The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-06-07

fortress, but to act with the greatest
prudence. A general whom 1 inter-
viewed on the subject of the council
said:
IF Kuropatkin is weak enough to
advance, he will commit a serious
Dlunder. The number of his troops
is insufficient. and the condition UNI
der which he woul act are unfavor-
able. He might meet an almost ire
parable reverse, and Port Arthur be
further from relief than ever. If we
try to relieve Port Arthur, we will
be doing exactly what the Japanese
hope"
Probably Brings Important News.
st. Petersburg, June 2.-Lieutenant
General Gourko is attached to the
staff of General Fock, and was the
bearer of important information re-
gardlng the fighting at Kin Chou, and
the situation at Port Arthur. A long
dlspatch is now being deciphered at
the war office. 1t probably contains
the intelligence brought by Lieuten-
ant Colonel Gourko, and it is believed
that at least a portion of it will be
given out tonight.
According to information in posses
sion of the general staff, the enemy
mas hve divisions and five reserve
corps. o $4,000 men, on the Lao
Tung peninsula and at least seven
divisions and sever reserve troops,
or about 1855 men, in southern
Manchuria. Although the impress
sion prevailed among the members
of the general staff that General Ku-
k purpose was to make feints to
prevent General Kuropatkin from
MOVING but not to attack him until
the result of the campaign against
Port Arthur is determined, there is
now apparently more inclination to
think he will try a demonstration in
force, which might result in a deci-
sive engagement. The Japanese
commander is constantly shifting his
columns back and forth to conceal
his real purposes, the latest reports
received being that he had again
abandoned SaimatsZa, north Of Feng
Wang Cheng.
All the reports drifting into Gener-
al kuropatkin's headquarters from
the Kwang Tung peninsula, are in
creasing the extent of the japanese
losses at Kin Chou, one to-day max
ing the number about 10000 men.
Accurate reports of the Russian loss
es, as well as of the Russian forces
engaged, were probably brought by
den from Port Arthur. 1t is shown
that the Japanese statements are in
correct in a number of particulars;
for instance, they ave the name Of a
regiment as engaged, which really is
OF Lao Yang.
Quiet Prevails in Feng Wang Cheng
Region.
st. Petersbur- June 2.-The fol-
lowing telegram from General Kuro-
patkin to the Emperor, dated June 1.
has been received:
Quiet prevails in the direction of
Feng Wang Cheng. The town of
Saimatsza, which was evacuated by
the Japanese May 81, has been re-
occupied by our troops. Our patrols
May 81 had a skirmish in Lao Lin
pass, ten miles south of Stu Yen, with
a Japanese detachment composed of
two companies of infantry and half
a squadron Of cavalry. We had one
COssack wounded. There is no
change in the situation at New
Chwang or kai Chou
Rpssian Losses at the Battle OF Kin
Chou.
ST. Petersburg, June "A semi
official telegram from Mukden, dated
to-day, say the Russian losses at the
battle OF Kin Chou MAY 26th were
thirty officers and 500 men killed or
wounded. The guns abandoned by
the Russians were rendered useless.
Russian Squadron Will Not Be
Trapped.
st. Petersburg, June at can
safely be predicted hat the Russian
squadron at Port Arthur will not wait
until the last moment before going
out. The admiralty seems to enter
tain no fear. if the situation there
becomes desperate. that the squadron
will be caught like a rat in a trap.
Rear Admiral Wittsoft's dispatch.
given out Yesterday, gave assurances
on this point, a portion OF which not
made public said that every ship. ex-
! cept the Pobieda, was now ready 10
go TO sea at a moments notice and
> that the channel was clear He con-
firmed the belief which existed here
that the Japanese will continue their
efforts to block the channel before
the decisive moment 70 storm the
fortress On the land side arrives and
have made plans accordingly. In the
position of the most competent mil
itary critics. the lar Notifications
must be preached before a general as
sault can be risked. and this is not
considered possible IN less than three
( weeks.