The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-02-13
LAND FORCES MOVING
The Japanese Troops are Advancing
Swiftly Toward the YaIu River
Where They Expect to Meet the
Russian SoIdiery and Engage in a
Deadly Struggle for Supremacy.
(By the Associated Press.)

ST. PETERSBURG FEB. 13.-4 A. M
A REPORT HAS BEEN RECEIVED
FROM VICEROY ALEXIEFF, SAYING
THAT THE RUSSIAN TORPEDO
TRANSPORT YENISEI HAS BEEN
BLOWN UP AS THE RESULT OF AC-
CIDENTALLY STRIKING A NINE AT
PORT ARTHUR. HE YENISEI SANK
AND CAPTAIN STEPANoFF, THREE
OFFICERS AND NINETY-ONE MEN
WERE LOST.
London. Feb. 12.-6 p. m.-The British
government has information which leads
it to believe that Japan is likely to be II
possession of Port Arthur week from
now In the best informed japanese cir
cles here it is privately thought that the
war VIII be over by July. Those British
officials who are cognizant Of the extra
ordinary thoroughness with which Japan
prepared for the war are inclined to
share the Japanese view regarding the
duration of the struggle.
Baron Hayashi, summing up events in
the Far East so far as they have gone,
sent to the Associated Press today:
Whatever may be the eventual result
of the war, Russia, in allowing US to oc-
cupy and fortify Masampho, has created
for herself another Dardanelles. With
the fortification of Masampho, the integrity
of Japan is assured forever No fleet can
now pass there against Japans wishes.
Even If we are beaten. we would not
give up Masampho.
The Associated Press understands that
the japanese troops are advancing rapid
ly towards the yalu River There. it is
expected, they will meet and engage the
Russian forces. The = aEc5c declare that
the numbers OF the aussian troops are
greatly exaggerated.
The plan of the japanese appears to be
to take the road which leads almost
straight to Mukden They profess to
have no doubt that they will be able to
drive back the Russian forces towards
Harbin.
Baron Hayasi,i points out that the
Mukden road though nominaliy under
Russian military control viii be subject
TO constant raids from Chinese bands who
will swoop down from the hills. Proceed
ing diagonally. the japanese intend to cut
the line OF communication between Port
Arthur and the mainland of Manchuria.
not only preventing reinforcements from
reaching the Pert Arthur garrison, but
inficting damage on the Nanchurlan rail
road.
The British view that the japanese will
in the meantime be able to occupy Port
Arthur, is chiefly based on the latest in
formation, that the Russian guns cannot
be brought to bear on any force landing
at Pigeon Bay. which is on the western
side of Port Arthur. and it Is believed
that the Japanese Admiral will follow
tactics almost exactly similar to those in
tended to be pursued at Santiago, the
troops storming the batteries III the rear
while the japanese feet lies waiting tor
the ships of Vieeroy Alexieff, who, in the
event of land attack being successful
must either make dash for liberty with
his crippled feet or fight where they are
against practically hopeless odds.
Inspte of the lack of news, it is con-
Hdently held here that the Japanese land
forces are actively engaged in a most
important movement which will come to
climax as swiftly as did Japan's first
naval attack.