The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
HEAVY FIGHTING EXPECTED.
The Cossacks Whip Japanese in Small
 Skirmishes.

4uS OOS&ACRS WnIQ 1apAnSSS III S41All
 Skirmishes.
 St. Petersburg, Feb. 3.-The officlal an. nouncement by Major General Pfiug. chiei of stan, to Viceroy Alexieff. that Russian cavalry had crossed the Yalu River, is expected to be followed shortly by news of rather heavy land fighting, as accord ing to seemingly trustworthy reports General Linevitch has sent a whole army corps of infantry to support the Cos sacks who have penetrated to a point below Anju and who are reported to have beaten the Japanese in several skir- mishes. Nevertheless. if this movement in force is progressing, 1t must not be assumed that the Russians have taken the offensive, but rather that they are taking up strong position in Northern Korea h order to check the advance of the for midable army of Japanese landing on both shores of Korea while the concentra- tion of Russian troops behind the Yalu is being completed.
 This concentration is making better progress than is generally believed abroad. The movement of troops east ward over the trans-Siberian Railroad telegraphic reports say that the ice rail- road over lake Bailkal was completed to- day. Up to this time the tracks have been used as far as the lake, soldiers marching from the terminus of the line at the shore.
 Major General Pflug's report that Gen. eral Mas army Is west of the Liao River agrees with the statement of the special correspondent of the Russ at Tientsin that the Chinese War Minister Is hurrying large bodies of troops to the northeastern frontier of Pechili This report says the troops are not going by rail. but are marching by night
 The military situation will be greatly complicated if General Mas army is really moving to the rear of the Rus sian position with the intention of mak- ing common cause with the Japanese, as it will expose both Russian Hanks to at- tack
 The blockade of Port Arthur continues. The Russians seem resigned for the pres- ent not to expect to accomplish much by sea, realizing that the Port Arthur fleet is over-matched in both ships and guns; but they hint that things may be different in the spring If the Baltic fleet goes out and effects a juncture with that of Port Arthur.
 Serious consideration Is also being given to the feasibility of spending about SS,- 00O.000 on torpedo boat destroyers to be sent in sections to Vladivostock and Port Arthur. Three hundred mechanics and dock yard artificers were sent to the far east last week and experts declare that the boats could be built, sent and fitted out there in eight months. After all however the hopes and hearts of the Russians are centered in their army, and with General Kuropatkin at its head. although he has not faced a foe since the siege of Plevna, victory is considered assured
 The war excitement here and through out Russia generally seems to be dying oown The patriotic demonstrations which everywhere followed the outbreak or hostilities have been succeeded by eaimness on the part of the people, but the ! crowds still gather about the bull leuns from Viceroy AIexeff which are posted In various parts of the city. The trankness with which the government Puohciy announced the initial reverses as well as the stringent measures taken to prevent the dissemination of all false re- ports or successes Is perhaps the best evidence of complete confidence which the people.
 An interesting incident occurred on the days the news was received of the sink ing of the four steamers with which the Japanese sought to block the entrance 10