The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-05-08
SURPRISED In kuRopArkLN.

ST. PETERSBURG, May 8.-There
is no doubt that the Japanese troops
were in touch with the Ru 4 an forces
at Feng Wang Cheng, and the report
that the latter had evacuated that place
is generally credited. Surprise is
caused by the withdrawal of Gen. Ku-
ropatkin toward his base at Lao Yang,
as it is stated that Immediately after
he learned of Gen. Zassalitch's losses
he sent reinforcements to him to en-
able him to retain his position.
The officials here frankly confess,
however, that they are not fully in
formed of Kuropatkin's plan. He is in
sole charge of the operations in Man
churia. The emperor decided when
Gen. Kuropatkin started out that he
should have complete independence, so
there could be no ground for complaint
that he was hampered by instructions
or advice from officers in st. Peters
burg, who could not possibly know all
the conditions which the troops in the
field would meet. Kuropatkin, there
fore, has made his own dispositions
and formulated his own plan. What
little is known here shows that he
intends to observe the same caution
that has distinguished the operations
of the Japanese Finding that he could
not offer battle at Feng Wang Cheng
with an even chance Of success, he has
decided to fall back, it is believed, to
the Mao Tien pass. Back of the pass
there is another pass near which is
a temporary railroad connecting with
Lao Yang.
They Repeat History.
The Japanese have followed up now
practically in all respects their plans
in the Chino-Japanese war. 1t is not
at all unlikely that another Japanese
army will be landed upon the PENN
sula, which will move northward along
the railroad line.
The Japanese army marching north
ward along the railroad once past
Kaiping, can compel the Russians to
evacuate New chwang or else undergo
a battle or state of siege. If the
march is prosecuted as far as Hal
cheng, where the japanese defeated the
Chinese army, Gen Kuropatkfn will
have to abandon Mao Tien pass in
consequence of the strategic weakness
of the position. The possession of
Feng Wang Cheng is of the highest
Importance AS it places under the con-
troll of the Japanese a large strip Of
Manehurian territory bordering upon
the bay Of Korea and the road con-
Meeting Lao Yang, Hal Cheng, New
chwang and PitseWo. The command
of the road to PitsewO viii enable this
army to establish communication with
the Japanese operating in the Liaotung
peninsula.
Russians Depressed.
The stoieism of the people is won
derful, but the fact that it is displayed
shows louder than words could the de-
preston that exists. The Russians
had not looked for the retirement of
their army from Feng Wang Cheng,
believing that battle would occur
there in which their troops. would be
victorious, and would wipe out the
sting of the disasters suffered. Never
theIess there is no disposition to criti-
else Gen. Kuropatkin, in whom the
people believe.
The energy Of the japanese meets
with unwilling admiration and it is
expected that they will continue a Wig
OrOus campaign.
Further reinforcements have been
dispatched to Manchuria, and the ear
has reinterated his declaration that
Gen Kuropatlxin shall have as many
men as are needed to insure victory
to Russian arms.
WIRELESS AND PIGEONS.
ST. PETERSBURG, May THE
Russian admiralty expects to be able
to continue communication with Port
Arthur in spite Of the cutting of the
telegraph line. Masts for use in wire
less telegraph have been erected at
the fortress to communicate with sta
tions at the north end of the PENN
sula Trained carrier pigeons were
also sent to Port Arthur some time
ago and through one means or another
the Russian authorities hope to retain
communication.
The admiralty is in possession of
specific information that the harbor of
Port Arthur is open.