Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-14
Japs Capture a Steamer.
NO REASON TO DOUBT REPORT.
Russian General Staff Believes Account
of jap Disaster

ST. PETERSBURG, July IA, 1855 pm
The general STAFF. although it has no fur
ther news up to the present hour of the re-
ported Japanese disaster at Port Arthur,
maintains that there is no reason to doubt
the fact that the Japanese have suffered
substantial repulse. pointing out that it IS
significant, II the report Is untrue, that no
denial has been issued from Tokyo, which
did not hesitate TO deny the Russian re-
ports OF the loss OF the battle ship Shki-
shima and the atrocity stories. Experts
who have carefully studied the Japanese
methods not surprised that they should
attempt to storm without preliminary
bOmbardment, such lasted for three
days prior to the Russian assault on Plev-
ma at the time Of the RussoTurksh war.
and the still longer bombardment of Sebas-
topol the chief drawback of a lombard
ment being that II warns the garrison OF
what is coming. The experts say the jap
anese may have hoped to take the fortress
by surprise, giving up the bombardment
after Rear Admiral Withofts squadron
went out on Saturday and dsmantled their
siege batteries.
Losses Not Unlikely.
An officer who has just returned here
from the front said to the correspondent
OF the Associated Press that the terrible
losses reported 10 have been sustained 10y
the besiegers of Port Arthur were not un-
likely IN view or the extraordinary, al
most fanatical, determination OF the Japa-
ncse. never hesitating before the most ter
rible chances Some of the forts at Port
Arthur are preceded by bitches four and
five fathoms deep, hewn out OF the sohd
rock. Whole regiments could easily be en-
gulicd in these ChdSms.
The rumors emanating from London that
Port Arthur has fallen arouses only smiles
from the Russian officers.
II - not lfuUTphl bile that fighting ls now
progressing at Ta-TChe-Kiao, as Russian
adviccs show that the Japanese were within
few miles of that place coming up in two
columns from the south on each side OF the
railroad and in two columns from the east
ON the Su-Gcn roads. The extent of the
Russian resistance will probably be deter
mined 10y the character of Gen. Kurokis
and Gen. Nodzus advances on Hai-Cheng
A large force of Japanese within striking
distance of iiai-Cheng would render It i'm
possible for the Russian commauder-Jn-
chief to remain At Ta-TChe-K Kiao. In which
event there will be a fight at Hai-Cheng
the result Of which will be much more i'm
poriant than the recent engagement at Kai-
Chou
Russians Not Driven Out
The general stan denies that the Russians
were driven out OF their intrenchments at
sikseyan. or that severe fighting occurred
at that place.
Gen Sakharof reports that Japanese cav
airy advancing July II toward Niuchwang
encountered Russian cavalry. and that a
slight skirmish followed.
There is now good reason to believe that
the report Of japanese disaster at Port
Arthur came from the Russian consul at
Chez Foo
Arrangements have almost been com
pleted for the transmission Of wireless re-
ports between the Liaoishan promonotory
south Of Port Arthur and Che Foo. where
by St Petersburg will be advised daily Of
the progress OF events at Port Arthur.
Reduction of Volunteers.
The volunteer establishment would be re-
duced TO 10000 men. and much larger
grants would be made. so as TO make the
volunteers an effective force
From l5,00o to 1900 regular troops would
be Kept at Aldershot ready to take the field
as a lighting force Provision would be
made for permanent garrison OF 21 500
men in South Africa
IL appears that Mr. Arnold Forster's pro-
posal would result in a decrease of & 76I
men, leaving a total force of 227OOO and
a decrease In expenditure OF 81 45O 600
The war secretary concluded with saw
ing that the army was passing through
period of great danger. Sufficient remedy
Tor the ezfsting evils must be found. and