The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-07

ties. in a sense. appear to be relieved now
that the blow has fallen. They assert that
the fortress is impregnable and amply pro-
visioned to stand a siege for year. and
that it can hold out until the time comes TO
relieve IT.
According TO official information, the land
ing of troops from sixty transports began
| simultaneously at Pitsewo and Cape Ter
minal on the morning of Mays. 1t is also
reported that troops are being landed at
! kin-Chow, but this is not credited, as the
/ Russians are known TO have Notifications
there, and it is believed that the Jap
| anese had the daring to land Immediately
| under an intrenched position from which
the Russians could infict severe INJURY on
them.
Complete details of the landing are lack
ing, owing to the interruption of communi-
cation. No resistance was made. the few
Cossacks who observed the movement re-
tiring when the warships shelled the shore
preparatory to Decentralization. Ten thou
sand men were put ashore Thursday and
the Decentralization was proceeding yester-
day at the time that communication ceased.
1t is believed that there are over 10000 now
on land preparing for forward movement
Two Japanese regiments were hurried
westward yesterday morning TO cut the rail-
road and telegraph communication. One OF
these fired on a train conveying the wound
ed from Port Arthur
While the landing was proceeding Thurs
day the enemys ships. consisting OF the
battleshps Mikasa, Hatsuse, Shikshma,
Yashima and Fuji and the cruisers Iwate.
Idsumo, Adsuma and Asama. made a DEM
onstration off Port Arthur to prevent the
possible egress of Russian torpedo boats.
number of japanese torpedo boats were
also observed off Miado island. in Pigeon
bay.
1t was because he was convinced that
Port Arthur was about to be cut off that
Viceroy Alexieff. accompanied by his staff
and Grand Duke Boris. left hastily.
On Thursday several trainloads OF sick
and wounded and other ineffectives were
dispatched northward.
1t is reported here that the Japanese
ships bombsrded Port Arthur early on the
morning of May 8. and succeeded at last in
closing the entrance. but no official con-
firmation of the latter statement can be OBJ
tanned.
The exact hour at which communication
with the Russian stronghold ceased has
not been established.
The strength of the garrison at Port Ar
thur is not revealed by the authorities.
who will only say that IL is adequate for
defensive purposes IL is not believed that
the force there exceeds 10000 soldiers. A
large force is not considered necessary. az
shown from the recent withdrawal OF
some of the troops, who were simply q
drain on the resources of the garrison. The
feet must now take a secondary position.
and the sailors will be used TO man the
shore guns If necessary
Vice Admiral Skrydloff and Vice Admiral
Bazobrazoff cannot now reach Port Arthur.
and probably will go to vladivostok TO join
the cruiser squadron there. Rear Admiral
wittsoeft, who was left in charge OF the
fleet by viceroy AIexieff. will direct opera
tions at Port Arthur. wittsoeft is good
soldier. and il is believed he will render
excellent service.
Despite the greater number OF japanese.
the general staff believes that their formid-
able fortifications still leave the defensive
superiority with the Russians. whose stay
ing qualities. 1t is confident. will insure
their holding out long as necessary.
While the outer line of fortifications ex-
tends to Kin-Chow. unquestionahly no de-
termined effort viii be made TO hold them.
nor is ii expected that a desperate attempt
TO retain Dalny will be made. The main
defense will be of Port Arthur. where. since
the harbor has been occupied by the Rus
slams. steady work has progressed 10 COM
plete the system OF defense. which is just
as effective on the land on the side
Lieutenant General Stoessel will have SUI
preme command at Port Arthur. He is de-
scribed as high-class commander His
recent proclamations show that he is Inn
bued with a determination to hold Port
Arthur until the last man 10 killed
ofieers Of the general stan say thAk IL