The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-08-11

Dortance The smaller ships probably
were left behind on account OF thelr
slow speed and inadequate fighting
power while the torpedo boat destroyers
would constitute a constant menace TO
the Japanese fleet outside.
Definite news of the result OF the re-
ported battle outside Port Arthur IS
awaited here with feverish anxiety.
Even if the squadron succeeded in get
ting through the Japanese ships II IS
realized that it runs a desperate r1sk IN
trying to reach VIadivostok as Admiral
Togo's fleet is of superior strength and
faster than the squadron. Besides the
straits OF Korea are understood TO pc
mined and the squadron PROBABLY VIII
be compelled to take the longer route
1t is believed that the purpose of the
Russian torpedo boat destroyer Ryeshi-
telni in going to Chefoo was to notify
Admiral Skrydloff of the sortie of the
Port Arthur squadron in order that he
may dispatch the Vladivostok squadron
to meet the squadron from Port Arthur.
Kasagi Reported Sunk.
Chefoo, Aug. lis p NIT is re-
ported that the Japanese protected
island in the recent engagement
The Russian ships before leaving
Port Arthur took on board heavy
stores. machinery and materials for
The torpedo boat destroyer Ryeshi-
telni has been dismantled by the re-
moval of the breeches of her guns.
Messenger Waylaid.
General Kurokrs headquarters in
the Field, Undated, via Fusan Korea,
August 1.-THE Russians recently
have been Strengthening their defenses
around Lao Yang. The difficulties of
correspondents in getting
out telegraphic messages are increas-
ing. A messenger sent by the cores
pondent- of the Associated Press bear
ing dispatch regarding a recent bat
tie was waylaid by Chinese on August
9Th near An Tung and robbed of the
dispatch and his money. Messengers
now fear to travel on account of the
dangers of violence.
Means Port Arthur's Fall.
London, Aug. 1.-THE afternoon
papers here today while admitting that
the result of the engagement off Port
Arthur is not clear, generally interpret
the conflicting reports from Toxic and
Chefoo as being that the bulk of the
Russian squadron at Port Arthur made
a sortie in the hope of escaping but
that only the torpedo boat destroyer
Ryeshitelni, which reached Chefoo,
in getting away and that
The RyeShitelni believed as indicated by
the statement of her captain that the
rest of the squadron would be equally
The papers recall AdmiraTs Ger
vera's dash from Santiago, followed by
the speedy surrender of the town and
IndL the SOrue from Fort
Arthur indicates the impending fall
Of the fortress.
Was Ordered to Leave.
Chefoo, Aug. 1.-THE Russian
squadron left Port Arthur in response
10 imperative orders from Admiral
Skyrdloff. A semi official telegram re-
ports that the Russian battleships
Pobedia and Retvizan have returned.
damaged, to Port Arthur. Three Jap
anese torpedo boat destroyers are now
9utside this harbor watching the Rus
ian torpedo boat destroyer Ryeshitelni,
which still flies the Russian flag.
Germany VIII Contest.
Berlin, Aug. u.-Russia has notified the
German government officially of the de-
cision of the VladivoStok prize court that
the German owned steamer Thea is law
full prize, because she chartered by
the Haikoi Sannino GosSi Koja company
and was plying between Japanese ports,
which deprived the vessel of her neutral
character. Her owner, Herr Diedrichsen,
1f Kiel will lodge an appeal against the
decision with the Russian admiralty. The
German government will give general sup
port TO this appeal and will press Herr
Deidrichsen's protest on specific points.
The foreign office has not yet cleared up
the legal uncertainties, such the right
to fly the German flag over the Thea,
considering the fact that she was wholly
engaged in the Japanese commercial SER
vice