Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-10-10

 The formal announcement that Gen eral Kuropatkin is at last strong enough to assume the offensive together with unofficial reports that offensive movements against the three armies of Field Marshal Oyama have been progressing since October A. has s sent thrill of joy throughout Russia. The announcement, which had been awaited patiently through the long, weary months of discouragement and defeat, had an instantaneous effect. The public bulletin boards at the street corners upon which were posted cop 1es of Kuropatkin's order of the day were surrounded by crowds, really cheerful for the first time since the war began. Last night at Russian club where General Velitchko the en- gineer who fortified Liaoyang, was deliverifg a lecture in defence of Ku- r0patkin's abandonment of the. pMce, the reading of the order created a scene of enthusiasm and telegram was sent to Kuropatkin expressing the. deepest satisfaction and unshaken con- fidence in his leadership and praising his chivalrous act, saying: Like the Russian warriors of old you have warned the enemy that you are ad- vaneing against him.''
 All the papers acclaim the tidings with intense satisfaction, at the same time warning the public not to harbor illusions and saying they must be pre- pared for the heavy sacrifices inyoIy- ed in attacking so powerful and de-. termihed foe.
 The Novoe Kremya terms it ssKuro-, patkin's reply to the pig1ny sQueaks of the little Napoleons who have criti- cized him." adding:
 God grant that the Russian eagles, which have been preparing their wings may successfully make a long flight to the relief of the heroes who have been so bravely defending Port Arthur z
 If Kuropatkin is now successful the post of supreme commander in chief his friends believe is sure to be his reward.
 The mystifcation of the last ten days regarding the exact situation is cleared up by the knowledge that the. Russian army is taking the offensive and explains the puzzling Mukden dispatch of the Associated Press of October 6, reading:
 Something unusual is in the wind "A great hustle is now noticeable. The streets are thronged with hurrying crowds and innumerable carts and pack mules"
 The capture of Benrsiaputze which was strongly fortified and where it. was reported General Kuroki com manded in person is officially con firmed. The fighting, however was not severe the Japanese re- tiring on finding themselves outhanked. The Russian losses were only twenty-f five killed or wounded, including an officer
 A high officer of the general staff informed the Associated Press today that Kuropatkin is prepared to ad- vance with great care, but when the main collision will occur will depend on circumstances, the movements of great bodies of men being slow opera lions Heavy fighting is hardly likely before a week at the earliest.
 "Only six miles separate the ad- vance lines' said the officer referred to, s'and an advance or counter-ad- vance might precipitate preliminary artillery engagement at any moment''
 It is now evident that Field Marshal Oyama, aware that Kuropatkin is pre- pairing to strike, instead of extending himself for the big fanking movement east so much talked of, has recognized the necessity of meeting the Russian advance by fortifying his positions north of Liaoyang. The interval be- tween the eventual collision will doubt less be utilized by both sides in feel ing out their respective strength and dispositions and in active skirmishing on the Hanks, of which the daring march of the Cossacks across the Shakhe river, almost to the Yentai mines. is an example, Not until the combined movements of Kuropatkin's army are in full swing southward will it be seen whether Oyanla intends to contest the present advance or fall back on the fortified positions north of Liaoyang where he would reverse the situation hitherto, as the Japanese would for the first time enjoy the ad- vantage of fighting behind defences.
 According to the estimates of the war office Oyama's total strength is about 100000 men, of which 150,OOO are posted between the Hun river to the west and Bentsiaputze eastward, the remainder being held in reserve at Liaoyang. Kuropatxin disposes of nine corps, giving him perhaps a slight superiority in numbers.
 NOT THROUGH HUNGER.