The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1904-02-18

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the japanese propose to cut the
line OF Communication we'll up on the
running from Niuchwang to
Port Arthur. It is expected a large
Japanese force will land at Niuchwang
for this purpose.
Squadron In Sight.
Toxic, Feb. 16.-The Russian Vladl-
vostok squadron is still in sight, cruis-
Ing in the Sea Of Japan. A report to
the effect that Matsuima, on the inland
sea, had been bombarded by the Rus
sian squadron is untrue.
There is no fear of the Russians in
t%ercepting the Kagara and the Niasin
or effecting a junction with the Port
squadron. The Russians pos
no naval bases except those at
Port Arthur and Vladivostok, and the
latter may freeze up and bar the re-
treat of the squadron. Despite Rus
%ssurances minimizing the dam
age sustained by Admiral Togo's at
tack last Tuesday at Port Arthur, the
Japanese are certain that the Port
Arthur fleet was severely crippled.
Admiral Togo's fleet vas not severely
damaged and was capable of fighting
another battle Immediately afterward.
The b~attleship Fiji was the most seri-
ously damaged. Withdrawals for re-
pairs from the Japanese feet will not
reduce its fighting strength.
Lieutenant Commander Yamanaya, a
gallant and promising officer, was the
most prominent of those killed on the
Japanese side at Port Arthur.
To Defer Forward Movement.
Toxic, Feb. 16.-The date Of the for
ward movement Of the main body Of
the Japanese army has not been dis
closed, but it probably will be de-
ferred until after the completion of
naval operations. The publication of
the numbers of soldiers at the points
OF mobilization is still forbidden.
The mobilization is progressing with
surprising celebrity and without confu-
sion. The staff shows a remarkable
mastery Of details. The main railways
are canceling or curtailing schedules
and devoting every energy to fecili-
tate the movement of troops. The re-
serves are assembling and occupying
the garrisons vacated by the regulars,
and this movement is progressing with
the precision of a drilled army. All
are immensely eager to take the field.
Subscriptions have been opened for the
first 100,0 00, 900 yen war bonds. The
subscriptions will close March 10. 1t
is anticipated that the issue will be
oversubscribed many times. The coun-
try is preparing for a long war and
seems capable of sustaining itself
financially for two years. She pos
sesses vast military and naval stores
and excellent home credit. Her sol
diers and sailors are ready to give
their services free If necessary.
Account of Battle.
London, Feb. 16.-The correspondent
of the press at st. Petersburg cables
as follows:
"St. Petersburg, Teb. 16.-The first
unofficial account of the battle off Port
Arthur on Tuesday last has been re-
ceived in a telegram dated Port
Arthur, February 9. 1t is as follows:
"At' half-past II O'clock this norm
ing a Japanese squadron of Is vessels
begin the ~bombardment of Port
Arthur. Our squadron and fortresses
replied, and the battle lasted 40 min
utes.
"The Japanese squadron could not
stand the well-placed first fire Of u
feet, and particularly of the forts. and
began a rapid retirement. The Jap
anese flagship was seriously damaged
and, according to the testimony Of an
eyewitness, five other Japanese ships
were considerably injured. Boats be-
longing to the port report that they
saw two Japanese ships sinking at sea.
"Our losses afloat were two officers
wounded, one SO slightly that he con-
tinued fighting, six men killed and 81
wounded. In the forts two men were
slightly wounded. The bombardment
Of the forts and the town did no dam
age, but frightened the populace. At
intervals during the night firing was
heard at sea-"
The dispatch adds that the temper
of the army and navy is excellent and
that the bulletins circulated by the
Novycrai have begun to tranquilize.
the people. No attempts have been
made by the Japanese to land on the
Kwang-Tung peninsula.
#. go 49, -Ea-.