The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-20
RUSSIAN VIEWS OF
FAR EAST SITUATION

ST. PETERSBURG, April p.-No con-
firmaton has been received here up TO this
hour of the reported arrival of big fleet
of japanese transports in the gulf of Chi
Ii. Reports differ widely as to the destlna-
ton of the fleet, Kin-Chou, situated OH the
narrowest part of the Liao-Tung peninsula,
above Port Arthur, Kai-Chou, south of
Nieu-Chwang, and Nieu-Chwang itself be-
ing mentioned by the various reports. An
attempted landing at the head of the Lao
Tung gulf has been anticipated for some
time. but latterly the Russians nave been
inclined to believe that they have so
strengthened their position there that the
Japanese have abandoned the idea OF land
ing more than a raiding party to cut the
railroad TO Port Arthur. 1t is considered
possible that the Japanese may have de
cided that the time is opportune TO land
at Kin-Chou, with the object of cutting off
and investing Port Arthur. The chances of
effecting a landing in neutral Chinese ter
ritory on the coasts west of the Liao-Tung
peninsula are now regarded as remote, as
the Russians do not believe the japanese
Will dare to risk arOuSing the Chinese, and
thus bring down upon them the condemna-
ton of the powers, whose good opinion
they are striving 10 obtain. The fact is
that the Russians seem greatly at sea as to
the Japanese plans.
In the best informed military quarters the
correspondent of the Associated Press finds
considerable skepticism in regard to the
reported Japanese landing in Liao-Tung
gulf and an inclination To think it has been
too widely advertised to prove more than
ruse. III heavy landing occurs now, ex
cept in Korea, the Russian authorities are
more disposed to believe that it would be
near Taku-Shan. japanese transports are
expected daily at the mouth of the Yalu
river.
The reports that there are 5000 Cossacks
in the neighborhoOd of Gensan are de-
MED. The Russian cavalry Is scouting
along the east coast of Korea. but not
so Tar down as GenSan.
While there is almost constant skirmish-
ing along the Yalu, the Russians do not
anticipate important land fighting for some
time, not believing the Japanese will Sc
rlously attempt crossing the river until
their advance can be supported by two
represent the strength of the Mikados
soldiers in Korea. The general staff is of
opinion that the Japanese rear must be
protected and that third corps must be
landed and intrenched In a line across the
peninsula before the real forward move
ment can begin. Lack of transportation
facilities, according to the Russian adj
vices. are delaying the sJapanese. Both in
Japan and Korea the roads are in a dread
full state. The Japanese horses are dying
by the hundreds it will be impossible to
will have to rely on mountain guns
General kuropatkin's dispositions. the
general staff says, are progressing rapidly
and satisfactorily. The troops concentrate
ing below Mukden are being sent TO their
allotted positions. About 10000 are en-
ployed in guarding the railroad but the
number is considered sufficient They are
mainly on duty above the massive bridges
and heavy cuts, ETC., where serious damage
could be done by explosions. There is no
necessity for a heavy guard along the
ordinary roadbed. where damage could be
repaired in a few hours. The Russians
know the Japanese are making desperate
efforts to cripple the road by blowing up
bridges number of Japanese officers
have already been caught red-handed, but
the Russians believe that the measures
taken will prevent the possibility of such
q catastrophe.