Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-05-19
JAPANESE CLOSING
ON PORT ARTHUR.
HAVE CONFINED RUSSIANS
WITHIN AREA OF FORTRESS.

/ VIII HIN AREA OF FOHI HESS.
Liao-Tune Peninsula in Full Posses
sion OF Japanese.--Russian Am
munition Train Made Daring Trip
Throueh.--Oocks at Oalny Blown
Up.--Japs Lose Two Boats BY
Mines.--Northern Armies in Close
Touch.
! The japanese are now in full possession
Of the LiaoTung peninsula except the
territory covered by the guns OF Port Ar
thur In addition to the force first landed
at Pitsewo, landings have been made at
other points in heavy force. The number
Of japanese already on the peninsula is
unknown, but Is estimated at eight full
divisions Of 10000 men each.
The Russians succeeded in restoring
railroad communications for a few hours
last week with Port Arthur, taking advan-
tage Of an unexplained withdrawal Of the
japanese from the vicinity Of the railroad,
and they rushed a trainload Of ammuni-
ton through to the fortress. It was a
hazardous service, skilfully performed.
All plans were made TO blow up the train
If it appeared likely the enemy would Sc
cure il or stop its passage. In a short time
the japanese returned and have destroyed
over 2. 5.miles Of the railroad, so that the
feat cannot be repeated.
Anticipating the capture Of Dalny, a
port but a few miles from Port Arthur, by
the japanese, the Russians blew up the
docks and piers so that they would not
serve for the convenience Of the enemy.
1t was great loss commercially to Russia.
The japanese report two naval losses
suffered by themselves while removing
mines from Tallenwan bay. Torpedo
Boat No. As and the small cruiser Miyako
ran afoul Of mines which exploded, sink
ing both boats, with small loss Of life.
These accidents occurred separately A
Russian report describes successful at
tempt By naphtha launch to torpedo
japanese cruiser at the same place, which,
II true. may explain one Of these disasters.
A landing has been made by the Japa-
nese on the west coast OF the Lao Tung
peninsula not far south Of New Chwang,
which has hastened the evacuation OF the
latter city by the Russians, who are retir-
ing TO the northward. The army under
Gen. Kuroki that crossed the Yalu is NOV
ing cautiously from Feng- -Weng- Cheng
toward Hai-Cheng, where At viii strike the
railroad in rear OF New Chwang and be in
position TO advance on Lao Yang, where
the Russians are expected to make stand.
II IS conceded that the Russian forces in
Manehuria have been greatly exaggerated,
and in spite OF their concentration Il IS be-
heved the japanese largely outnumber
them.
The situation is that while the japanese
fleet and land forces have begun the in
vestment OF Port Arthur, another army is
rolling toward the northward and away
from relieving distance the main Russian
force in Manchuria. When the latter
feels strong enough il will make a stand
and try to check the pursuing force.
Meanwhile Russia is eNerting herself to
reinforce her army, but any aggressive .
Russian movements are not expected for
some months.
A detachment OF Cossacks raided over
the Yalu and tried to capture Anju. but
the japanese garrison held out till aid .
came, when the Cossacks withdrew, hay
ing been roughly handled.
Gen. Sassulitch, who commanded the
Russians when they were so badly de-
feated az the Yalu, has been removed and
will be succeeded by Gen. Count Keller.