The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-04-23
LET 'EM CROSS.
The Russians VIII Offer No
Obstinate Resistance
10 Japanese Attempts TO Cross
the Yalu River.
FIGHT In MANCHURIA.
IsGeneral KurOpatkin's Plan OF
Campaign.
More Russians Blown Up by
Their Own Mines.
FIGHT IN MANCHURIA

st. Petersburg. April 23,-2;05 P.
Mn spite of the reports from Seoul
and Toxic that the Russians are mass
ing $4,000 men to resist the japanese
crossing the Yalu river, it can be as
serted with great positiveness that an
obstinate obstruction of the enemy
crossing is no part of General Kuro-
patkin's tactics The Russians intend
that the Japanese shall have the river
behind them before giving battle in
force Knrooatkin's plans in this re-
spect are fully approved here. OF
course the Russians will do all in
their power to render the crossing as
difficult and expensive as possible, but
the first decisive engagement will oc-
cur in EIanchuria. where the Russians
believe they will have all the advan-
tage of position.
The japanese fleet is again report
: ed to be off Port Arthur. but the re-
port is not official.
More Russians Blown Up.
st. Petersburg, April 22.-The czar
has received the following telegram
from vfceroy Alexieff:
"I respectfully report to your
majesty that during the placing Of
mines by some steam launches, Lieut.
Peu and twenty men were killed
through a mine exploding premat-
urely under the stern of one of the
launches"
Help From Germany.
New York. April 23.-Some sensa-
tion has been caused in Berlin, says
Herald dispatch from that city by
n rumor to the effect that Germany
has ceded to Russia certain torpedo
boats being built in private yards
which are on the point of completion.
Eight of these. which are being built
by the Schichau yard are the largest
torpedo boats as yet construed in
Germany, being of $50 tons with an
average speed Of 2S knots.
In order to prevent a breach of
neutrality it would be necessary that
the German governnent annuI its
contract with the yard, leaving the
builders free to do as they please with
the tor0edo boats.
Russians Driven on.
st. Petersburg, April 23.-The fol-
lowing telegram from Viceroy Alex
Jeff has been received by the Gar:
"A series of reconnaissances carried
out on the Yalu river has shown that
the japanese are concentrating in
considerable force. It is believed they
have about one division to the north
Of Win. They are also beginning to
concentrate troops in Wiiu from
which they have moved the Koreans
Information has reached me that
quantities of material. apparently
collect
ed opposite the island of Madeikhe.
Our scouts have killed two Jap
anese scouts. one of whom appeared
to be an officer.
"On our right flank our scouts exc
cuted daring Ieconnaisances extending
over several DAYS. on the left bank
OF the Ha!u as the result of which it
has been ascertained that there are
only few troops south of the river
Pomakua, but that the Japanese
there are occupied in preparing boats
A Russian detachment of two officers
and thirty-two men proceeded thither
in three boats. The detachment how
ever, was discovered by the enemy
and shots were exchanged three Of
our riflemen being killed. Staff Can
tain Smeizin and eleven riflemen were
severely wounded. The detachment
returned to our bank of the river un-
der the cover of two of our guns
Japanese Spies in France.
St Petersburg April 23-6 A. NJ
The Ruskislavo prints a letter from an
official in the French secret service.
which reports the presence of numerous
Japanese spies in France, we'll provid-
ed with money They shadow Russians
and watch the ship yards. Especially
90 they endeavor to ascertain the eXa@ It
date of the departure Of the Baltic fleet
and the points en- route at which il will
coal.
The Novosti states that the Russians
should feel gratified at the strategical
which imposed caution upon the Japa =
nese operations and gave Russia time
10 throw a prepondering military force
into Manchuria. The most favorabla
time, the Novosti continues, for Japan
mlntary operations has passed.
A letter written by Colonel Agapef
an oHcer of marines on the PetropaV- =
loVsk. who was drowned, describes the
routine upon the battleship.
We rise" he wrote, "at O'Clock,
learn the news of the night and drink
tea. At we attend colors and then
read the papers in hope of obtaining
information Of the intentions of the
enemy After we go meeting at
headquarters and discuss questions of
oeIense Lunch comes at 1 o'clock.
AfterWard we visit the city or transac ct
our own affairs. Dinner is at o'clock
when rumors of all kinds circulate
II reports OF the appearance of the
enemy are persistent" the letter states
the torpedo boats are sent out and
upon the crafts falls the hardest ser
vice Of the war. When Grand Duke
Cyril arrived at Port Arthur he was
given command of a torpedo boat
The ships in the harbor, it is stated
were connected with the others and
with the shore by telephones.
Chinese Dragon Shows His Teeth.
Paris, April 2S.-1:4O P M.-The cor
respondent of the Associated Press
here is informed that China has talxer
within the last few days It is sait
this may involve serious consequence
to the relations between Russia ana
China. China's action, it is noted iol-
lows the report that Viceroy Alexies
had requested the retirement of the
Chinese troops. It is also reported tina
the Chinese minister at st. Petersbu
will be recalled. Although the latai
report is denied there is reason to be
lieve that it has. some foundation.