The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-03-19
BRAVE JAPANESE GIRL
WHO STOLE WAR MAPS

All Japan is ringing with the daring
exploit OF Miss Ando Yoshi, which the
authorities have just permitted to be
known.
Her name is on everybOdy's lips She
is being cheered by the students and
merchants in torchIight professions and
by the boys waging the war game in the
temple grounds almost as much as Ad-
mirals Togo and UriU. Moreover, she
has been highly commended by the
Ankado, and in all probability will re-
ceive a decoration from him.
Miss Ando Yoshi deserves her cOun,
trymen's praise. At great risk she stole
important war maps and papers from
the Russians al Port Arthur. and in
disguise carried them through the Rus
sian lines to Pelkin, where she delivered
them to the japanese minister.
These maps, it is understood here
have influenced the Japanese general
staff to a considerabI extent in its plan
of war. since they give detailed infor-
nation concerning the measures taken
to protect Port Arthur and Dalny-
harbOr defenses. strength of the garri-
sons, dimensions Of the fortificatiOns
exc. They also show the location OF
forts throughout Manchuria and the
disposition of the Russian forces up to
the day the maps We're stolen.
Then there are full details Of defenses
to be erected in case of a japanese in
vasion. and instructions concerning the
mobiliZing of the troops in such an
event. Means of transportation and the
possibility of laying railroads for the
purpose are minutely outlined. and the
names of the regiments TO be sent 10
the front at once and their destinations
are given.
Miss Ando primarily owes her fame
To the circumstance that her family was
too poor TO support her. She objected
10 becoming geisha girl, and hearing
that many of her compatriots We're
T. al1ing a good living in Manchuria, she
decided to 80 there.
She landed at Port Arthur about four
Years ago. There she began selling rice
cakes for living. first to the japanese
and the Chinese population, and later
on to the Russians.
Miss Ando. according to Japanese
standards. is a prepossessing young wo-
man. and it was not long before she at
traCted the attention of some of the
Russian officers. According to a native
account. lit was her lacquer black hair
and bright eyes which worked havoc
witt. the Russians. Whatever the cause
Miss Ando found favor in the eyes OF
the officers. and was permitted 10 sell
rice cakes in the officers quarters.
When the news reached the Japanese
q Port Arthur that the relations with
Russia We're strained, Miss Ando hal
long enjoyed the freedom Of barracks
and officers quarters Indeed. she was
not infrequently present at many of the
entertainments given by the officers
Miss Ando, upon learning Of the i'm
pending war, determined TO put hes
privileges TO some account for her coun-
try. SO at the first sign OF trouble she
did not flee from the city with the ma
sority of her cOuntrymcn. Instead, she
sold rice cakes as before. but she also
kept her eyes open.
Her chance came some days before
I'oIi Arthur was bombarded In going
about the quarters At night she came
upon a group of officers engaged IN
conference over a lot OF maps and pa
LerS.