The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-08-16
I MAY CAUSE TROUBLE.

international Difficulties May
Arise from the Scattering Of
the Port Arthur Fleet.
BYsPAut- LAMBETH.
Especial Gable to The Times. Dispatch,
81 Copyright, 1s04.)
I August Is. phase OF the
Russo Japanese war which ID causing
much quiet talk and no small amount
OF anxiety In diplomatic and government
circles Is the danger of International
complications arising from the status Of
the vessels OF the shattered Port Arthur
squadron, which have sought shelter In
neutral ports. .s .siI II az
THE protests OF Russia over the cut
ting out 81 the torpedo boat destroyer
Rechitelni Is d case which points out
recognized that japan has gone danger
ously near, the line Of International law,
rs indeed, she has not overstepped tho
bounds, 1t Is recalled that Russia herself
As III, large measure to blame for 1t, be-
cause 4 OF her action In the case OF the
Mandtur at Shanghai early In the war.
sRussia's position then gave Just grounds
for the Japanese suspicion of her good
sfaithain$ the reported dlsmantling OF tho I
Rechitelni. While her right TO send s.wac
vessels into d neutral port to investigate /
1s questioned, II appears from the o1l-l
cial reports from Toxic that the susp-
cions Of the Japanese commander was
we'll founded, This incident 1t is not
believed, will result seriously. Russia g
demands are not so potent at Pekin as
they were some months ago. sS II n
rho report TINT Germany has ordered
the Russian flag to be hauled down from
the battIeship Czarevitchg and the three
cruisers which sought refuge there, has
IN, ,roa Ia mr.
These vessels are out of commission for
the balance OF the war, and the result
to Japafl,s plans are the same as though
they had been sink. 1t Is feared that
Germany would be disposed to show such
favor to the Russians as to Justify a
strong protest from Japan. s 8lsI
Naval experts do not believe Russia
will make an attempt at this time to send |
the Baltic fleet to the IA East 18th
the Russian squadron scattered and the
remaining ships 80 bad bait cred ! as X to
he s,1nab Bile TO 4 ~ into action. Togo can
now put his vessels into perfect fighting
trim and will be able to handle any pos
sill q force Russia may send a gainst him
Runors continue to reach here OF the
fail of Port Arthur. They are unofiicia
and are not credited in the best nformcd5
circles 81 The first authentic news Of the
capture Of the n great Russian fortress
probably will come in the shape OF an
OH iai d dispat ch & from T Toxic. and until
the receipt OF such a dispatch n ews OF
the capture 81 the fortress max be taken
with reserve. That there is continuous 7'l
and Nj heavy fighting there seems beyond
question, and that the Japanese are con-
ntratinE troops before the fortress also
seems sure. n SO far as the news shows ''r
the dperations In Manchuria have almost
been suspended /, pending the result Of the
Port Arthur carnpaig Ign. There is. q s 81
nicion d hat there lis more being done by:
both sides in Manchuria than the reports
indicate and 81 army experts would mot
be surprised at 1.-The receipt OF news Of q;
IMPORTANT movements between An shan;
and Nfukden at ii any time II b.