The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-20
WAIT ON THE ROADS.
Fighting Has Ceased Temporarily and
Both Armies Are Resting.

st. Petersburg, Oct. ZO.-For the mo-
ment heavy rains and impossible roads
have compelled a suspension of opera
tions in Manchuria. There was prac-
tically no fighting yesterday and none
whatever last night.
There is evidence of a new DISPOSE
ton of the forces on both sides. Gen.
Kuropatkin is extending his right,
whether with a view of turning move
ment for the safety of Lone Tree Hill,
the Importance of which is fully realized
by the Japanese, who have attempted
to retake it in two night attacks, or
whether to meet and tthwart a Japa-
nese turning movement from the west
has not yet developed. The japanese
also appear to be shifting weight TO the
westward.
Yelled hints continue to arrive that
the Russians have recovered from the
blow inflicted last week by Field Mar
shall Oyama and that General Kurop-
atkin is preparing to renew the strug-
gle as soon as the roads become dry.
Two Associated Press dispatches
from Mukden mention reports that the
tire and the war office admits that
Kuropatkin's left has again moved
slightly forward, but there is no light
upon the movement of the Japanese.
There is indeed, an utter lack of late
news from Toxic and an enemy so re-
sourceful may really be preparing
surprise movement instead of a retreat,
relieving the pressure on the front with
the flank.
Many critics here continue to believe
that General Kuropatkin intends to re-
turn to the line of the Hun river.
The enforced cessation of operations
by the bad weather if the Japanese Of
fensive had really exhausted itself,
gives both armies q chance to breathe
and pull themselves together and
would seem to ensure. as much benefit
to one side as the orller, for practical
purposes. When operations recon-
mence they will assume an entirely
new phase, with new dispositions and
objectives, practically last weeks bat
tie has ended, and it goes into history
as a Russian defeat. When operations
are resumed a, new battle will begin.
The temperance of VicerOy Alexieh
at Mukden today for a conference is not
particularly reassuring, as such con-
ferences in the past have not been fruit
full of success.
The movement of troops on the Rus
sian western frontier and the prepara-
lions to further reduce garrisons in this
region revive talk of complete under
standing with Germany, under which
the frontier will ire protected SO as to
permit of the dispatch to Manchuria of
troops stationed in Poland. There are
about 500, 900 soldiers in Poland, COM
prising some of the best troops in the
empire. 1t is already known that prac-
tically all of three corps in the village
government will be included in General
Grippenberg'S army but as these troops
are 1ncluQGQ III WIdl Is hnOWn 4H nus
sia's third line of defense the fact has
not attracted much attention. 1t now
develops that the rifle brigade at
Plotsk, in the government of Tschen-
stoehova, directly on the frontier, is
moboliZing.
In the best informed diplomatic circles
it is believed nothing in the shape Of
a treaty between Russia and Germany
has been committed to writing, but
that there is simply a mutual personal
understanding between the two SOW
ereigns covering this point and some
believe going much further. So far as
the present war is concerned there is m
evidence that the supposed agreement
covers active aid, as such an agreement
would render operative the Anglo-Jap-
anese alliance.
1t is thought however in diplomatic
quarters that there is something in the
nature of a pledge on the part of the
emperor of Germany to protect Russias
western frontier 1t is now recalled, as
significant of the deep friendship of the
two empires that when Emperor Will
liam was about to undergo an opera
ton last year he commended his eldest
son to the hands of Emperor Nicholas.
This fact was mentioned at the time in
the Official Messenger. but did not at
tract as much attention as it is now re-