Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1904-03-03

an attack on Port arthur, 1Ounn the
Russian war vessels Boyarin. Askold
and Novik cruising outside the harbor.
The Russian ships, however, retired
under the Japanese fire, as they were
greatly outnumbered by the latter.
The attacking feet the proceeded
with the bombardment OF Bort Arthur
and flames broke out in several parts
of the town before the attack IN
cluded.
The Japanese squadron afterward
encountered two Russian torpedo boat
destroyers which they pursued, firing
heavily at them meanwhile. One OF
the Russian destroyers escaped un-
harmed. but the other, of which the
name Is unknown, was sunk n pigeon
bay. Admiral Togo's feet, which Is
now ~patrolling the waters in the vi
clnity of Chefu, suffered no damage.
Japanese Plan Of Campaign.
London, March /. - A Post special
from Berlin says that the military au-
thorities OF Russia now profess to
have received exact information OF
the Japanese plan of campaign. They
state that the japanese have landed
numerous bodies Of troops In North
west Korea in the vicinity OF Chin
nampo.
These troops are engaged in estab-
fishing a line of Notifications along
the banks of the Tsitong, thus making
preparations for the reception OF the
army landed at Chemulpo.
Landings have also been effected at
Gensan. on the east coast OF Korea.
1t Is the intention Of the Japanese,
from the Russian viewpoint, to run a
series of Notifications right across to
Chinnampo. These measures, the
Russians believe, have been concerted
in order to defend the middle and
southern sections OF Korea from the
Russians. Should the Japanese be I'M
successful on the Yalu and in Man.
churia. it is assumed by Russia that
the Japanese will shortly make a de-
termined effort to
Effect a Landing
west of the mouth Of the Yalu. They
have, it is said, already seized Hal
Yang Tau, in Elliott islands, covering
Thornton harbor, which is fairly free
from ice, into a naval base. The Rus
SLAMS assume that the Japanese will
move from Thornton harbor TO the
Manchurian post Of Takushan, where
they are expected to attempt a land
ing.
Takushan lies on Korean bay, about
fifty miles west of the mouth of the
Yalu river and 140 miles east of Port
arthur. The purpose of the japanese
landing at Takushan is evidently to
get In the rear OF the Russian soldiers
on the Yalu river, as well as to threat
en- the M~anchurian railway.
The Elliott islands r a group Of
small islands lying from ten to thirty
miles OF the Manchurian coast and
midway between Dalny and Taku-
shan, or about sixty miles from either
OF those cities. The establishing of a
Japanese naval base in one Of the ISL
ands seriously threatens the safety OF
Dalny, Port Arthur and Talienwan,
and 1t indicates the Japanese inten-
ton of isolating Port Arthur.
Big Sea Battle Net Expected.
Toxic, March las the campaign
progresses it seems hat the chances
are growing simmer for a great
pitched battle on the open sea be-
tween the fleets OF modern battle
ships which the world has long
awaited.
1t is believed here that the Russians
lack the strength to assume the Of
fensive, and that they will probably
stick to Port Arthur doggedly to await
a sea and land investment Whoever
wins the war, Port Arthur will cease
to be an important base. The fortifi-
cations will probably be dismantled,
as they are small and cramped, and,
however many guns are defending it.
it is thought that they are incapable
of insuring protection. 1t is estimated
that the Russians have 200 guns
mounted at Port Arthur. making it,
theoretically, one of the strongest
forts in the world.
In regard to the opening of Win,
for which United States Minister Al
len has long been pressing, it has
been decided to await the formal an
nouncement Of the Japanese, whose
influence is now dominant in Korea.
Japan undoubtedly approved and the
incident has a significant beariss On
the future of Korea, assuming that
Japan is triumphant.