The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-05-08
.KUROPATKlN WILL FALL BACK
Russians Confident Of Victory,
But Anticipate Long Con
tinued War.
(BN Assoclated press.l

q I'd. ASSOCldten tTeSS.) l,q
ST. PETERSBURG, May s--2:1s A. Nj
When the war commission adjourned this
morning 1t failed TO give out any official
dispatch regarding the situation OIL the
Lao Tung peninsula at Feng Wang
Chcng. Y
There is no doubt that the Japanese
troops wero In touch with the Russian
forces at Feng Wang cheng, and the
report that the latter had evacuated that
place is generally credited. Surprise is
caused by the retreat OF General kuro-
patkin towards his base at Liao Yeng,
as 1t Is stated that Immediately after he
learned of General Zassalitch's losses he
sent reinforcements to him TO enable
him to retain his position
The officials here frankly confess. how
ever, that they are not fully informed
of Kuropatkins plans. He Is in sole
charge of the operations IN Manchuria.
The Emperor decided when General kuro-
patkln started out that he should have
complete Independence. What little Is
known here shows that he intends TO OBJ
serve the same caution that has distin-
guished tho operations OF the Japanese.
Finding that he could not offer battle
at Fcng Wang Cheng with an even
chance of success he has decided to fall
back. 1t Is believed TO the Mao-Tien
Pass Back OF the pass there is another
pass, near which is a temporary railroad
connecting with Lao Yang. Considerable
comment has been aroused in military
circles.
Tho Japanese have followed UP now
practically In all events, their plans In
tho Chino-Japanese war; They have
crossed the Yalu at the same place and
landed upon the Lao Tung peninsula
Mt the same points. and 1t Is believed
they Will continue their tactics as their
dispositions foreshadow the movements
made In 1885,
The Russians say that the Japanese
Will not find it SO easy a task to re-
duce Port Arthur as they did In the
Chino Japanese war The possession OF
Fcng Wang Cheng is Of the highest i'm
portance, as 1t places under the con-
troll Of the Japanese. without further OPP
posing. large strip Of Manchurlan ter
ritory bordering upon the Bay Of Korea
and the road connecting Lao Yang,
Hai-Cheng. New Chwang and P:tse"o.
Tho command of the road to Pitsewo
will enable this army TO establish with
the Japanese operating the Lao Tung
peninsula.
Russians Are Depressed.
The stotcism of the people is wonderful
but the fact that it is displayed. shows
louder than words could the depression
that exists The Russians had not looked
for the retirement of their army from
Feng Wang Cheng, believing that bat
tie would occur there. in which theil
troops would be victorious and would
wipe out the sting OF the disasters suf-
fered
Nevertheless. there is no disposition to
critIc1se General Kuropatkin, In whom
the people believe. and they will walt
with ali the doggedness OF the slav
character manifested IN the dark days
=, the turkish war for the victory which
they have faith Is sure TO come
The energy of the Japanese meets with
unwilling admiration. and It Is expected
that they will continue vigorous CAM
paign. The nation Is fully awakened to
what this means. 1t understands that
Russia must exert all her stfensth ana
that long war cannot De ayoideu' lns :,
latter on,nion is shared by diplomats and