The Somerset reporter., 1904-05-26
The War.

Advices received at the Japanese lega-
ton from Toxic, confirming The Asso-
ciated Press accounts of the sinking of |
the cruiser Yoshino and the battleship |
Hatsuse, state that after the Hatsuse
had been struck by Russian mechanical
mines, a Russian f1otilla of 10 torpedo |
boats and destroyers appeared, but we're
repulsed by the Japanese cruisers, |
which saved 800 of the Hatsuse crew,
including Admiral Mashiba aud Captain |
Nakao. The Hatsuse was a battlesh p |
of Is, 900 tons displacement and of the |
latest model. She was only completed |
in 1900; was built in England, was 400
feet long, had 76f feet beam, drew q |
feet of water and had 1890 indicated |
horse power and was fitted with water
tube boilers. Her armament consisted
of four ~ inch guns, IA six inch guns,
twenty IL Founders, eight 8 Founders
and four 81 Founders. She had four
torpedo tubes, her estimated speed was
10. II knots, she carried 1100 tons of coal
and her crew numbered TAI men.
The Yoshino was a cruiser of 4, $50
tons displacement aud 1900 indicated
horse power. She was built in England,
was launched in 1892, was $50 feet long,
46a feet beam and her draft was II feet.
The armament of the Y oshino consisted
of four 6-inch guns, eight finch guns
and % Founders. She had five torpedo
tubes, her armored deck was 4t inches
thick and her gun positions were pro-
tected by shields At inches in thickness.
The cruisers speed was estimated to be
% knots, her coal capacity was 1000
tons and her crew numbered 800 men.
During the reconnaissance of Port
Arthur made by Admiral Togo on FRI
day of last week shell hit the torpedo
boat destroyer Akatsuki, killing one
officer and "a men.
Vice Admiral Skrydloff arrived at
Vladivostok at 4.30 o'clock Saturday
afternoon. There was great outpour
ing of the townspeople, the ladies wear
ing bright costumes. Admiral Skry
dloff's reception was of the heartiest
everywhere, he being a great favorite
when last in Vladivostok,
Further information regarding the
fighting which resulted in the retreat of
the Japanese on Fenwangcheng, is to
the effect that the Japanese movements
in the direction of Lao Y ang and Hal
cheng we're for the purpose of causing
the Russians in this vicinity to move
rthward, thus giving the Japanese an
opportunity to comp etc their prepara-
tions to capture Port Arthur.
A Toxic dispatches authority for the
statement that "Port Arthur is to be
taken by storm the moment proper pre-
parations have been completed Siege
guns have yet to be placed In position
and the land forces appointed for the as
sault have to be strengthened. The uu-
expected loss of two fine vessels has en-
| phasized the insecurity of sea power.
and the authorities feel that no chances
must be taken that would encourage
Russia to send out the Baltic fleet,
counting on finding harbor of refuge
in Port Arthur. 1t Ia realized that the
storming of the fortress will inevitably
cost many lives, but it is said that the
waters where the Japanese ships are
forced to mauGuvre are becoming 30
dangerous because of floating mines
that heroic measures are imperative
Under these circumstances it is thought
that life will be economical by stormng
the stronghold anb eliminating it and
the adjacent waters from the area of
conflict.
There ia continual diminishing be-
tween the Russian cavalry and the
Japanese Cossacks are harrassing the
Japanese in the hills and by-roads gener-
ally driving them back. The general
plan of the Japanese has not been
diVulged They are apparently marking
time, awaiting the arrival of reserves
from Korea who have been delayed
owing TO the impassibility of the roads
There are rumors in abundance in re-
gard to heavy engagements and disasters
but they appear to be without founda-
ton in fact
According to the latest information
obtainable the Japanese have resumed
their forward movement. Several
columns are advancing, though the bulk
of the invading army is still at Feng Wang
Cheng. There are persistent reports of a
bloody battle having taken place be-
tween the Japanese army advancing
along the railroad and Russian near
Rinchou, Lao Tung peninsula, resulting
in the defeat of Japanese with great
loss
The Associated Press is informed on
high governmental authority that the
opening of all the ports of the Siberian
Lttoral, although precipitated by the
necessities of war, had been under con-
sideration for months and represents
distinct policy inaugurated by Russia,
looking to the development of Eastern
Siberia.
A portion of the Japanese fleet bonn
barded Port Arthur at II O'clock Tues
day morning. The attack was witnessed
by Frenchman, who left Dalny on the
night of the 22d. arriving here, Wednes
day night. He says that eight large war
ships circled before the entrance of Port
Arthur harbor for one hour, firing
broadsides at intervals of 10 minutes.
Dalny refugees say that Gen Stoessel
has taken all the cash from the Port
Arthur and Dalny banks 80 that the de-
positors are unable to cash checks.
Heavy firing was heard in the direc-
ton of Port Arthur, Wednesday, indl-
eating that land attack had commence
ed as the Japanese feet is not to be seen
off Port Arthur.
Saved B Cents and Lost 80
A big mill-owner, Spartansburg, 5, G,
wanted 5000 gallons of paint, and