The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-08-02

No word was received enabling the stan
TO either confirm or deny the reported
capture OF tho late Gen. Count Kellers
aes4tian at Ikhavuen, (east of Lao Yang
and Yangtse Pass, 30 miles east OF Lao
Yang), but heavy lighting continues on
both the southern and eastern fronts the
object OF the Japanese In the east being
to flank Gen. Keller's corps from the
south and north. which Is easily possible.
The progress OF the enveloping move
ment may have forced the corps to retire
on IAandiansan. which is the next po-
sition In the direction OF Lao Yang.
Official dispatches detailing the engage
ment are hardly expected till the evening
The failure OF the garrison OF simou-
cheng TO retreat along the northern road
probably was due 10 the presence Of the
Japanese column hanking the late Gen.
Keller's corps from the south.
PROBABLY ALREADY RETREATTNG
In view OF the inability OF the Russians
TO hold Simoucheng, IL IL considered likely
that Gen Zarabouieff and Stakelberg viii
not attempt to offer stubborn resistance
at Haicheng.
1t is possible that they are already re-
tiring on Anchanshan, (also written
Anschantschan. halfway between Han
chong and Lao Yang). as indicated In
these dispatches last night.
There is reason to believe that two or
Gen Oku's divisions are advancing from
New Chwsng on Hal Cheng with the
view OF thanking and cutting OF Gen.
Stakelbergs retreat, but this moYement
is not likely 10 succeed on account or
Stakelbergs ability to retire northward
on Anshanshan. An interesting detail
svidenoing the flerceness of the artillery
duel south OF Hal Chens July 81, is the
fact that the Russian batteries on the
let flank fired 4s42 shots IN four hours
THE DECISIVE MOMENT.
All the military critics this morning
take the view that the decisive moment
of the campaign has arrived. The army
organ says that Gen. Kuroki prepared
for his advance by drawing IN his forces,
which were scattered oyer a front OF 10
miles The paper says It is evident that
a large japanese force is working along
the Standardization Yang line. IL ex-
presses doubt, however, which advance
OF the enemy will push home ana whether
Il is Kuroki's intention TO try 10 flank
Kuropatkin, north or south OF Lao Yang.
Tho Russ Says:
The decisive moment has arrived, but
Judging from the latest reports the Rus-
slams have retained their positions ana
this time IL VIII not po Al o'S'' =" ~
treat"
The Russian press today Is filed with
eulosi4s of the late Lieut.. Gen. Count
Keller. who was considered to be one OF
the most dashing commanders In the
Russian army
WAITED FOR NEWS.
All the newspapers were late I'm publica-
tion this morning, the editions evidently
having been held back In the hope or the
receipt OF later advices from the 'front.'
The only dispatch published was one
appearing I'm the Official Messenger. under
date OF Haicheng. August j referring 70
events OF the previous day. According 70
this dispatch numerous assaults Were
made upon the positions OF Lieut.. Gen
| Count Keller and Lieut. Gen. Zassalitch
all of which were repulsed. The Ja-
panase. on July 2e, the dispatch says
/ x,sd upon n supply train running south
| OF Haicheny and a car was wrecked, but
no one was killed.
The Official Messenger publishes the
/ notice OF the release OF the steamer
Mnlacca which was seised In the Red
sea by the Russian volunteer feet
steamer St Petersburg and reviews the
/ case.
The article concludes thus: THE ar
ranRement for her inspection and release
now is taken IN abrogation OF Russia's
/ right which she still maintains and her
cruisers and warships will stop vessels
and search them for contraband destined
| for the enemy"
SHORT OF COAL.
The Associated Press dispatch from
I Vladivostok brought the first statement
| OF the reason for the sinking OF the
steamer Knight Commander, which was
| that she was 80 short OF coal she could
not be sent 20 Vladivostok. II also con-
tained the first announcement that n
German steamer had been sunk for the
same reason. but gave no clue TO the
Identity OF the latter vessel
vladivostock, Aug. 2-The Nladivos-
took cruiser Division returned TO port
at o'clock yesterday afternoon. The