Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-02-18
The War in the Far East.
Japan Preparing for an Attack--Anti-
Russian Feeling in Finland.

Japan Preparing for an Attack--Anti-
Russian Feeling in Finland.
London, Feb 18.--News from the
far East today again consists of the re-
ported movements of troops. There is
little else OF importance on hand. This
news, however tends to confirm the be-
lief already current, in semi-official cir
Giles that every effort of the part of the
japanese officials is being bent toward
getting in thoroughly efficient condi-
ton for concentrated action against Port
Arthur. That an immense force of
troops is being rushed to the Liao-Tung
peninsula seems certain. As to the
number reports differ, but all dispatches
display a remarkable unanimity in stat
ing that this is the objective point of the
majority of the transports which have
been leaving the various japanese ports
for several days, past. In forming be-
liefs regarding japanese movements,
however, there is oneimportant fact that
must not be lost sight of. The japanese
Is essentially willy and close mouthed
and there is always the possibility that
ais movement may have an entirely diff
ierent object from that which he appears
t. be striving for.
A dispatch from Chefoo, China, this
morning, states that the previous attacks
Of the japanese feet were nothing more
than skirmishes, and that their success
full termination has been as much a sur
prise to the japanese as it has to the
outside world. This statement has
caused many TO wonder what will happen
to the Russians if these acts have bee
but skirmishes, when concerted and
we'll planned attack OH the Russian
feet occurs.
Reports today also contain the inior-
nation that preparations are advancing
for a clash at some point near the Yalu
river. One report has it that Russian
forces have reached point near VIII.
Still another dispatch states that force
Of japanese cavalry is in the same
vicinity.
London, Feb. 18.-The Toxic cor
respondent of the Reuter- Telegram Com
pany wires that seventeen Russian Of
licers and 439 men were either killed or
drowned in the fight at Chemulpo,
Korea, a week ago today, when the Rus
sian cruisers Variag and Korietz were
sunk.
Rome, Feb. 18.-The Russian embas-
sy here is authority for the statement that
the japanese fleet has established & base
OF supplies at Elliott Island off the coast
of Lao Tung peninsula, about IS miles
northeast Of Port Arthur. The establish
ment of base of supplies at Elliott
would tend to confirm the impression
that Japan is preparing for a
well planned attack on Port Arthur and
an advance through Manchuria, cutting
communication between Russia and
the lower part of the peninsula.
ST. Petersburg, Feb. 1S.-Admiral
Alexief Russian Viceroy of the far
East reports that he has received tee-
gram from Commodore Reitzenstein, OF
the Russian Vladivostock squadron,
dated February, 18th and announcing
the destruction of the japanese merchant
steamer Nangouri Maru, from which he
took Al men.
st Petersburg, Feb. 18.-Major Gen.
eral Plug, chief of staff at Port Arthur,
repOets that the city is tranquil, and
that the situation is unchanged. He also
reports that the Yalu district is peaceful,
and that none of ihe enemy can be found
within forty miles Of the Russian encamp-
ment.
Helsingfors, Finland, Feb. 1S.-.There
is strong undercurrent of anti-Russian
feeling throughout Finland.
ST. Petersburg, Feb. 1S.-The Gov
ernment of Russia has issued prOclama-
lion setting forth the fact that Russia
was not prepared for the breaking out OF
hostilities with Japan, at the time they
occurred and stating that time will be
necessary to get the forces in proper
positions before a definite victory for
Russian arms can be looked for. The
proclamation speakes of the ''indigna-
ton" against Japan for her breaking off
the negotiations and precipitating
hostlities.
London, Feb. 1S.-A telegram re-
ceiyed by Baron Hayashi, the japanese
Minister from Chefoo, today, reports
serious outrages committed on japanese
by Russian soldiers at Port Arthur.