Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-05-19
RUSSIANS WILL FALL BACK.

NOuuiuinS IhO ihI''ANH' '
General Kuropatkin's purpose to avoid
a decisive combat with the japanese at
the present stage of war, the statement
was made by the general staff in st.
Petersburg yesterday that the command
erin chief is making preparations to
fall back on Mukden and then on Har-
bin.
While the superior numbers of the
enemy compel retirement, it does moi
follow that Gen. Kuropatkin will not
strike a singing blow should a strate-
eical mistake be made which will enable
him TO throw stronger army upon one
of the advancing columns of his antag-
onist The most exposed portion OF
Gen. Kuroki's command is that which
moved directly northward, evidently
with the intention of gaining the road
to Mukden, down which it will march
as soon as the other columns are within
supporting distance. Unless caution,
heretofore the conspicuous feature Of the
japanese campaign, is observed, this
column, it is believed, will fall the VIC
tim of its temerity, as Gen. Kuropatkln
is known to be holding it especially IN
der close surveillance.
Russian refugees who arrived at Chetoo
yesterday on a junk from Port Dalny,
say that the japanese bombarded Port
Arthur last Monday, Russian officers
who we're on Golden Hill declared, ac-
cordiug to the refugees, that during the
bombardment japanese battle-ship and
cruiser struck mines and sank. The
warships reported to have been sunk off
Port Arthur are the battle-ship Sinks
hima and the armored cruiser Asama.
The story is not believed at Chefoo, but
the Russians who brought the news in
sist that it is true.
A special to the Chicago Daily News
from Chefoo says that a dispatch boat
while passing Port Arthur about 10 a.
m. yesterday, heard six heavy explosions.
They appeared to proceed from the inner
harbor, and suggested the idea that the
Russians were blowing up their ships
and docks.
A dispatch to the London Central
News from Liao-yang dated yesterday,
says that according to news which
reached there yesterday from Port Ar
thur there have been no further attacks
on the beleaguered port since May 10.
The japanese who landed at Pitsewo, 1t
is added, appear to be pushing prepara-
tions for a land attack, which 1t is ex.
pected will be accompanied by renewal
of the bombardment by the japanese
fleet. The Russians sustained no losses
during the japanese operations, having
for their object the clearing OF Russian
mines from Kerr bay.
One of the reasons for the desperate
effort of the Russians to get to Port Ar
thur what is officially called an Gam
munition train" has been revealed by
information which leaked out in st.
Petersburg yesterday. There was little
need, it appears, for more ammunition,
great quantities being stored in the fort
ress. but General Stoessel was exceeding
" anxious to be provided with balloons.
The highest point of the fortress is the
Eagles Nest, from which much of the
surrounding country can be seen, but
balloons will facilitate observation. Be-
fore the war the Russian authorities load
ed on vessel complete balloon equip
ment for Manchuria, but it was captured
by the japanese, who will use it, PEI
haps, in their operations against Port
Arthur. Recognizing theneed OF provid
ing General Stoessel with all the requisite
instruments with which to conduct the
defense of Port Arthur, General Kuro-
patkin is believed to have sent balloons
on the ammunition train" The Rus
sian balloons are stationaiy. of the
Japanese try to DRIFT balloons over Port
Arthur and drop explosives on the fort
ress," an officer said yesterday, "th'
world will hear of the first battle in th'
air."