River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1904-03-31

failed, thaEAs to the energetic defense
by the sea and land forces, who acted
as they did during the first attempt.
The harbor remains perfectly clear"
Fortifying Strategic Points.
Seoul, March 2S.-Russian soldiers
have appeared in large numbers on the
northeastern frontier of Korea and are
fortifying strategic points on the Tu-
men river. 1t is estimated that fully
5000 men are there now. These troops
easily can be REINFORCED from Vladivo-
stok, which is protected from all at
lacks from the south.
Japanese Army Advancing
st. Petersburg, March 2S.--The strug-
gle for the possession of the Yalu has
begun. Japan's first army of 10000 men
is now advancing to the Korean from
tier. Outpost fighting began on March
% in an engagement in which two
platoons of Russians and a Cossacll
sotnia and the advance guard of the
Japanese participated, near Pakchieng,
and resulted in the retirement of the
Russians without loss after killing one
Mishtchenko reports that the enemy's
forces continue to advance along the
route of the projected railroad, near the
western coast of Korea, which should
bring them to the Yalu at Win.
Russians Falling Back.
The Russian forces which have been
occupying the roads from the Yalu river
to the country east of Ping Yang have
been obliged to retire to intrenched POI
sitions along the Yalu in consequence
of the advance of the full force of the
japanese army, numbering 40, 900 men.
The Japanese advance guard, with artil-
lery, is about 40 miles south of the Yalu
river, occupying fortified lines uniting
Kasan, Anju, Yengpieng and Pekchien.
covering front of about 40 miles. Two
hundred Japanese scouts are securing
the country ahead of the main position.
1t will be necessary for the Japanese to
cross five rivers before reaching VIII.
All the bridges over these streams have
been destroyed by Russian scouting
parties. From now until the Yalu is
reached it is expected that there will be
a constant succession of skirmishes, but
fighting by large forces, it is reiterated.
will not occur until the Japanese have
reached the river.
Chwang Under Martial Law.
Tientsin, March est is officially an
nounced here that at noon Sunday the
Russians proclaimed New-Chwang un-
der martial law.
Taken from Neutral Territory.
Washington, March 2S.-The Russian
government has notified the United
States that it has mined the mouth of
the Lao river. This was supposed to
be neutral territory, but the action of
Russia puts it within the field of hos
tilities.
May Bring on a Battle.
st. Petersburg, March 28.-Vice Ad-
miral Makarof telegraphed the car
that ne had taken the Port Arthur
squadron, including battleships, cruis-
ers, destroyers and torpedo boats, for
cruise outside of the protection of the
forts in order to make reconnaissance
of adjacent islands. This is the first
time since the beginning of the war
that the Port Arthur squadron entire
has left the protection of the guns of
the forts. 1t is stated that Vice Ad-
miral Makaroff's active squadron now
includes the battleship Retvizan and
the cruisers Pallada and Bayarin. This
leaves only the battleship Czarevitch
yet to be repaired
Satisfaction is expressed with Vice
Admiral Makaroff's daring, not only
because it has established the fact that
the Russian fleet is intact, save for the
battleship Czarevitch, ready to fight il
necessary, but also because 1t is certain
to encourage the personnel of the Rus
sian forces and cause the Japanese to
believe that the Russians may not after
all remain on the defensive While the
Japanese fleet is reported to be off Che
foo, there is no question that Vice Ad-
miral Togo will keep Port Arthur I'M
der observation and that his cruisers
as fast as possible will communicate to
him news of the departure and return
of the Russian fleet and it's strength.
Seven Forts Built
Toxic, March 28--A private tele-
gram from Korea states chat the Rl!@
slams are establishing a strong position
in the vicinity Of Antung. They are
said to have seven fortresses completed,
and to be engaged in erecting six addi-
tional ones. 1t is also reported that
four batteries Of artillery have been
established at Chyang Siong. The Rus
slams are reported to be experiencing
great difficulty in transporting army
supplies, particularly from Lao Yang.
The roads are in bad condition, and it
has been necessary to repair them and
construct number of new bridges.
Food is scarce. No cattle are avail
able, and the Russians have been kill
ing and eating horses.
c;~ KiIled bv Falling Cage.