The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-05-10
Difficult Task to Reduce Port Arthur.

st. Petersburg, May 7.-2:1S a. m.
When the war commission adjourn
ed this morning it failed to give out
any official dispatches regarding the
situation on the Liao Tung peninsula
or at Feng Chuman.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that
the Japanese troops were in touch
with the Russian force at Feng HUI
ang Cheng and the report that the
latter had evacuated that place is
generally credited. Surprise is caus-
ed by the withdrawal of General Ku-
ropatkin towards his base, as it is
stated that Immediately after he
learned of General Zassalitch's losses
ne sent reinforcements to him to ena-
bic him to retain his position.
The officials frankly confess, how
ever, that they are not fully informed
Of Kuropatkin's plan. He\is in sole
charge OF the operations in Manchu-
ria. The Emperor decided when Gen
eral kuropatkin started east that he
should have complete independence.
The Japanese have followed up
now, practically in all respects, their
plans in the China-Japanese war.
They have crossed the Yalu at the
same place and landed upon the Liao
Tung Peninsula at the same points,
and it is believed they will continue
their tactics, as their diSpoSitions
foreshadow the movements made in
1894
The Russians say that the Japanese
will not find it so easy a task to re-
duce Port Arthur as they did in the
Chino-Japanese war. The possession
of Feng Wang Cheng is Of the highest
importance, as it places under the
control Of the Japanese, without fur
ther opposition, large strip of Man.
no
bay Of Korea and the road connecting g
Lao Yang, Hal Chwang, New Chwang
and PitZwo. The command of the
road to Pitzwo will enable this army
to establish communication with the
Japanese operating in the Lao Tung
Peninsula
The stoicism of the people is Won
derful, but the fact that it is displayed
shows louder than words could the
depression that exists. The Russians
had not looked for the retirement of
their army from Feng Wang Cheng,
believing that a battle would occur
there, in which their troops would be
victorious and would wipe out the
sting of the disasters suffered. Never
theless, there is no disposition to criti-
else General Kuropatkin, in whom
the people believe, and they will wait
with all the doggedness of the Slav
character manifested in the dark
days of the Turkish war, for the vic
tory, which they have faith is sure to
come.
The energy of the Japanese meets
with unwilling admiration, and it is
expected that they will continue a
vigorous campaign. The nation is
fully awakened to what this means.
1t understands that Russia must exert
all her strength and that a long war
cannot be avoided. The latter opinion is
shared by diplomats and officials.
Comfort is found in the fact that
thus far Russia has not sustained a
crushing defeat, and even should one
come, it is declared it would not shake
the certainty Of the people in the ul-
/: innate success Of the Russian arms
or lessen the determination to prose
/ cute the war until Japanese shall have
been humbled.
The Emperor is deeply panied over
: the Russian losses of the Yalu. and
regrets that the investment of Port
Arthur could not have been prevent
ed. He will, however, acquiesce
without question in the plan OF Cen
eral kuropatkin even should that plan
contemplate the withdrawal Of the
Russian army further into the in
terror. Those close to His Majesty
state that he is more than ever deter
mined that Russian prestige shall be
vindicated in the Far East, as neces-
sary not only to Russia, but TO the
whole white race, as an answer to
the japanese blows.
Further reinforcements have been
despatched to Manchuria, and the
Continued on Seventh Page.)