Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-02-16

consul has reported to United States
Minister Conger that the Russian au-
thorities have refused to allow the
American steamer Pliedades to leave
Port Arthur. The Pliedades sailed
from Seattle February Q with . cargo
of flour.
Russia Not Ready to Reply
St. Petersburg, Feb. 13.-Russia IL
evidently not prepared at this time to
give an answer to the United States to
Secretary Hays note on the subject Of
the neutrality Of China. AS previously
stated in these dispatches, hostilities
having begun, the military authorities
must be consulted, and the car doubt
less will refer the matter to Vieeroy
Alexieff, If he has not already. done So
Russia, 1t can be said, is certainly as
anxious as the United States that the
war cause no risings or disorders in
China. Indeed the attitude Of China is
already causing some misgivings here,
as she has not yet declared her neu-
trality.
Russia has already learned Of the
position taken by several powers re-
garding Secretary Hays cote. Ger
many and Great Britain, it is under
stood, both express sympathy with its
purpose, but with an important reser-
walton concerning Manchuria, which is
now the theater of war. Germany's
views in this respect were anticipated,
but Great Britain's failure to give
Secretary Hay unqualified support hiss
caused surprise here.
To Proclaim Chinese Neutrality.
Washington, Feb. 13.-Minister Con-
ger cabled the state department Friday
from Picking that the Chinese govern
ment would Immediately issue procla-
nation of neutrality, having Thursday
received from the Russian minister the
declaration of war.
II this proclamation is observed II
will, Of course, prevent the threatened
invasion Of Manchuria by the Boxers
China also must prevent the use Of hel
soil by either Russian OF japanese
| troops.
All the answers to Secretary Hay
proposition are not yet in, but 1t Il
hoped that they will be received within
the next "a hours.
The Fight at Chemulpo.
New York, Feb. 13.-About 200 of tn
variag's crew lost their lives when tn
vessel was destroyed Monday by tn
Japanese off Chemulpo, according to
World dispatch from Toxic. The GREY
of the Russian cruiser numbered SIC
Many lost their lives under fire, but
large number drowned in attempting
to escape.
The men Loyalty aided their Officers
, and 1t is said not one Of the latter wa
! drowned in getting ashore.
Many swan not to the shore, but t
the foreign men-of-war in the harbol
which promptly lowered boats and wen
to their rescue. Besides the Frenc
cruiser Pascal, the Italian cruiser Elb
and the British cruiser Talbot aided til
refugees. One hundred and fifty. man
Of them wounded, reached the Talbot.
Sir Cyprian Bridge, the British ad
miral in command Of the station, ha
ord ed that the wounded Russians shal
not be handed over TO the japanese un
less they so desire.
The Japanese did not lose q mar
None Of the fleet, which is known I
have been in overwhelming force, wa
!, aam nae engagement was w.,cu.u.., ....
foreign warships. including the Unite
States gunboat vicksburg. They all 90
luted the Japanese nag Thursday. II be
ing the great national festival Of Kige
netsu, the anniversary Of the accessio
Of the emperor Jimmu to the throne an
the foundation Of the present imperia
line, 1854 years ago.
To Hold Masampho.
London, Feb. 13.-Baron Hayash
japanese minister here, summing u
events in the Far East so far a. the
, have gone. said to the press:
!. Whatever may be the eventual r,
sult of the war, Russia. in allowing /,
to occupy and fortify Masampho. hi
created for herself another Dardanelle
With the fertilization of Masampho tt
integrity of Japan Is assured foreve
: No feet can now pass there again,
Japan's wishes. Even II We were bea
en- we would not give up Masampho."
The press understands that the Japal
ese troops are advancing rapidly tt
ward the Yalu river. There, it is e,
pected, they will meet and engage Il
. Russian forces. The japanese decla,
that the numbers of the Russian trool
are greatly exaggerated.
The plan of the japanese appears
be to take the road which leads almo
3 straight to Mukden. They profess 4
have no doubt that they will be able
drive back the Russian forces toward
Hardin.
In spite Of the lack OF news is Is col
f1dently held here that the Japanese Ian
, forces are actively engaged in q mo.
, important movement, which will CON
to q climax as swiftly as did Japan snrl
naval attack.
, Assigned.
Evansville, Ind. Feb. 13.-The Evan
vile Contract company on Friday filt
: a deed Of assignment, with liabiliti
amounting to 100000.
j, THE MARKETS.
q Grain, Provisions, Etc.
q Chicago, Feb. II.
. BUTTER-Market ruling steady ar
firm. Creameries. per h.. 1926; dairis
i 12H30c