Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-06-29
THE DECISIVE BATTLE.

THE DECISIVE BATTLE.
 St Petersburg, June 29 q 80 p. m.)- The whole city is awaiting with breath less interest news from the opposing armies in southern Manchuria, grap- pied in the decisive battle of the cam- paign But those fully appreciating the almost impossible country through which the Japanese columns are ad- vancing and the difficulty of moving large bodies of troops into position, hardly expect this battle to begin sl earnest inside of several days, ai- though admitting that heavy firing be- tween the advancing forces may now be in progress The papers, with the exception of the army organ and the Noyoe Vremya, are unanimously of the opinion that a pitched battle is now certain. The former is silent on the subject, which may be significant, and especially as General Kuropatkin's movements are shrouded in mystery. The Novoe Vremya says:
 ''The time for strategy is passed. We are now on the eve of tactics. Not knowing the exact position of our forces we cannot state what KurQpat- kin intends to do. It is possible he may consider it untimely and unprofitable to enter upon a decisive engagement of all his forces in which event, while en- gazing the enemy, who is pouring troops down upon him, he may retire northward to meet his achievements
 The tone in both public and official circles has greatly improved. The re- port that the Port Arthur squadron mas successfully put to sea and that no shin has actually been sunk seems 10 have removed the despondency, and ue- velopments on land and sea are looKeu forward to with increased cneer1uihess, f,onfidence is manifested in the lnIlu- ence the navy will nave s,y,on the campaign and many neoDle are inclined to attribute fne 1apanese precipftRncy to get at Kuro- natkin to the fact that the squadron at large threatens the Japanese army's sea communications
 Special dispatches say it was Major General Mistchenko's division which has been engaged in constant fighting from the vicinity of the mountain passes over which the Japanese are advancing One dispatch says the country is almost impossible, Mistch- enko retiring only when the enemy op- peared In overwhelming numbers. The correspondent considers it doubtful if General Kurold will advance all three columns, as this would disunite his forces He is more likely to push home his attack from Siu-Yen upon Ta-Tche-Kiao exclusive of General Oku. The correspondent figures that Ixuroki has 10000 troops, the Japan ese commander being in personal command of 25.000 men at Dalin pass.
 General Kuropatkin has issued an army order insisting on the kindast and most humane treatment of Jap anese prisoners and wounded, not wtthstanding the tales of atrocities committed by the Japanese. The or der, which directs that the same re- ,spect and hOnors be paid to the brave Toes as if they were Russians, is most Tavorabiy commented upon by the N0voe Vremya, which says:
 The Japanese apparently are un- able to restrain their instincts As the military operations develop and our reverses multiply they seem to be- come more savage.
 God grant Japanese barbarism may not influence our soldiers to give way 70 Ieellngs of vengeance, but that they Will preserve the good reputation which always has distinguished tbe Russian soldier"
 The emperor to-day inspected the condition of the ships of the squadron destined for the far east. High Ad- miral Grand Duke Alexis. commando er-in-Chief Grand Duke Vladimir and Marine Minister AvelIan and many of ncers of the admiralty were ait Cron- sLaut 10 greet his majesty, who arriy ed there on yacht from Peterhof.
 Rear Admiral von Voelkersam. inn for officer of Vice Admiral Roiesaye sky's squadron. had hoisted. his f1ap on the armored cruiser Admiral NaF. hiInoff, which with the other vessels of the squadron now in commissio,, fired an imperial salute.
 The Admiral Nakhimoff has been greatly changed in appearance since she visited New York in 1s98 Nasts and rigging have given place to the lighting tops and she has been alto Rether reftted as modern fighting ship. 'e
 The emperor thoroughly examined the battleships Alexander III. Kniaz Souvaroff, Orel and Borodino which weer moored inside the basin. He ex- pressed himself pleased with their condition and addressed the workmen Wno cneered his majesty Justify. The emperor said he hoped the workmen would devote all their energies and duties to the patriotic cause of com pleting the warships at the earliest possible moment and concluded with doubling their pay for the day The emperor did not visit Admiral von Voelkersams division. the Admiral EQkhimoff, Aurora, Oslibia and Sissoi veIilxy being anchored outside the basin, explaining that he will visit them next week. The division, which hns, hr,na s,u.1.n c.r.1 l,, As...r.o4 ...e.Aa...