New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-11
RUSSIANS IN THE DARK
Theories Regarding Port arthur
and KurOhI's MOTements.

ST Petersburg, May 1.-THE most important
official news from the front UP TO this hour is
That telling Of the complete re-esta Adjustment of
railroad and telegra phic communication with
Port Arthur. though how ii was brought about,
and whether battle necessary to accom-
pltsh il, mysteries which Viceroy Alexieff
fails to clear UP.
All that IS known definitely is that the rail
road has been repaired, and that at O'Clock
yesterday afternoon the first dispatch passed
over the reconstructed telegraph lines.
The elation- Of the authorities is sobered by
official dispatches showing the activity of the
japanese in Eastern Manchuria. Kuang-Gen-
Sian Wang Tang Sla y. fifty miles northeast
OF FengWang-Cheng. was occupied by the Jap
anese May ,. This enables advance along
the bad roads to the flank either at Lao-Yang
or Moukden. The territory between the main
road 10 Feng- Wang Cheng and the river Ia
yang has been penetrated by such strong force
OF japanese 10 lead the suggestion that
another army has landed at Taku-shar-
The location Of the japanese landed on the
southern part Of the Liao-Tung Peninsula has
not been established. 1t is safe to say. how
ever. that engagement Of Importance has
occurred in order to re-establish communication
Undoubtedly news Of such 4 victory would
promptly be made public.
THE TROOPS NEAR TAKU-sHAN
The japanese division operating on May and
May 6 east of the Tayang-Ho must not be
confused with the army al Pitsu-Wo because
the latter force debarked on May 6. If a third
army had landed at Taku- Shan it could have
moved to Feng-W ang-Cheng and fanked the
Russians in case General Kurok had encount-
cred strong opposition The suggestion OF an
other japanese debarkation is generally dis
credited The force acting Independently is be-
lieved to be attached TO General kurok's army
Whether an army was landed or not. the fact
was impressed upon the correspondent by
member OF the general staff that the japanese
are placing Southern Manchuria absolutely IN
der control before beginning forward move
ment, thus guarding against threatened Cossaok
raids.
General Kuroki's movements are not far
enough advanced to make IL certain whether
he intends to move on Liao-Yang and Hal
Cheng. though the latter plan now does not ap-
pear so probable in view OF the dispatch Of a
force to Wang-Tiang-
General Kuroki, in the view Of an authority
here, undoubtedly is informed Of the prepare
tions for the evacuation Of New-Chwang. and
knows that the Russian force operating on the
J-iao-Tung Peninsula would promptly retire
should he advance to Hal-Cheng. In the light
Of these considerations he may determine boldly
20 march 10 Liao-Yang by the northern road or
on The road by which the Russians reiterated ard
along which he has sent scouting parties
The reports OF severe engagements. which he
not officially confirmed. probably grew out Of the
skirrnishes along the Yalu River before Lieu
tsnant General zassalitch's retirement
ORDERS TO VLADIvOSTOE SHIPS
The Associated Press was authorttativeiy in
formed to-day that there is absolutely no in
,ention on the part Of Vice Admiral SkrydloH
~ order an attempt 20 make junction with the
Port Arthur fleet The squadron will use Vladi-
,osrok as base for raids but will be kept IN
tact until the Baltic feet arrives in the Pacific,
when il will make an attempt 10 go TO sea and
report 10 Rear Admiral Rogestvensky a. a de-
termined point.
II is further stated that the garrison al Port
Arthur Is stronger than heretofore announced
There IS no reason 20 keep the strength OF the
garrison at Port Arthur secret" said the IN
fornoant The japanese know II. because OF
their perfect information. We have 2opo sol
diers and 10000 sailors there. The sailors VIII
not be used on the Qualifications. except as a
last extremity The Japanese will not obtain
,,ossessfon Of orr fleet even If they capture Port
Arthur The orders 10 the COMMANDER there are
that he shall. when fall Is inevitable, put 70
sea and engage the enemy. We do not intend 20
have tho Tapanese find in the harbor a number
~ valuable warships which they can seize and
add n their fleet Moreover. In battle the Jap
anase nil suffer as we'll as our ships, and those
OF the latter which do not escape VIII go TO the
bottom"