The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-11-03
CITY IS DOOMED.
Port Arthur Is Now at Mercy
of the Japanese.
They Can Take 1t Whenever
They Are Ready.
MAY NOT SURRENDER.
Russians Nay Retire to Tigers
Tail and Fight On.
They Can't Hold Out Until Baltic
Fleet Arrives.


The fall of Port Arthur seems immi-
nent. Detailed reports of the opera
tions against the position indicate that
the prolonged attack is nearing it's end
and that the Japanese are now enter
ing upon the last stage of the memora-
BILE siege. For the first time the AS
sociated Press correspondent with Gen
eral Nogi's army has been permitted to
send dispatches direct from Port Arthur
and these show that practically all the
outlying defenses are in the hands of
the japanese who are sanguine of i'm
mediate victory. The armies of Oyama
and Kuropatkin still confront each 9TH
er along the Shakhe river, inactive ex-
cept for skirmishes and artillery
skirmishes.
Chefoo, Nov. $3.50 p. m.-The cor
respondent of the Associated Press here
has received information, the reliabil-
tty of which is beyond question, that
the Japanese now occupy positions
which place the east side of the town at
their mercy.
The last assault has gained for them
positions which insure their ability to
enter the main east forts whenever they
are ready.
1t is calculated by the japanese that
if the Russians do not surrender the
latter will be capable of prolonging
their final stand at LiaOti mountain
and on the Tigers Tail for a much
longer time. with the mere hope of
prolonging the struggle Long before
the second Pacific squadron arrives the
Japanese flag will wave over the
wrecked citadel.
This will end Viceroy Alexieff's dream
of an unconquerable city.
The Japanese have not yet occupied
the main forts and highest points of the
east hills, but they occupy in over
whelning numbers positions which will
enable them to drive the Russians back
whenever they desire.
When the Japanese occupy the east
Port Ridge, they will completely DOM
mate the other Russian forts with their
artillery.
Beginning of the End.
Headquarters of the Third Jap
anese Army in Front ~of Port Arthur,
Censored-The Japanese are now in a
position to commence the end of op-
erations. For the capture of east Port
Ridge and the siege of Port Arthur
inch howitzers. On the night of Oc-
tober 29, all the reserves advanced
through net work of trenches in front
OF east Port Ridge from South Keek-
wan TO w est Called
by the japanese Shochosan. The bonn
bardment began at dawn October 80.
Infantry attacks were planned at noon
against the two Rihlung mountains, an
entrenched hill between East BanjuSan
and East Keekwan mountain and the
three Keekwan forts. Tremendous ex-
citement prevailed among the troops,
who were convinced that success meant
the capture of East Port Ridge and the
surrender of Port Arthur in time for
the emperor's birthday celebration No
vember 8.
Reports From DaIny.
Chefoo, Nov. 3.-Noon-Japanese ar
irving from Dalny today report that the
Japanese have captured Rihlung noun
tain and Sungshu mountain which lies
between the railroad and Rihlung
mountain. They also report that the
Japanese have captured East Keekwan
mountain.
Conservative japanese, realizing the
intense desire of the Japanese for good
news on the emperor's birthday, receive
these reports with reserve. Regarding
the capture of Rihlung and Sungshu
mountains, the report is not considered
improbable, but Japanese say that it is
not intended to occupy East Keekwan
mountain. In August the Japanese
succeeded in entering East Keekwan
fort as was related in these dispatches
at that time, but they were compelled
that it is impossible to hold East Keek-
wan and therefore an attack in that
position is presumably only a feint.
The SIiI1ado's Birthday.
Toxic. Nov 81 P. Nippon the oc-
casion of his birthday, at luncheon to-
day the emperor addressing his guests,
extended welcome to the foreign di-
plomatic corps and ministers of state,
and said:
I'VE regret that the time has not
come to see peace restored in the far
east in realization of our Desires
He proposed the health of the SOW
ereignS and rulers represented at his
court and expressed the wish that the
bonds of friendship existing between
their respective countries might be
drawn closer.
Celebrate on Small Scale.
St. Petersburg, Nov. 3-12:5S P Nj
There was little attempt today to ce1e-
brate except in a perfunctory way the
tenth anniversary of the accession of
Emperor Nicholas. The imperial fam
lily attended a TIE Deum a the Kasan |
cathedral and there were services in |
all the churches Later the troops were
tions to the school children and there |
was music and other holiday displays |
in the parks, but on account of the |
war and the anxiety regarding the sit |
uation at Port Arthur, everything was |
on small scale.
Heavy CannOnading.
Mukden, Nov. 3.-There have been |
of skirmishes along the whole |
front during the last few days, but
forced the crossing of the Shakhe river |
on the extreme Russian left.
At daylight today there was heavy |
lasting an hour during a |
reconnaissance.
ID