The San Francisco call., 1904-02-21
FIRST LAND FIGHT OF WAR
OCCURS ON SOIL OF KOREA
Cossack Pickets Attack a Small Detachment of
Japanese on Frontier and Take Prisoners
Bearing Maps and Papers.

o ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. aO.-A dis
patch from Port Arthur to-day says
me first land encounter occurred yes
terday A picket of Cossacks at
lacked a small detachment of Japan
ese troops in Korean territory. The
COssacks captured some japanese,
on whom they found maps and papers.
The collision was presumably be-
tween reconnoitering parties. A gen.
eral engagement is not expected to oc-
cur Immediately.
A special Port Arthur dispatch says
the japanese feet was observed on
February s cruising off that port.
Reports from Northern Korea say
the Koreans are showing a decidedly
friendly attitude toward the Russians.
The Manchurian Railroad is convey
ing troops without difficulty to the
various points Of concentration.
Native reports say that the Chinese
pirates since the outbreak of hostili-
ties have been displaying such activity
IN Eastern Asiatic waters as almost to
paralyze the cOasting trade.
Major General Plug, the chief of
stan OF Viceroy Alexieff, telegraphed
from Port Arthur to-day as follows:
The situation at Port Arthur is un-
changed. A sOtnia Of Cosacl1s. march
ing from Wiju, captured a Japanese
major. Tatsaru, with five soldiers and
two civilians. The reports regarding
The enemy are generally contradictory
and scarce. It is understood that
the troops Of Yuan Shih Kai, COM
mander in chief OF the Chinese army.
are being dispatched TO Chinchau and
kupangtse CChungking province). All
is quiet in Manchuria"
BAIKAL DISASTER SLIGHT.
With reference to the stories of a
disaster TO the Russian troops at Lake
Baikal Zone report saying that three
regiments were drowned while at
tempting 10 cross the ice-covered
lake) IL is explained that the trans
Baikal line was blocked at the Baikal
station during the night Of February
is by an avalanche Of snow, which
fell from a neighboring mountain. A
train having troops on board dashed
into the obstruction. the locomotive
was derailed and in the succeeding
five cars one soldier was killed, five
were severely injured and fourteen
slightly hurt Traffic was expected TO
be resumed the following day.
Further adVices from Port Arthur
to-day say that all the women and
children and most Of the male civil
ians have left that place and that
practically only the garrison remains.
The wave of patriotism sweeping
over the empire seems 10 be swamping
racial feeling. even the wild tribes of
the Caucasus, the discontented Firms
and the sullen Poles forgetting their
grievances and coming forward to vol
unteer their services to the common
fatherland.
An instance Of devotion among the
Cars Hebrew subjects is afforded by
The act Of forty-hve Jewish doctors in
giving up their practice TO go to the
front Before leaving they attended
a service held in a synagogue here.
Rabbi Drabakin made a fervent ad-
dress to a large congregation, which
included Baron Ginzberg and other
Jewish notables. He said:
Our fatherland is passing through
p q difficult epoch. The moment has
- come when you. my brothers. must
show the whole world that you are not
unworthy sons Of your country and
that, although standing apart before
the altar of religion, you are united
with other citizens before the altar OF
patriotism and are ready with all the
cars faithful lieges to sacrifice your
selves for the fatherland. Remember
that Russia is strong, not only in
arms. but in Gods blessing"
After the service the congregation
sang the national hymn
ACTIVITY OF THE CZARINA.
The Czarina, who continues TO take
great personal interest in the work Of
providing for the sick and wounded of
the war, presided to-day at a special
meeting Of the Ladies' Patriotic Soci-
ETY.. which was attended by several
grand duchesses and others Of the
highest ladies in the land. She also
presided at service held at the Win
Ter Palace at which the girls of the