The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1904-11-03

N DOUBT.


A third general attack on Port Arthur
is reported to have begun on Oct "a and
to have been still in progress on the
goth. On the latter day the Russians
only smokeless powder magazine was
exploded, the fire spreading to the town
and raging all through the day. Rus
sian trenches on the slope Of Rihlung
mountain were taken by the Japanese.
In the vicinity of Shakhe river there
have been no developments OF moment.
On Monday the military situation had
not developed anything of great i'm
portance though the fight at the Bud
dist temple hill on Oct. 81 appears to
have been decidedly heavy engage
mont 1t probably indicates that final
moves on both sides are now occurring,
preparatory to another long and serious
battle. Viceroy Alexieff is now on his
way to St. Petersburg. The nature of
his reception there 10 the food for much
speculation Somel of his friends still
cling to the idea that he will be made
chancellor of the empire, with HIS resi-
dence in the Winter palace where it is
said, suite of apartments has already
been prepared for him. On the other
hand many declare that his political
reception at st. Petersburg while official
| ly cordial will mark the end of his
political ascendency. 1t is even rumor-
ed that the old viceroyalty of the eau
casus will be revived for his especial
benefit which would constitute oompli
mentary and comfortable sort of exile
A press telegram received at Toxic
from Gen. Kurokfs headquarters re-
ports that on Thursday the Japanese
captured Waitaoshan after sharp fight
ing. The Japanese captured two ma
chine guns. The Russian casualties are
estimated at 200 and those of the jap
ahese at ITO.
The activity of Chinese bandits is in
creasing along the railroad and the re-
gion is swarming with Japanese spies in
nuesian, Chinese and European disguises
who are Offering large rewards for the
capture of Chinese engaged In supplying
the Russian commissaries, hoping thus
to cripple the Russian supply depart
ment.
The latest reports from Port Arthur
are by no means encouraging. Gener-
al Stoessel is making a good defense,
but the Japanese are approaching now
| by parallels confessedly close to impor-
tant Russian Notifications While this
form of attack is less spectacular and
less costly in men, than repeated assault,
it is no less conclusive in ultimate re-
suits demanding a sleepless defense,
and being almost impossible to frns-
trate.
The garrison at Gibraltar has been
put in readiness and the artilerymen
have been ordered to take up their posi-
iions at the different batteries of the
rack. The channel squadron has been
ordered to be in readiness at an hours
notice.
Tuesday morning the entire Russian
fleet weighed anchor and sailed out of
the harbor of Vigo. spain. Later heavy
! firing was heard at sea- and was suppos-
ed to be from the ships AT target prac-
tice.
London's baseless war scare of Tues.
day has passed, and in spite of the eff
forts of the yellow journals" the North
Sea incident appears likely to be settled
without further trouble.
After weeks of constant artillery fire,
varied by frequent infantry skrmishes,
General Kuroki's army has enjoyed a
day of comparative quiet For the first
| time since the battle of the Sbakhe river
no big guns from the Russian side have
been fired There is, however, constant
rifle shooting between the Japanese and
Russian trenches, which are quite near
each other at many places along the
| front,