Gilpin observer., 1904-02-25
RUSSIANS LOSE $500
aI. PErERsBuRo HEARs OF DE-
FEAT OF ADVANCE GUARD.

CuppIy Of Vegetables and Beef 10
Short at Port Arthur and ships Are
Wanted to Hun Dloekads-Sounds
Of Firing at Sea Are Heard.
London, Feb. 22.-The cables are
still absolutely silent with regard to
the progress OF the war, but there are
vague rumors of land lighting. AS an
. instance. the Paris edition of the New
York Herald's correspondent at st.
Petersburg talks OF a Russian repulse
on the Yalu river. with loss of $500
lives. These rumors are unconfrmed
aad from q reliable quarter the Morn
ing Posts Che Foo correspondent says
he learns tens Of thousands OF Japa-
nese are advancing by forced marches
from various parts of Korea on the
Yalu and that severe lighting is ex-
pected shortly. These are the only
references to actual operations that
have reached London
The announcement that General
Kodama has been replaced in the
Japanese cabinet by Mr.. Koshikawa
is regarded as meaning that General
Kodama is about to take command OF
the Japanese land forces. Kodama.
who is Japan's leading general. did
splendid work during the Chino-Japa-
nese war.
1t is said that viceroy Alexieff has
asked the ministry of marine to send
ohicers who are not too young and ad-
mirals who are not too old, of whom
he already has too many. The viceroy
has Issued proclamation to the Chi
nese throughout Manchuria, seeking
to enlist their sympathy in behalf of
Russia and their assistance in main
tanning the railway intact by repre-
sonting to them Japan's alleged
ueacherous methods In beginning the
war.
A Port Arthur dispatch received at
st. Petersburg reports the Russian
cruiser Novik had been repaired and
had left her dock.
The Standards KieR correspondent
hears that the Caucasus and Turkestan
armies are to be modified. He adds
that the rumor is not confirmed off,
cially. but says II It Is true 1t can
only be interpreted as yelled threat
against India In certain emergencies.
Japs Capture Four Torped, Boats.
London, Feb. 23.-The Nagasaki cor
respondent of the Daily Telegraph re-
ports that the Japanese squadron has
captured four Russian torpedo boats
at Port Arthur by using Russian sig
mails. This dispatch appears to con-
firm reports from various quarters OF a
fresh attack on Port Arthur by the
Japanese. The report reached Maya
sak from Che Foo and 1t adds that the
Russian crews of the four torpedo
boats have been transferred. No other
news of this attack has been received
in London, but the Che Foo CORE
spondent of the Morning Post says
the statement is current there that
the japanese torpedo boat destroyers.
in the attack on Port Arthur on Feb.
IL, sunk or damaged two Russian bat
tie ships in addition to the torpedo
boats already reported.
Viceroy Alexieff's retirement to Har.
bin Is now an accomplished fact. and a
correspondent of the Associated Press
cables that Port Arthur Is now strict
ly naval stronghold and the forts
are being manned by naval gunners.
A dispatch to the Daily Mail from
Hong Kong says a British squadron
is concentrating there and that a con-
centration of French warships Is oc-
curing at Saigon, IndoChina. This il
supposedly a result OF the Anglo
French understanding.
According to the Nagasaki CORE
-. q,
American squadron. the vessels of
which are varlously reported ut Che
Foo and Shanghai, is going to make a
demonstration at the mouth of tho
Yalu river.
Indefinite reports of the movements
OF troops in the vicinity of the Yalu
river and statements of attempts to
cut the Siberian railroad are also pub
lished this morning.
Heavy SHOWS and billiards. over the
Siberian railroad. especially east of
Bailsal. are largely increasing the DIFF
fculties of transporting troops, beside
better enabling Chinese brigands to
operate. Japanese agents are report
ed north OF Vladivostock. melting the
brigands to action.
The Wei Hal Wei correspondent of
the Times describes visit to
Chemulpo. Korea, and the Japanese
landing operations there. which, he
says, demonstrated that the Japanese
military organization is superior to
that Of any European power. Every
thing suggests an Immediate dash for
= strategic position In northern Korea.
81
Russia Protests to Powers.
Washington. Feb. 23.-Russia Is ad-
dressing to the powers vigorous pro-