The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-03-11
IS
AGAIN ATTACKED
Japanese Fleet Assaulted the
Russian Position From
a Distance
s%oMBARDED THE TOWN
Although Heavy Smelling Last.
ed Several Hours Damage
Was Small.
FIVE LIVES WE'RE LOST
Fleet Approached City and Opened Fire
From a Range of Mile and a Half,
Apparently Feeling for the
Russian Strength.

~Vladivostok. March S.-A fleet OF five
Japanese battieships and w cruisers
appeared off this place and bombarded
the own Il shore batteries for fifty
five hui
The fleet approached from the direc-
ton of Askold island, at the east en-
trance to Cssuri bay. and about thirty
two miles southeast of Nladivostok.
Entering Ussuri. the enemy formed in
line of battle. but did not approach to
q closer range than q mile and one
the shore batteries and the town, but
no damage resulted, as most of their
200 lyddite shells failed to burst.
The Russian batteries, commanded by
Generals Neronetz and Artamonoff, die
not reply, awaiting u closer approach
of the enemy.
The Japanese fire ceased at go p. m,
and the enemy retired in the direction
of Askold island simultaneously two
to%rpedoboat deStroyers appeared near
Askold island, and two more near Cape
Maidel. The Japanese ships were Gov
cred with ice.
The attack resulted in no loss to the
Russians, but cost the enemy 200, 900
ruhles t$100, 0O0) in ammunition. Most
OF the projectiles We're & and 12-inch
shells.
The population of N~ladivostok was
warned of the presence on the horizon
of a hostile fleet and the prospect of at
tack during the day, but it remained
tranquil.
Say Five Were Killed.
ST. Petersburg, March S.-Offtcial
dispatches received here concerning
the bombardment of Nladivostok by a
Japanese feet Sunday afternoon do not
mention any Russian losses, but pri-
vate adNices say hat five We're killed.
four sailors and the wife of an en-
gineer. 1t is apparent the japanese
were afraid to risk exposing theiI ships
to the plunging fire of tie Ian bat
teries, and 1t is considered probable
here that the attack was really for
| the purpose of drawing the fire of the
Russian forts, compelling the Russians
to disclose the position and caliber of
their guns. and also for the purpose
of ascertaining whether the Russian
squadron is in port. If this was the
object of the Japanese 1t is believed to
have failed signally, as the batteries
did not fire a shot, and If the squadron
is in port it could not be seen from the
Japanese position in the bay of Ussuri
on account of the high land which rises
frmo the coast on that side, ~obstructing
the view of the harbor.
Dispatch from Viceroy Alexieff.
A communication from Viceroy Alex
Jeff to the car from Mukden, bearing
Sundays date, says
II most humbly inform our majesty
that the c~ommandant at the fortress
at VladivostolS reports that at $50
o'clock this morning seven vessels
were sighted south of Askold island.
At 9:45 o'clock they were seen to be
warships making for Askold island.
midway between the coast and Oskold
island, making for Ussuri bay. They
We're out Of reach of the short bat
teries.
AT 1880 o'clock the enemy opened
fire. Two vessels in the squadron were
probably the first class cruisers Idzum
and Yakumo, but the names of the 9TH
er vessels are unknown"