Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-05-26
RUSSIA IS REJOICING
Tho Loss Of Two Japanese Warships
Thought a Sign from God.
RUSSIA AFTER A GERMAN ALLIANCE.
An Understanding with Germany would
Prevent British Interference In Favor
Of japan After tho War-A Russian
Cruiser Grounds During Eos.

1
81. Petersburg, May 20.-The loss Of
at least two Japanese warships Is on
cially confirmed. A message dated
Port Arthur, received by carrier pigeon
at Mukden, was transmitted to the en-
peror early yesterday morning saying
that the Japanese warships had been
lost of that port. The message fol-
lowed the emperor to Koursk and no
one here knew Of its contents until
late last night, when foreign tele-
grams brought full details Of the jap
anese loss.
Early in the afternoon reports OF the
sinking of the Shikishima and the Full
on the authority Of Russian refugees
from Dalny began to circulate and
aroused the most intense interest.
When later confirmation came Of the
sinking Of at least two Japanese war
ships the greatest enthusiasm was
manifested. Without reference to Its
effect on the campaign the people at
tribute the enemy's disaster to divine
interposition in the Russian cause.
at is an offering to Russia upon the
day of ascension and the emperor's
birthday and 1t is a sign that God is
with u.s." was the remark generally
heard.
In naval circles the Japanese catas-
trophe ia a matter for rejoicing, though
regrets are expressed that brave men
have lost their lives, just as Japan
voiced its sorrow to the world when
brave men went down with the Petro-
pavlovsk. But this feeling Of SYM
pathy is swallowed up in the greater
thanksgiving for the blow inflicted
on the sea power Of the enemy. 1t is
pointed out that the Hatsuse was one
of Japan's finest battleships and that
the loss Of two and possibly four war
ships at intervals Of few days can
not fail to deeply affect Japan and to
influence the course of the campaign.
The Gripping Of Togo's fleet will,
It is thought, more than ever deter the
Japanese commander from dividing his
fleet, as he must retain his heavier
ships of Port Arthur. Thus the Vlad-
ivostok squadron may have another
opportunity for raids.
Russia After a German Alliance.
Paris, May 20.-The st. Petersburg
correspondent Of the Echo de Paris
says: II Is perslstently rumored that
negotiations are going on with Ger
many, the object Of which is to effect |
a rapprochement and the reconstitu-
ton Of the triple alliance, whereby |
Russia would obtain Germany's diplo-
matte support in a settlement Of the |
far eastern question. An understand
ing with Germany would prevent Brit
ish intervention In favor Of Japan after
the war and Russia would, as On i'm
mediate pledge, concede a settlement
of pending economic and customs
questions.
Russia has decided to make all the
ports of her Pacific possessions free
ports. and this will soon be announced
officially with view to meeting Brit
Ish and American objections to her
occupation of Manchuria,
A Russian Cruiser Grounds During Fog.
Paris, May 20.-The correspondent
At st. Petersburg of the Echo de Paris
says: The Russian cruiser Begatyr
grounded during fog on the rocks
near the entrance to Vladivostok Her
position is critical, The crew was
saved.