By order of the Viceroy, I beg to re- port that this day at about Il o'clock in the morning. Japanese squadron, con- sisting of about fifteen battleships and cruisers approached Port Arthur and opened fire. The enemy was received with A cannonade from the shore batteries and the guns of our squadron. which also participated in the engagement
 "At about midday the Japanese squad ron ceased it's fire and left. proceeding south.
 Our losses in the fleet were two officers wounded. On the shore batteries. one man was killed and three were wounded The battleships Potlava and the cruiser Novik each had a hole knocked in her side below the water line. The forts were slightly damaged.
 Major General Flug."
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10

The Russian battleship Retvisan was built by the Cramps at Philadelphia, she Is of IF, 700 tons displacement, has lS,ooo in- dicated horsepower and had a speed or eighteen knots an hour. Her armor IS or Krump steel and her armament consists of four twelve-inch guns, twelve six-incn guns, twenty three-inch guns anu twenty-six smaller rapid fire guns.
 The Czarevitch Is a battleship Of lS,llO tons, built in France, in armor, armament and speed she about equals the Retvizan. The Pallada Is cruiser of .66So tons. She was built in Germany. Her armament consists of six six-inch guns, twenty three-inch guns and eight 1.4-inch guns. Her speed is estimated at twenty knots.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-10
FRENCH TAKE A HAND.
Occupy Forts Vacated by the Rus
 QianS

London, Feb. S.-A special to Reuters Telegram Company from Tientsin says:
 A French transport with a battalion of troops from Tonquin is hourly expected at shan Hai Kwang Gin the gulf of Liao Tang Tung) to garrison the forts which are being vacated by the Russians.
 It is reported that the tri-color of Erarce was hoisted here this morning and that the British officer in charge at Shan Hal Kwang protested against the French occnna tion. At present there is only a single sentry guarding the flag.
 The British commander here. Brigadier General Ventry. and his chief of staff, proceeded to Shan Hai Kwang this morn ing.