Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-20
st. Petersburg Remains Hopeful.

ST. PETERSBURG, August 20-The re-
port from Chefoo that the Russians have
driven the Japanese out of the position at
Palung-Chang. whence they have been
bombardng the forts of Port Arthur has
been received with considerable gratifica-
tion at the war office, where it
garded evidence that the defenders are
strong enough to even take the offensive
when the occasion demands. For this rea-
son the office is not inclined to credit
the reports that the Japanese have cap
tured forts No. and No. 4, just beyond
Naeoushp HILL five miles northeast of
Port Arthur. 1t is admitted that the pos
session of these forts would render the sit
uation of the besegers desperate.
Late advices from Port Arthur say that
Palung-Chang, although retaken by the
Russians, has not been occupied by either
side. The Russian batteries have content
ed themselves with preventing the Japa-
nese from reoccupying this position and
planting guns which would command the
Russian warships In the harbor.
The war office has no official information
from the fortress going beyond August g.
and 10, which probably was sent through
the captured Russian torpedo-boat destroy
er Ryeshitelni, although this is not admit
ted This report tells of the desperate
character of the japanese attacks. when
continued practically without intermission
for forty hours. General StoeSsels re-
ports Of the assaults Of August IA and 10
are expected at any hour. ~.
Private information coming from Port
Arthur by way of Chinese 1unks says that
when the Japanese sent in the flags OF truce
Friday they conveyed message 10 potn
the general commanding the fortress and
the admiral commanding the squadron.
According to the admiralty's information
the battleship Retvizan was the most un-
lucky ship in the harbor before the sorue
of August 10. Out of 153 shells entering the
town five struck the RevitZan. woundlng
her captain and three other officers She
was also the only ship hit when the Japan
ese fired over Liaou mountain, the extreme
southern end of the Kwang Tung peninsu-
Ia during the earlier stages OF the opera
tions.
The Russian warshps which returned to
Port Arthur declare that Admiral Withofts
last order was to return to Port Arthur.
This disagrees with previous statement
from Tsingtau alleging that the admirals
last order was not to return.
Business at Standstill.
Commercial business at Port Arthur is
said to be at a complete standstiN. The
people are living in bomb-proof houses, A
belief on both sides of the contending forces
that the other side is abusing the red cross
has led to the feeling that that emblem is of
little protection. The Russians assert that
the Japanese the nag to cover recon-
noitering parties. Recently Russian sharp
shooter noticed a Japanese officer and
party Of fifteen carrying a Red Cross flag.
He reported that he believed the Japanese
were shamming that they were wounded.
The Russian officer In command gave the
sharpshooter PERMISSION 10 nre on tnem
The sharpshooter killed or wounded all of
them AS fast as dropped the Red
Cross flag another one picked 1t up. 1t Is
also reported that the Japanese attempt to
deceive the Russians into touching off their
electric ground mines by driving cattle over
them in the darkness. This ruse has, it is
said. resulted merely in affording the be-
siegers a fresh supply of beef.
The Russians declare that Takushan is
doing the Japanese but little good, they
frequently driven from that position
by the artillery fire. They also are unable
to mount guns.
Among the buildings in Port Arthur that
have been destroyed by shells are the Rus
sian church and Clarkson & Sons Ameri
can WAREHOUSE.
Anxiety Regarding Port Arthur.
Acute anxiety prevails regarding the situ-
alton at Port Arthur account of the des-
perate character of the fighting reported as
taking place there, though the war Office
does not seem to believe that the danger
of the fall OF the fortress is so imminent
as is generally asserted. According to ad-
vices received by the war office there is
still an ample supply of ammunition and
provisions there. While 1t is realized that
the japanese probably outnumber the de-
tenders six or sevenfod the great strength
of the fortfcations. it is believed will do
much to make up for the disparity in num-
bers.
pom one point tHtIt Is
unity here, namely, that II the fortress
falls the fleet will not fall into the hands
of the Japanese. On this point the admir-
alty's instructions are of the most i'm
perative character Vice Admiral Prince
Ouktomsky has been ordered, should the
worst come. to sally forth to death strug-
gle. and there Is question here that
these Instructions will be carried out both
in letter and spirit, but if for any reason a
final sortie proves to be impossible, the ad-
mral is TO destroy his ships and to make
certain that their wreckage shall be abso-
lutely irreparable.
The Gear Sends Congratulations
Tie emperor has telegraphed Lieut. Gen.
Stoessel, in command of the military forces
at Port Arthur. as follows:
II direct you to congratulate In my name
and on behalf of the whole of Russia the