The Corvallis times. (Corvallis, Or.) 1888-1909, 1904-02-20
HUNTING JAps
RUSSIAN FLEET LEAVES
PORT ARTHUR ON MYS-
TERIOUS ERRAND.

we'd to be in Quest OF japanese
Squadron-Strained Rela-
tions Possible Between
Russia and U. S.
Ten Tsin, Feb. ia telegram
from Port Arthur states that the
Russian feet sailed today from
Port Arthur under sealed 'ordera.
The receipt of this message created
a profound sensation here, as it is
generally concededthe Russian COM
mande-s have found that they were
in great danger from their own de-
fenses, and unable moreover, to
combat the attacks of the Japanese
torpedo boat destroyers. which,
drawing in close to shore, under
the cover of night. continued to
harass the Russian feet
Russia will now, it is believed,
try to strike t ling blow a. the
japanese feet with the remnant of
her Port Arthur cqna Iron. 1t ia
believed the objective point is tie
Elliott Island group, where t ,e JAP
anese squadron is said to b. gath
ering in force. The Russians vii
alta k withou. delay, it is believed,
as nothing can be g ained by wait.
ing longer. AS the Russian craft
are reported in good cor di'i n, they
NAV strike a very powerful blow.
The Russian commander has
been using the vessels of the trans
port feet as scout'ships, and it is
thought he has secured important
information recently from this
souIce. One report current here is
that the japanese COMMANDMENTS
chief detached some of his most eff
fective vessels and started them
northward TO destroy the Siberian
fleet from Vladivostok. IT this is
30, the Russiaa admiral has >proba-
bly, decided to take advantage of
the weakened state Of the japanese
squadron and endeavor t. strike a
blow that will change the balance
of naval power in Corean waters.
Washington, Feb. Ill is said
Secretary Hay has received depend.
able, although Unofficial inf,rma-
lion, that Russia is preparing to re-
taliats against the United S ates for
what ia considered to be the open
friendship manifested for japan.
This may not 60 further than com
mercial discrimination, but there
are indications that relations be-
tween the United States and Russia
may become severely strained be.
fore the far eastern war is terminal
ed.
Much irritation is selt at St. Pc
tersburg, according to the informa'
ton said to have been received
The first method in which it will
be formerly displayed, if advices
prove authentic, will be- barring o.
the American consuls recently &C
credited to Dalny, Mukden and An
tung. These ports were recently
proclaimed by China as open to
trade. When the consuls reach
these places exequarteurs will be
refused and no recognition will be
given them. What action this gov.
ernment will tlke in such an event
has not yet been determined.
The making of Wiju free port
by Corea, as announced today by
Minister Allen from Seoul is believ-
ed to have resulted from representa-
tions made by Japan, and is ex'
pected still further to irritate the
Russian government. 1t was ap-
prehension that Russia might not
receive the consul to Antung thai
influenced Secretary Hay to seek
the opening of Win, which is di
rectly across the Yalu river FROM
Antung.
Consul Miller is looking after
Japanese interests at Niu Schwang,
A number of Japanese women is
reported to have been outraged by
Russians and the possibility of Sc
rious trouble over this matter is ad
mitted by the state department
Mr.. Miller's instructions are not t
RECOGNIZES Russian authority at Nir
Schwang as superior to that of any
other power. This has led to con
siderable dissention in the past ane
will prove m ore irritating in th,
future, as Russia is supposed tt
have occupied the latter part.
Min Schwang is recognized By
the United States as belonging t.
China. The gunboat Vicksburg i
at that port. She carries 175 blu
jackets and 40 marines, wb" ca
be landed to protect Coosul Mile
if trouble arises.
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