The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1904-03-30


aid Copyright, 1904, by abe New York Her
aid Publishing Company.
PINGYANG (via Shanghai). March
29.-The Chengcheng River at pres
ent is the line dividing the japanese
and Russian forces. Anju is held in
force by 1900 Japanese, who are be-
ing continually reinforced from Ping
yang and, latterly, also from Che
namphO. The latter city is being
strengthened as part Of the japanese
scheme to offer determined resist
ance in the event of a forced retreat.
Similarly all strategical points have
been fortified las the advance pro-
crosses.
The Pingyang walls and gates have
been fortified. On the hills overlook
ing the city the Japanese have mount
ed guns. The work has been in prog
ress for the last five years, disguised
army officers and other spies having
been busy, so that now the Japanese
advance with knowledge of all nee
essary points in the strategical scheme
and these are. now being quietly and
effectively occupied
The territory north Of Chengcheng
River is still Russian. The main routes
are filled with cavalry. Each party is
accompanied by an intelligence officer,
who is busy sketching and surveying.
The present military delay. while val
liable to the Japanese, is materially
useful to Russia, enabling her to push
forward her first line of resistance
southwark over country considered
friendly to the Japanese, and thus to
weaken the Japanese army before the
real contest is begun where Russia is
supreme.
CHINESE FAVOR RUSSIA.
A party Of American miners convey
ing bullion has had many opportuni-
ties of judging the feeling of the Man
churian Chinese and expresses a strong
opinion that all are in favor of Russia,
while a large number are prepared to
assist actively. These miners tell also
how Russia is enormously strengthen
ing her large number of fortified posts
along the Yalu, heavy achievements
having arrived during the last three
weeks. The miners, who crossed the
Chengcheng River in boats, feel certain
that the Japanese will be unable to
throw pontoon bridges across that
stream before early in April, owing TO
the severity of the winter.
Foreigners long resident here agree
that the first Japanese reverse will be
followed by an uprising of Tong Haks,
secret Korean society, which an
nounces that it is an ally of Russia.
KOREANS ARE KEPT BUSY.
Wherever the Japanese have mill
tary work, Korean coolies are pressed
into their service. The Koreans re-
naming here become daily fewer. The
Japanese flag flies on the houses of
rich and Door alike. The streets are
filed with hurrying soldiers and small
tradesmen, cloud of whom has de-
seended upon Korea.
All of the correspondents were forced
to return 10 Seoul
However, the great japanese machine
works everywhere smoothly. The spirit
is splendid one Of confidence and quiet
determination. These officers and men
realize the great privatiOns and enOr-
nous de --lties ahead. but unfineh-
ingly resolve to attain the great OBJ
jective-Harbin- In conversation an Of
fetal expressed the opinion that if Har-
bin be taken Japan will turn to Amer
lea and England saying:
I'VE have fought your battle. Help
us by diplomatic pressure TO keep Man
churia open, whose key, Hardin, we
possess"