The Aberdeen Democrat. (Aberdeen, South Dakota) 1???-1909, 1904-02-26
COSSACkS CAPTURE
JAPANESE TROOPS
FIRST LAND ENCOUNTER OF THE
WAR TAKES PLACE ON THE
SOIL. OF CoREA.
REPORT OF RUSSIAN
DISASTER is DENIED
Russian Officials Say Everything Is
Quiet at Seat of War = Russian
Reply Brief-European Complica-
tions Not Feared,

st. Petersburg, Feb. GA dispatch
from Port Arthur Saturday says the
hrst a encounter occurred Friday.
A picket of Cossacks attacked a small
detachment of Japanese troops on
Corean territory. The Cossacks cap
tured some Japanese prisoners, on
Whom they found maps and papers.
The collision was presumably be-
tween accommodating parties. A gen.
eral engagement is not anticipated. A
special Port Arthur dispatch says the
japanese fleet was observed February
lS cruising off that port.
Sensational Story Denied. =,
With reference to the sensational
stories Of a disaster to Russian troops
at Lake Baikal Zone report saying that
three regiments were drowned While
attempting to cross the recovered
lake, it is explained that the trans-Bai-
kali tine was blocked at the Baikal sta
ton during the night of February 10
by an avalanche of snow which fell
from a n%eighboring mountain. A train
having troops on board dashed into the
obstruction, the locomotive was de-
rallied, and in the succeeding five cars
one soldier was killed, five severely
hurt and IA were slightly hurt. Traf-
tc was expected to be resumed the fol-
lowing day.
Further advices from Port Arthur
Saturday say that all the women and
children and most Of the male civilians
have left that place, and that practi-
cally only the garrison remains.
Reports from northern Corea say the
Coreans are showing a decidedly
friendly attitude to the Russians.
The M%anchurian railroad is convey
ing troops without difficulty to the va
rious points of concentration
Native reports say that lne Chinese
pirates, since the outbreak of hostil-
tiles, have been displaying such activ-
ity in eastern Asiatic waters as almost
to paralyze the coasting trade.
All Quiet at Seat of War.
Maj, Gen, Plug, the chief of staff of
Viceroy Alexieff, telegraphed from
Port Arthur Saturday as follows:
The situation at Port Arthur is un-
changed. A Sotnia of Cossacks, march
ing from Wiju, captured a japanese
major, Tatsaru, with i've soldiers and
two civilians. The reports regarding
the enemy are generally contradictory
and scarce. 1t is confirmed that troops
OF Yuan Shat Kai Commander in chief
OF the Chinese army, are being dis
patched to Tsin Chou and Kupantze.
All is quiet in M%anchuria.'
Terms of Russian Reply.
Paris, Feb. 22.-It is learned that the
Russian foreign minister, Count Lams-
dorf, Saturday received from the
Washington government a communfca-
ton announcing that Russia's reply
was considered responsive to the Amer
lean note on China, and would be trans
mitted to the governments of China
and Japan. This favorable response
to the United States from Russia is
highly gratifying to the officials here,
as it counteracts the mischievous re-
ports to the effect that the Russian an
swer was equivalent to a rejection. AS
q matter of fact, Russia's reply is
practically the same as those of the
other powers, recognizing the neutral
ity Of China with the exception of
Manchuria. The terms of the Russian
reply are substantially as follows:
Russia will be glad to join with the
other powers in recognizition of Chi
nese neutrality On three conditions:
"First-That China shall maintain
neutrality.
"Second-That Japan shall loyalty
support this neutrality.
'rThird-That Manchuria being the
field Of military operations shall not
be included"
The reply is quite brief, not contain
Ing any language beyond the foregoing
three conditions and the Introductory
sentence.
The communication which Count
Lamsdorf has now received from Sec
rotary Hay is equally brief and ex-
plicit, and is confined to the statement
that Russia's answer is considered re-
sponsive to the American proposition,
and will be transmitted to China and
Japan.
Berlin, Fen. 22.-The foreign office
several days ago instructed the Ger
mai ambassador at st. Petersburg and,
the minister Of Germany at Toxic to
communicate to the governments 10
which they are accredited Gerfnany's
adherence to the principles contained
in Secretary Hays note on the neutral
fly. Of China. Both powers gave a gem
eral assurance that those principles
we're acceptable to them.
OFF for Shanghai.
Washington, Feb. PA cablegram
received at the navy department Satur-
day from the commander Of the gunhoat
Wilmington. at Chefoo, announces the
departure Of that vessel for Shanghai, in
accordance with orders from the de-
partment. 1t appears that the officials
here were not advised of the intended
visit Of the Wilmington to Chefoo for
the purpose Of observing operations
there. In pursuance of the policy of
strict neutrality which this government
has adopted and will adhere to 1t was
thought expedient to Withdraw the Viii