The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-05-09
WAR Will
Be LONG
and BITTER

st. Petersburg, May e-3:A p. m.-The
swift march of events at the theatre of
war-ths virtual abandonment by the
Russians of their advanced positions
along the Manehurian litterai-has
created deep impression ampng the
people and a feeling of apprehension
which the authorities contend is un-
warranted by calm consideration of the
araation. While not attempting TO
minimize the importance OF the ad-
vantages gained by the enemy in the
occupation of the Lao Tung peninsula
and the advance from the Yalu river. the
general stafr. nevertheless. declares that
II II had not been for Gen. Zassalitch's
rash stand at the Yalu, the retreat and
concentrations OF Gen. Kuropatkin's army
upon the normal line of defence would
have been regarded as a mastery piece
of strategy. The equanimity of the gov
ernment Is shown by the free publication
of all news telegrarns from abroad, some
being OF a sensational character.
At the general staff the one dominant
idea Is that the developments OF the last
few days make IL certain that the war
will be long and bitter. There Ii is said
that half million men would have been
required to hold soushern Manchuria. The
real truth seems TO be that Gen. kuro-
patkin has not much over 100000 men
south OF Harbn and he is determined to
pursue the plan which he mapped out at
first to allow the enemy TO follow him
back into the heart of Manchuria. until
strong enough TO assume the offensive.
The Associated Press Is Informed that
while the, Russian garrison Is still at New
Chwang the untenabiity of the position
Is fully realized and preparations for dis
mantling the forts and removing the gar
rison have been completed The Russian
gunboat Sivouch there will be destroyed.
The same thing applies to Haicheng C25
miles southeast OF New Chwang). The
question OF holding the Russian position
at Lao Yang depends upon circum-
stances The Russians hold the pass
which commands the westerly APP
proaches, but IL is realized that the posi-
ton there also will be rendered untenable
II the enemy succeeds In bringing up a
superior force along the northern road 10
Mukden.
An ultimate retirement Of Harbin might
possibly incur the danger of a Chinese
uprising which Increases with the Jap
anese successes, and must be taken into
cons LIBERATION. Should the news OF the
enemy's victories infame the Chinese
residents, In Manchuria against the Rus
slams, the latter's Withdrawal north OF the
zone OF their hostility might become i'm
peratlve. The possibility OF active opera
tions against Vladlvostok may also have
10 be reokoned with. The general STAFF in
Weighs aga inst a too pessmistic view OF
the situation. pointing out that the Jap
anese must land another army before
they can hope 10 make a strong advance
which will require time. In the mean
time the strength OF Gen. Kuropatkins $
army and Of his position will greatly
increase. The generals STAFF repeat the
words OF the commander In chief: Pa
tience, patience patience" They also
insist that the full extent OF the Russian
losses on tho Yalu river has been pub
lished.
'Our losses are not guesswork." said
member Of the general staff. Every
man has been accounted for. Let the
enemy publish theirs"