Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-03-22
RUSSIAN FLEET
MAY HAVE GONE
JAPANESE BELIEVE PORT AR
THUR HAS BEEN ADAM
DoNED.
MAY ATTEMPT DASH TO
vLADlvoSToK HARBoR
Another Short Naval Engagement Re-
ported, But Little Injury Done
Report Of Blocking Of Channel
Is Denied

Neved here that the Russian fleet
abandoned Port Arthur after the
fourth attack was made upon it by the
Japanese fleet and is endeavoring to
reach Vladivostok. Confirmation Of
this movement is not obtainable from
any reliable source. but recent scout
ing in the vicinity of Port Arthur has
failed to reveal the presence of any
Russian warships. 1t seems logical
tempt a dash for Vladivostok, where
it is possible to dock larger ships, eff
feet a junction with their armored
cruiser squadron and secure a base
for operations while possessing ade-
quate land defenses The hopeless
ness of continuing at Port Arthur is
manifest, while dash for vladivostok
might succeed, contrary to the opinion
previously expressed. Vice Admiral
Togo is unwilling to run the risk of
dividing his battleship squadron and
continues to operate the six battle
ships together. If the Russians should
make an attempt to reach Vladivostok
1t is believed they will try a dash
through the Korean straits rather
than enter the Japan sea through the
Sugaru straits.
Short Naval Engagement.
Tien-Tsin, March 16.-A foreigner
just arrived from Port Arthur reports
that short engagement took place
between the Russian and Japanese
fleets on Sunday last, the protected
cruiser Diana, belonging to the former,
receiving some injuries. About 20 or
80 shells were exchanged.
Protest Entered.
lean gunboats to leave Newt hwang,
while the intentions of the Japanese
are unknown, and while consular juris-
diction and the full treaty port rights
of neutrals are unquestioned, thus
prematurely abandoning the protection
heretofore maintained, has provoked
the indignation of residents and an
official protest has been made to the
United States government. This was
done especially in view Of the action
of the Japanese in placing their con-
sulate and other property under Brit
ish protection, their example being
initiated by the Russians transferring,
as indicated in previous dispatches.
their extensive bank, consular and also
civil administration properties to the
French, thereby rendering Russian,
Japanese and other interests alike
neutral. The protest was also sent be-
cause the manner Of Withdrawing q
British gunboat and what Is under
stood as the American intention Of
withdrawal are regarded as palpable
neglect, inviting depredations upon
British and American interests.
Deny Sinking Of Steamers.
st. Petersburg, March 16.-The re-
port from New-C hwang that four Rus
sian steamers have been sunk at the en-
trance to Port Arthur after the remov-
al of the battleship Retvizan, is au-
thoritatively denied here. The press is
assured that with the exception Of the
dispatch of Monday from Gen. Zilinsky
no official kilograms containing news
of fighting have been received in the
last 48 hours. Several kilograms relat-
ing to the movements Of troops have
arrived, but as these were only of stra-
tegic Importance their contents will
not be made public.
All Quiet at Port Arthur.
Port Arthur, March 16.-All is quiet
IN the Port Arthur district. and no
news has been received here from the
scene of the land operations, where the
movements of the opposing forces are
evidently confined to "Reminiscences.
A Significant Order.
Seoul, March 16.-The Japanese au-
thorities. have ordered the newspaper
correspondents at Ping Yang and An
ju to return. They also refuse to hon
or the permits formerly given for cor
respondents to accompany troops to
the front and are holding them at
Seoul. This action is regarded as sig
nificant.
Will Insist on Neutrality.
Washington, March 16.-The state
department has received formal assur-
ance from China that the government
Of that country will insist on the OBJ
seryance Of the strictest neutrality to-
ward both sides during the present war
on the part Of Chinese subjects. This
assurance is In addition to the formal
notice of neutrality already generally
proclaimed by China. It. is believed
here that this last assurance given to
the United States will be, useful in
finally allaying the approximations ex-
pressed by Russia that China would
be led by Japanese successes into q
breach of neutrality. Secretary Hay
always has earnestly advised the Chi
nese to adopt the most stringent meas