Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-09-01
American Officer Just Out Of PORT:
Arthur Tells Something.
BLOODY ROAD AHEAD FOR THE JlPS,
Every Russian Position PrOtecte0t
by Trenches, Mines, Networks.
and Barbed Wire which Cam
not BE Taken by Assault. ~.


Paris, Aug. 27.-Raymond Recouly.,
correspondent Of the Temps at Lia@
Yang, telegraphs as follows to his pa
per: "I was fortunate to travel with
an American naval attache (Lieut
Newton A. McCully) who has just re7
turned from Port Arthur after a so-''
journ there of three months. The
news he gives me Is entirely different
from the pessimistic reports current
lately concerning the situation at the
fortress. The American attache left
the fortress August IA. The Japanese
were then Az miles from the city.
The Russian positions upon chain OF
rugged hills 200 meters high were pro-
tected by trenches, mines, networks.
barbed wire and cannon and according
to the American officer, 1t was impos-
sible to take them by assault. jap
anese shells fell in the city but each
position possessed dugout In which
the occupants were able to secure
shelter. The Japanese heavy guns
ceased firing every night, fearing that
the Russians would detect their exact
location by the flashes during ths
darkness. There was considerable
stocks of provisions at Port Arthur.
The Russian soldiers had a fresh
meat ration daily. The reports that
Russian officers were subsisting on
onions and black bread were absurd
Inventions. The stores were still open
and the population promenaded the
streets. The regiments took turns In
the trench es. Part Of the garrison
was always resting. The Russian SAIL
ors assisted in the defense Of the
fortress. They made excellent sharp
shooters. The heat had not been un-
bearable. The American attache be-
lieves that the Japanese losses have
been very heavy, at least ten times
those of the Russians. In short, Port
Arthur can hold out much longer than
people believe.
Not a Man TO De Left.
Chefoo, Aug. 27.--A Russian who
has an intimate knowledge Of the Port
Arthur Notifications explains that
there are three forts known as No. ..
This accounts for the various and con-
fiicting reports regarding fighting at
No. s. The Japanese advance guard IT,
close to the section Of Port Arthur
known as the new European settle
ment. Japanese here expect that their
army may even enter the residence and
business district Of Port Arthur, but
that this would not necessarily mean
The fall Of the Russian stronghold.
The Russian defenses are arranged
with the idea Of resisting as long as
here is a man left, and the nature OF
heir defenses suggests that the final
Itand will occur at the Tigers Tail, or
4iaotl mountain, or both. @
Will Not Steal the AslkOld.
Shanghai, Aug. 27-The work OF
the Russian warships Ask
I'D and Grozovoi will begin on Mon
lay The Japanese declare that there
will not be repetition Of the Ryeshi-
elni incident at Chefoo a.
Regards Incident Closed. "
Washington, Aug. 27.-The navy de-
,artment has received cablegram
rom Rear Admiral Stirling, COM
nander-in-chief of the AsIatic feet,
lated Shanghai, saying that the stu
.tion there is quiet and that he re-
ards the incident Of the disarmament
I the Russian ships as closed.
A Long Siege, Says Paris. -
Paris, Aug. 27.-The Toxic CORE
pendent of the Matin declares that the
apanese minister Of war has conf
entially informed his colleagues that
here is no hope Of taking Port Arthur
y direct assault and that long oper-
tions will be necessary. Therefore
he minister has ordered Field Marshal
Iyama to avoid attacks entailing heavy
,sses. This, the correspondent says,