Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-07-28

POSSIBLY Trying 10 Involve OtneF Na-
tions--British Protest Stops Red
SeaOperations--Vladivostok Squad
ron Preyine on Pacific Commerce.
Japs Worst Enemy at Tatchekiso
New chwane Evacuated.
Interest in the Eastern war has alter
mated the past week between the hot land
engagements in which portions OF the
main Russian and Japanese armies have
been engaged. and the sinking and seizure
OF merchant vessels belonging to neutral
nations in the Red Sea and off the coast OF
Japan by Russian cruisers.
Recently, two so-called volunteer eruls-
ers from the Black Sea passed through the
Dardanelles and then into the Red sea.
There they began to stop and seize various
British and German vessels on their way
to the East. laden with goods that the Rus
SLAMS suspected may have been intended
for Japan. The first OF these was the Br :
ish steamer Malacca. A prize crew was
placed aboard and the ship sent back
through the Suez canal and into the Medi-
terranean on her way TO Russia. A most
energetic protest came at once from Great
Britain against the alleged unwarrantable
action Of the cruisers. II was urged that
the Malacca had absolutely no contraband
OF war on board, and that none OF her cargo
was consigned TO Japan. Under her repre-
sentations, the Russian government con-
cluded TO release the Malacca, after a per-
functory examination of her cargo. Still
further, Russia is said 10 have ordered
these two cruisers not to make any more
seizures Of neutral ships, but TO come
home az once. Three other vessels, includ-
ing one German merchantmen, have been
seized, but viii be released al once. Great
Britain win make heavy claim for dam
ages.
under the treaty Of London Russia has no
right 10 send war vessels through the Dar-
danelles, and Turkey is bound TO stop her
II she tries 10 do so. These two cruisers
went through ostensibly as merchant ves-
sells, but either had their guns concealed
aboard or took them on afterward. IL IS
claimed that Russia broke faith and very
likely urgent representations will be made
By the other powers.
The Russian Vladivostok feet that has
caused the Japs much trouble is on an
other foray, this time on new ground.
Three cruisers last week passed into the
Pacific and, moving down the eastern
coast OF Japan. have struck blow at the
Pacific commerce of that empire. they
have seized and captured several small
a British steamer carrying New YORK
cargo. after taking of her crew. II Is sur
missed that this squadron IS lying in wait
for the Pacific Mail steamer Korea, wnieh
has a rich cargo aboard, including almost
=, 100000 in specie.
The action Of this squadron in seizing
merchant vessels of neutral nations VIII
receive earnest diplomatic attention from
these nations, including the United States.
- IT, t.sfs. an ar14FF
finding herself worsted by her antagonist,
is trying to draw other powers INTO the
mixup so that she can finally yield TO ''su-
perior force"
Reports came last week Of lively fighting
along the Russian left wing, Gen. huro-
kills army in thst quarter making an ad-
vance through the mountain eefiles ana
evidently forcing back Gen. Keller ior
some distance. The movement may have
been a feint to attract attention away
from the southwest, where very severe
two davs' fight took place Sunday and
Monday. This occurred at Tatchekiao, IN
the near vicinity of New Chwang, the bat
tie being visible from that town. Details
are not quite clear, but il Is evident that
the Russians were worsted, for they were
Obliged to evacuate New Chwang, the
place being occupied soon afterward by a
Japanese scouting party. Much OF the
public property was burned by the nus
slams before their departure.
One correspondent, describing Sunday 5
fight, says
HThe battle began at 8 o'clock in the
morning, the Russians resuming the az
tack ON the japanese position on the
heights east OF Tatehekiao. After few
hours the Japanese left flank from TAPPING
mountain captured the village Of Tan
chudituen, compelling the Russians to re-
treat to Tienghuaituen, six miles from
their base.
sThe Russians. now re-enforced, mann
tanned the position until O'Clock IN the
afternoon, when the Japanese right hank
made a sudden appearance on the mus
south OF Tatchekiao and by TREMENDOUS
fire forced the Russians to retreat,
"The japanese firing line extended over