Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-02-20

land encounter occurred yeSIeToay. A picket Of Cossaeks attacked q small detachment Of Japanese troops on Korean territory. The Cossacks cap trrred some Japanese prisoners, on whom they found maps and papers.
 The collision was presumably be, tween accommodating parties. A gen. eral engagement is not anticipated i'm mediately.
 4 special Port Arthur dispatch says the Japanese fleet was observed Feb ruary IS cruising off that port.
 Reports from northern Korea say the Koreans are showing decidedly friendly attitude to the Russians.
 The Manchurian railroad is convey ing troops without difaculty to the va rious points of concentration.
 Native reports say that the Chinese inc pirates. since the outbreak Of hostili- ties. have been displa ying such activi- tv in eastern Asiatic waters as to al- most paralyze the coasting trade.
 St Petersburg, Feb 20.-The wave of patriotism sweeping over the ern- 5 pire seems to be swamping racial feeling. even the wild tribes of the Caucasus. the discontented Films and sullen Poles forgetting their griey- arces and coming forward to yolun- teer their services to the common fatherland
 Asxr1 0 : cuar,s Hebrew subjects is afford ed by the act of forty-dve Jewish doctors in giving up their practices So 20 to the front. Before leaving they attended service iasasaas xoru. here. Rabbi Drabkin made a fervid address to a large congrega- ton. which included Baron Ginzburg and other Jewish notabIes. He saad:
 s.Our fathertand is passing through a difficult epoch. The moment has come when you, my brothers, must show the whole world that you are not unworthy sons of your country, and that although standing apart be- fore the altar Of religion you are united with other citizens before the altar of patriotism and are ready with all the czar's faithful lieges to sacrifice yourselves for the father land, Remember that Russia is strong, not only in arms, but in Gods blessing
 After the service the congregation sang the national hymn and cheered.
 The czarfna, who continues to .ake great personal interest in the work of providing for the sick and wounded of the war, presided today at a special meeting of the Ladies' < Patriotic society, which was attend ed by several grand duchesses and others of the highest ladies in the land, and presided at Ia service held st the winter palace. at which the girls of the imperial schools acted as .horisters.
 During discussion in regard to utilizing the services unsparingly of fered by the girlhood and womanhood or Russia for the relief of the wound ed, the Czarina proposed to temper ariiy suspend the studies in the girls schools in order that the girls might be able to devote the school hours to sewing. The suggestion was applaud ed. but, no definite action was taken.
 Her Majestey, who is an expert needIewoman, has done much to encourage sewing among Russian so- ciety women.
 Now that the government has offici- ally recognized the public subscrip- tfon to provide war vessels to re- place those destroyed by the enemy, the newspapers are discussing the best type of vessel. opinion veering from submarine boats to torpedo boat re- stFoyers. A service organ points out that cruisers would take too long to 5huoId, adds that 1t prefers powerful torpedo boats and suggests that they be built where the Japanese got theirs.
 Financial circles approve the action of the Imperial bank, in selling Lon don, Paris and Berlin bills cheaper than before the war, believing this measure will thwart the speculators in those centres where they are trying to force down the price of the rouble.
 Berlin, Feb 2o.-The foreign office several days ago instructed the Ser man ambassador at St Petersburg and the minister of Germany at Tokio to communicate with the governments to which they are accredited Germany $ adherence to the principles contained In Secretary Hays note on the neutral ify of China. Both powers gave a gen eral assurance that those principles were acceptable to them.
 st Petersburg, Feb 20. Major-Gen- ei:al Paug. chief of staff Of yiceroy AIsxfeff feiegraphed from Port Ar, thur today as follows; The situation