The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1904-04-25
ARMIESFACE
TO FACE
Forces of Gar and Mikado
Ready for Battle.
ISLANDS HELP JAPS.
Russians Have Figured Out the
japanese Plan of Cam.
paign.

LONDON, April 25.-Advices receiv-
ed from Seoul state that the japanese
lines now extend thirty miles along
the Yalu river, reaching from Non-
gampho to ten miles above Wiju. The
Russians are strongest mt Antung. Ii
ger hill is, as it was in the China Jap
anese war, the key to the situation.
Three islands, one above and two
below Wiiu, will facilitate an attack,
as they offer base for artillery to
cover the crossing of the Yalu.
II is reported that the japanese are
landing troops and constructing build
ings at Hungchuan, below Yongampho,
A Newchwang report says the Rus,
slams are preparing to resist a Japa-
nese advance by the further cOnstruc-
tion of intrenchments and other fort-
fications on the Manchurian side of the
river. especially opposite the points
where the japanese have concentrated
their forces within the last few days,
and all reports OF a decisive engage
ment on the Yalu are premature
St Petersburg adyices say apparent
ly reliable information in the posses
sion of the general staff leads TO the
belief that the objective Of the Japa-
nese campaign does not involve the
ambitious invasion of the Interior Of
Manchuria with the purpose of reach
ing and overwhelming the main Rus
sian army. If the japanese ever en-
tertained the hope Of accomplishing
task similar TO that which Napoleon
set himself present advices indicate
that they have abandoned it and have
adopted a much more cautious and
less hazardous programme.
If this information is correct, there
will be no advance upon the army con
centrated at Liaoyang and Mukden,
with its attendant constantly lengthen-
ing and weakening of the japanese line
of communications Instead there
seems to be a determination to stick as
close as possible to the sea, where lies
Japan's natural base Of communica-
tions. she having established herself in
Korea.
The general Stairs reports says that
the japanese still have three other OBJ
jectives-the occupation of line across
the LiaOtung peninsula, for the purpose
of cutting off Port Arthur; the isOla-
tlon of Yladivostok and the establish
ment of a junction between the army
of Korea and the force at the head Of
the Liaotung peninsula. The last men
toned movement might be accomplish
ed by a landing near the mouth of the
Tayang river, which, by threatening
the flank of the Russian position at
Fenghuancheng, might render it un-
tenable and make the advance of col
umn from Korea comparatively easy.
If these plans should succeed, the life
of both Russian squadrons in the Pa
cifc would be menaced, and, with the
sea and feet back of her at every
point, Japan could fortify the positions
thus gained and, with the tables turn
ed, compel General Kuropatkin to come
forward and attack.
General Kuropatkin, however, is in
possession of the latest advices receiv-
ed by the general staff, and it is safe
to assume that If the japanese cam
paign develops along the lines indicat-
ed he will be ready to make such dis
position Of his forces as will meet and
checkmate it.
A Port Arthur dispatch says the Chi
cago Daily News dispatch boat, which
approached here during the night, was
boarded by Russian officers. The cor
respondent was arrested, but was lib
Grated on condition that he avoid the
KwanGtung sesss=ai= In future.