The Gainesville star. [volume] (Gainesville, Fla.) 1903-19??, 1904-02-26
FIRST LAND BATTLE
Reported to Have Occurred
Between Jap and Russ,
VICTORY FOR JAPANESE
Alleged Breach Of Neutrality Rrouoh,
Against Russians by Powers and
Dire Complications
May Result.

An Associated Press dispatch o,
Sunday from Chez Foo says. It IA
reported that the Russian advance on
the Yalu has been repulseo, with a
loss Of $500 men.
London Daily Mail correspondent al
New Chwang cabled Sunday night.
1T Is reported here that Russia and
Japanese outposts on the Yalu have
been engaged, the Russians suffering
considerable loss. No details
The cables are still absolutely silent
with regard to the, progress Of the
war, but there are vague rumors OF
land fighting. AS an instance, the Par.
is edition Of The New York Heralds
correspondent at ST. Petersburg talks
of Russian repulse on tho Yalu riv.
or with loss of $500 lives These ru.
mors are unconfirmed and from re.
liable quarter. The Morning Posts
Chez Foo correspondent says he learns
that tens of thousands of japanese
are advancing by forced marches from
various parts of Korea on the Yalu
and that severe fighting is expected
shortly. These are the only references
to actual operations that have reach
ed London.
Breach Of Neutrality Charged.
The London Malls Shanghai cable
dated Sunday, says: The Madjur az
fair has assumed internat.onl impor.
lance. The French consul has sided
with Russia, and backs up the claim
that the Madjur is needed to protect
Russian interests at Shanghai.
Japans consul has telegraphed the
Chinese foreign Office, explaining
the serious consequence possible II
such fragrant breach of neutrality is
permitted. The Akitsushlma has clea'.
cd for action.
The British warships Rinaido Phoe-
nix and Butomart have anchored In
the harbor.
The correspondents first cablegram
concerning the affair was as follows
"The Russian gunboat Madjur is re-
naming in port in defiance OF the Chi
nese order, which expired at o'clock
this afternoon. II is believed the Pei
yang squadron (Chlnese) will be in
structed TO enforce the order.
Russian and French authorities
claim there has been no infringement
of neutrality, but the japanese assert
the presence Of the Madjur prevents
their merchantmen coming to port
"The Japanese cruiser, Antsulslma,
Is stih outside the harbor waiting for
the Madjur. Captain Cowan, COM
handing the Madjur, is an English
man, educated at Elton, oxford. He
IL ashore assisting the Russian CON
sui"
The News In st. Petersburg.
A dispatch from Port Arthur recelv'
ed In st. Petersburg stated that the
first land encounter occurred Saturday.
A picket of Cossacks attacked
small detachment OF Japanese troops
on Korean territory.
The Cossacks captured some Japan
ese prisoners, on whom they found
maps and papers.
The collision was presumably be-
tween accommodating parties. An en-
gagement Is not anticipated immedi'
ately. A Port Arthur dispatch says
the japanese feet was observed Feb
ruary 16 cruising off that port.
Jap Major and Guard Captured.
An Associated Press dispatch from
ST. Petersburg says: Major General
Plug, the chief of stan Of Vlceroy
Alexieff, telegraphed from Port Arthur
Saturday as follows:
A body OF Cossacks, marching from
Win, captured Japanese major, Tat
sura, with FIVE soldiers and two civil
lans.
The reports regarding the enemy
are generally contradictory and
scarce.