Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1904-10-10
TWO ARMIES
WILL CLASH
In Struggle for Supremacy.--K --Ku-
ropatkin Preparing to Meet
0yama's Forces.
RUSSIAN SHIPS SUNK
Reported That Port Arthur Squadron is
Now Too Weak to Make Any
Kind Of Sortie.

st. Petersburg, Oct. 10.@If Kuropat-
kin is now successful, the post or su-
preme commander-in-chief of Russian
forces in the far East, his friends be-
lieye is sure to be his reward. The
justification of the last ten days, re-
garding the exact situation is cleared
ND by the knowledge that the Russian
army is now taking the offensive and
explains the puzzling Mukden dis
patches of the Associated Press OF Oc-
tober 9Th, reading: Something unus-
ual is in the wind. A great hustle is
now noticeable. The streets are
thronged with hurrying crowds and in
Vulnerable carts and pack mules" The
capture of Bentziaputze, which was
strongly fortified and where it was re-
ported General Kuropatkin command
ed in person, is officially confirmed.
The fighting, however was not severe.
A high officer of the general staff in
formed the Associated Press today that
Kuropatkin is prepared to advance
with great care, but when the main col
lision will occur will depend on the
circumstances. Heavy fighting is
hardly likely before next week at the
earliest. Only six miles separate the
advance lines and the advance or
counter advance might precipitate
preliminary artillery engagement at
any moment. 1t is now evident that
Field Marshal Oyama is aware that
Kuropatkin is going to strike and in
stead of extending himself for the
fianlsing movement toy the east, so
much talked Of, has realized the nee
essity Of meeting the Russian advance
by fortifying his positions north OF
Lao Yang The interval between the
eventful collision will doubtless be
utilized by both sides in feeling out
their respective strength and disposi-
tions and in active skirnishing on the
tanks of the armies. Not until the
combined movements Of Kuropatkin's s
farmy are in full swing southwark will
it be seen whether or not Oyama In
tends to contest the present advance or
fall back on the fortified positions
north of Liao Yang. According to the
war office, Oyama's total strength IS
about 100000 men, of which 10000
are posted between the Hun River to
the west of BentsiaputZe, eastward,
the remainder being held in reserve at
Liao Yang. Kuropatkin disposes OF nine
corps, thus giving him perhaps slight
superiority Of numbers.
ts kuropatkih to Assume Offensive.
st Petersburg, Oct 10.-The formal
announcement today that General Ku-
ropatkin is at last strong enough to as
sumo the offensive, together with the
unofficial reports Of such offensive
movements against the three armies OF
Field Marshal Oyama, which have
been progressing since October 4tn,
have sent thrill of joy throughout
Russia, which had been awaited pa
tiently throughout the long, weary
months of encouragement and defeat,
has had instantaneous effect.
More Russian Ships Sunk.
Toxic, Oct. 10.-It is reported here
that the japanese recently centered
their fire from the land positions ami
the feet blockading Port Arthur, on
the harbor with the object Of destroy.
ing the Russian fleet, and succeeded
in sinking three vessels, the names and
character of which are unknown. The
failure of the Port Arthur fleetto make
a sortie, is creating the impression
that the Russians intend to destroy the
sh;ns inst before the fall Of the fortress
in preference to taking the risk Of 9
sortie.
Supplies Are Plentiful.
Naples. Italy, Oct. 1O.-The Corriere
Del Mattino today published an inter
view with M. verblunskt, inspector
general Of the Russo-C Chinese Naviga
finn Company. who escaped from Port
Arthur aboard q junk. He reiterates
the statement that Port Arthur NJ vii
never fall through hunger, as stores q
provisions accumulated before me Wal
were immense and practically moi
tnuched. while the Chinese junks are
continuing daily service, thus replen
: fishing the supplies. The iunks escape
vigilance Of the Japanese feet. by fol
lowing the irregularities OF the coast
Port Arthur. when he left, hal gar
rison Of $4,000 soldiers and 5000 san
ors.