Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-08-26

FCbCToDdISJ NbS' No'
office was much eIated this morning at
the receipt of a dispatch rom Gen.
StoesseI dated Port Arthur the 22nd,
reporting that the Japanese had at last
been exhausted by their attacks and
the bombardment had been suspended.
Full details regarding the dispatch are
not available.
st. Petersburg, Aug. 26-After four
weeks interval the Japanese have as
sumed their advance against Kuropat
kin's position. The opposing armies
are in contact east and south of Lao
Yang and fighting has been in prog
ress since Wednesday. Advices at
hand are too meagre to enable the of
ficials to form a correct opinion as to
whether it will result in a general
engagement but the extent and char
acter of the Japanese movement leads
to this conclusion.
Since the rains ceased a week ago
there has been continued intimations
that Kuropatkin was about to assume
the offensive but instead of that it was
the Japanese who attacked the Rus
sian commanders eastern and south
ern positions.
EnveIOpIng Three Sides.
4 Japanese column 10000 strong
was reported on Tuesday to be march
ing up the right bank of the Lianhe
river which would seem to indicate
the three Japanese armies are coop
Grating in enveloping three sides of
Lao Yang.
Commences south of LaIO Yang.
Lao Yang, Aug. ga big battle
commenced Wednesday 90 miles east
of Lao Yang. The Russian front from
Taitse river south was engaged.
Fighting continued Thursday at Liam
diansion. % miles southeast OF Liao
Yang. The Japanese are attacking.
ItnIy Not Active.
st. Petersburg. Aug 26.-The Russ
today states authoritatively there is
not the slightest foundation for the
report that Italy has suggested to
France the offer of her good offices
on behalf of Russia.
Constantinople, Aug 2G.-The Rus
sian Navigation company steamers
Yenona and Meteor, laden with coal
and supplies of fresh water traversed
the Bosphorus yesterday. They are
said to be on their way to join the
Baltic squadron.
had News to Emperor.
St Petersburg, Aug. ga report is
abroad that a midnight telegram was
received by the emperor informing him
that Port Arthur was in the sorest
straits and the worst is expected. The
feeling prevailed last night that the
fortress had fallen.
A dispatch from Washington by way
of London. saying that the American
fleet has been ordered to interrupt its
maneuvers and start at once for Chi
nese waters. there to remain until war
is concluded" has caused irritation.
kuropatkIn May Fight.
Several dispatches received through
Gen. Kuropatkin's headquarters agree
in stating that great battle may be
momentarily expected now that the
rains are over.
The loss of the cruiser Novik and
the injury to the Sevastopol were made
public here yesterday for the first time.
causing much depression.
Have 5000 wounded.
Chefoo. Aug. ga junk which left
Russian wounded at that date number
ed 5000 and that the Japanese occu-
pied the heights near Chaochanko. II
is further reported that boys are fight
ing in the Russian ranks now.
Only Few Forts Left.
Golden Hill, White Marble mountain
and Liaoti mountain, according TO
Chinese advices dated the night of
Aug. -. are now the only main forts
securely held by the Russians at Port
Arthur
\ rumor having some points indi-
eating authenticity says that the new
European section of Port Arthur is in
flames. Owing to the mud and brick
construction of the buildings. however.
il is probable that the fire is not gen
eral.
believed Fleet Is to start.
st. Petersburg. Aug. 26.-The Baltic
fleet consists of five battleships, five
cruisers, two transports and a number
of torpedo boat destroyers. While il
is officially stated the fleet left Cron-
stadt last night bound on trial cruise,