The Tomahawk., 1904-09-01
Torpedo BOATS
SUNK By mines
RUSSIANS LOSE TWO DESTROY
ERs AT ENTRANCE TO
PORT ARTHUR.
VESSELS AT SHANGHAI
HAVE BEEN DlSARMED
Was Done by Direct Order of Emperor
Nicholas-RemovesF Fear Of Inter
national Complications-Japs Con-
tinue Fierce Attack on Port Arthur.


boat destroyers struck mines at the en-
trance of Port Arthur Wednesday even
ing. The larger one of the destroyers, a
four-funneled one, was sunk. The
names of the vessels and the number
of lives lost are unknown.
BY Order of Nicholas.
Shanghai, Aug. 26.-The dismantling
of the cruiser Askold and the torpedo
boat destroyer GroEovoi is by direct or
der of Emperor Nicholas, who sent
message to the crews congratulating
them on saving the vessels and thank
ing them for their service to the en-
pire.
A Welcome Order.
Shanghai, Aug 26.-An order was re-
ceived at $50 o'clock Wednesday night
from the Russian minister at Peklng
that the cruiser Askold and the torpedo
boat destroyer Grozovoi are to be dis
armed. Wednesday was a day of con-
siderable anxiety in official circles.
First an order went forth that the YES
sells could remain four days longer.
Then negotiations were begun for an
other four days. This request was
eagerly and persistently pressed by the
Russian minister at Peking, but it was
absolutely refused by the Chinese gov
ernment. Thereupon an order came to
Shanghai to rush work on the vessels
and go out to what seemed certain death
next Sunday The abject distress of the
Askold's crew when this news was re-
ceived was pitiable. From the first the
officers and crew have urged disarma-
ment, but the minister at Peking would
not consider the suggestion. The dock
managers Wednesday notified the Rus
sian officials that the Askold's hull could
not be repaired by Sunday. More tele-
graphing to Peking followed, and
Wednesday night the welcome order to
dismantle was received by the Russian
admiral Under the supervision Of the
customs authorities representing China,
the Askold and Grozovoi will go out of
commission before Sunday, and as soon
as they are patched up they will take
their places alongside the gunboat
Mandjur, which was dismantled last
March. Emperor Nicholas sent mes
sage to the crews of the Askold and
Grozovoi congratulating them for saw
ing the vessels and conveying words of
hope There is general satisfaction here
over the outcome of the matter. It is
understood that the Japanese fleet will
remain until the Russian vessels are
completely disarmed.
Russian Ships Sighted.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Aug. 26.
Fishermen report that three Russian
cruisers are coaling from the German
steamer Valesia at Cape JUDY, off the
south coast of Morocco.
Heavy Jap Losses.
Chefoo, Aug 26.-Russian advices
received here say that the Japanese
assaults on Port Arthur August Fl and
% were repulsed with tremendous
losses. It is added that the attempt of
the Japanese to capture Fort No. 1
cost them 10000 men, and that their at
tack on Fort Etseshan resulted in theil
losing 5000 men killed or wounded.
Port Dalny is said to be filled with
wounded men.
Final Assault Imminent
Toxic, Aug. 26.-The final assault on
Port Arthur is imminent. Hundreds of
Japanese guns continue to pour de-
structive fire into the city and harbor,
along the lines of forts and entrencn-
ments, preparatory for the infa14try
assault. 1t is evident that the Rus
sian lines have been weakened and
partly penetrated in the vicinity Of
Autzshan and Itzshan forts. The en-
tire line of Russian defenses immedi
ately about the harbor are Within
range of the Japanese guns A num-
Der of Russian forts and batteries con-
tinue to be vigorous. The Japanese
death roll will be heavily increased be-
fore they are captured. The direction
of the Japanese attack creates the i'm
preston here that the city and de-
fenses on either side Of the harbor en-
trance will fall first.
The final stand will be made at Lao
tishan. Japanese official channels of
information remain closed and the
navy departments announcement Of
the striking of mine by the battle
ship Sevastopol and the firing upon
the Russian forts by the cruisers Mis-
shin and Kasuga Tuesday are the only
disclosures made for several days. 1t
is believed here that both sides have
suffered heavy losses and that the final
record will make the siege the b1oodi-
est since Sedan. The Japanese are
supremely confident Of the ultimate re-
suit. The leaders of the government
await the outcome in calm assurance
The people are everywhere decorating
Straats and houses and erecting arches
and flagstaffs in preparation for Ia
tional celebration of the expected VIC
tory.
Call for Colorado Troops.