The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-06

St. Petersburg, May G. 3:30 a. m.-With Vice Admiral Togo lowering in the im- mediate vicinity of Port Arthur and transports loaded with troops lying at Pitsewo, northeast of that stronghold, Russia has braced herself for impend- ing conflicts with the foe in which she will again play defensive role, this time. it is hoped. with better success, and therefore with less sacrifice of life than in the engagements on the Yalu
 The war commission sat until o'clock this morning, and at the close of the ses- sion 1t was announced that there was nothing doing to communicate It is known, however, that the emperor has been informed of the presence of Jap- anese fleet off the Liao Shan promon- tor and the appearance of transports at Pitsewo.
 The fact that the two events occurred simultaneously may have significance If a landing should take place at Ptsewo it is anticipated that Togo's battleship squadron will lombard Port Arthur in order to prevent the garrison from send ing endorsements by railroad to the troops opposing the Japanese there. Neither the admiralty nor the war office believe that a characterization of the Japa- nese can be prevented, as the guns or the Japanese cruisers could command the point of landing but after the Japanese are ashore the Russians then will strike and the officers here say will strike hard What force .heS will be allowed to bring up to resist the invaders cannot be stated definitely, the strength of the army on the peninsula of Liao Tung having been kept a strict secret
 Will Play Important Part.
 It is expected that the railroad will play an important part in the effort of the Russians to push the Japanese into the sea, as it will permit the rapid trans portation of troops.
 The general staff has not forgotten that Japanese ships were sighted May off Kai Ping and Sinuchen, on the west coast of the Liao Tung peninsula, but these two points could be readily covered if necessary from New Chwang.
 An important advantage would accrue to the Japanese should they succeed in establishing themselves at Pitsewo. From there radiate roads connecting with the railroad at Yang Tien directly to the south with Sanchelipon and Kinchow stations on the railroad nearer Port Ar thur, north WILL Nal 1'lllS anu ilOllHcdSI through Takushan with Feng Wang Cheng.
 A landing at this moment would make it difficult for General Kuropatkin to con- centrate a formidable force against Gen. eral Kuroki, whose forward movement is not yet reported. Furthermore once the Japanese are across the railroad Port Arthur will be good as besieged
 Depend CT Its Resources. member of the general staff says that General Kuropatkin Is well aware of these considerations. Even if the Jap anese should succeed in cutting the rail- roads, Port Arthur is now ready to de- pend on it's own resources.
 Dispatches from Tokio telling of cele- brations over the sealing of Port Arthur 1t Is stated premature. Official ad- vices establishing beyond question that the attempt of Vice Admiral Togo May 3 to seal the port failed
 The absence of press dispatches telling of the fight on the Yalu Is partially ex- plained by the heavy mortality among the correspondents. Three or the Novos- ti's correspondents are missing, and it is believed they were killed, while the Russ lost one of its correspondents. The jour nals are wiring to ascertain if their rep resentatives are alive.