The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-07


been very ill and unable to personally
command mis- army since the battle of
Lao Yang.
Russian officers at Tsingtau are re-
sponsible for the statement that am
munition and guns from the protected
cruiser Diana have reached Port Ar
thur from Saigon. The Germans do not
believe this. The Russians are in con-
slant communication with Port Arthur,
it is believed, by wireless messages
sent to Chefoo, though it is asserted
that junks carry the messages. 1t is
also asserted that the expected dash of
the Port Arthur fleet has been frus-
trated by the terrific storms which have
prevailed this week.
The British collier Howick Hall is here
discharging a cargo of coal to the Ger
man ship Emma. The latter is expected
to make an attempt to reach Port Ar
thur within few days.
Japanese View of the War.
Toxic, Oct Tn addressing the
members of the united clearing houses
of Toxic today, Count Okuma, the
leader of the progressive party, warned
the people to prepare for a long war,
the date of the termination of which
it was now impossible to fOretell. He
predicted that the cost to Japan for
a two years war, including the loans
which had already been placed, and
at it's termination, would total one bill
lion dollars which would make the
per capita share amount to twenty
dollars.
Count Okuma said that corruption
appeared to pervade the military, po-
litical and financial departments of the
Russian governm and that this cor
ruptfon had almost reached a climax
which threatened revolution. 1t was
even reported that Lieutenant General
Stoessel, now defending Port Arthur
and upon whose shoulders rested the
responsibility for the loss of a large
Of ~-s-
was guilty of dissipation during the
siege The speaker declared that the
weaknesses of the Russians gave the
japanese many victories. He pointed
out that despite her defeats Russia
continued to hold the prominent and
commanding position in Europe and
said that even Emperor William was
counting the favor of the Russian
autocrat."
Despite her weakness Count Okuma
added Russia possessed immense re-
sources and had tremendous advanta-
ges in the size of her population and
the greatness of her wealth, and it
would be necessary for the Japanese to
make heavy sacrifices in order to at
tain success He predicted that the
war would cost Russia from one and a
half billion to two billion dollars and
said it would be impossible to raise
loans or to increase the taxes in Rus
STA because the limit had been reached.
The count predicted that it would be
$3.50, 900 900 next year and added that if
$4,000, 900 were secured abroad the
country must face a depreciation in the
value of its securities.
Count Okuma urged the nation to
carefully husband it's strength and re-
sources and expressed the fullest con-
fidence in the ultimate victory of Japa-
neSe arms.
The prefectural governors are now
meeting in Toxic and are comforting
with members of the cabinet.
The prefectural expenses have been
reduced by $1,000 since the beginning
of hostilitieS and other retrenchments
are planned for the purpose of strength
ening the national finances.
Koreans Forced Into Army
Vladivostok, Oct. 7.-Russians who
have just returned here from Korea
say the Koreans, especially in the
southern provinces, are greatly in
censed at the high-handed actions of
the Japanese, who seize the young