The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-08-02

Toxic, July 30.-Noon.-The ru-
mored fall Of Port Arthur is officially
pronounced to be untrue.
Russians Still in ControI Of Port
Arthur.
st. Petersburg, July 31.-3:4S a. m.
In view Of the rumors of the storm
ing and fall Of Port Arthur. the gen.
eral staff authorizes The Associated
Press to declare positively that not
single position forming a part Of
the land defences Of Port Arthur has
yet fallen into the enemy's hands. and
that the besiegers are now no nearer
than eight or ten miles to the fortress.
The general staff also declares that
the bombardments reported July &c.
81 and % We're nothing more than
preliminaries to an attempt to capture
one of our outer positions. probably
Lunvantan, to the east. If the Japa-
nese shall succeed in taking one of
these positions, they will have to bring
up siege guns under a thanking fire
from the adjoining positions and from
cruisers sent out for this purpose. If
this task proves possible, then only
will the Japanese be able to lombard
the fortress itself and prepare for the
final assault. and it is easy to see
what a long, dangerous and difficult
operation lies before them.
Positions of the Two Armies
Kuchiatzu, Manchuria, (About 80
miles southeast of Lao Yang), July
2S.-(Delayed in tranSmission)-As a
great battle appears imminent, a sur
vey Of the positions of the Two armies
will be interesting. The main bodies
Of the Russians and Japanese are very
near each other. They now form, in
the north. a more powerful arrRy
than at any previous time. Virtually,
however. the same conditions prevail
north Of Hal Cheng as previously re-
ported. The Russians are holding
Tienshuitsan, Chiutsai, Yam Pien and
Kuanchia passes. The latter is three
miles east of here
In view of the fact that serious
fighting is anticipated in the near fu-
ture, the Chinese have begun to- dis
appear from between the lines and
to brick up their houses. though here
tofore they have not vacated their
property except in the immediate fir
ing zone, between the pickets.
A mile and a half east of Kuanchia
dents accidentally crossed the zone Of
the Japanese fire and was fully twenty
minutes crossing the Shi river under
fire, evidently from the Yuhuangkao
temple, on The east side of the river,
and in plain view Of the Russian
pickets. The Japanese line extends
thence south. and is apparently of
great strength, with trenches and
breastworks. 1t approaches within a
mile Of Lien pass. and continues along
the Shi river to Sipen pass, am
thence to Haiyan. facing the Tient-
Lhuitsan and Oangtzu pass positions.
The correspondent visited The en-
tire eastern line. 1t is am ideal re-
gion for military operations. Immense
columns of troops are traversing the
numerous valleys to reconnoitre The
passes and are firing mountain aril-
lery on the hillsides The japanese
officers are in plain view, pacing up
and down the trenches as though en-
couraging their men. The Russians,
from equally fine positions, are max
ing offensive demonstrations of il,-
tense interest, inviting attack and
manoeuvring.
The first ascent of a Russian MILL
tary balloon occurred yesterday even
ing and against the flaming sunset
the balloon was visible to the entire
army around Molten pass. The balloon
caused much amaZement among the
Chinese.
Japanese continue to march across
the upper part of Taitse river, to-
wards Mukden. by way Of PensihI.
protecting their left flank from Kuchi-
alto and Kuanchfm nass The Rus
slams are making demonstration in
large force before Pien pass, and also
in front Of Kuanchia pass.
A detachment Of Cossacks. which
attempted to reconHoi.re the Yuhu-
angkao temple todaJ. was tri"en hack
from two positions both within hail
ing distance.
The Japanese, as this dispatch Is
filed, can plainly be seen taking up
positions for The conflict They are
apparently determined to fight, and II
is reported that the Russian COM
mander has ordered preparations to
be made for four 10 five thousand
wounded.
Situation in Manchu-ia Practically
Unchanged.
81 Petersburg Tulv 30-7.1Q-Tha q