New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-14
CONJECTURE IN RUSSIA.
AIerief's Cautious MeSSages-Ihe
YeniSeiIS Loss.

St Petersburg Feb. 13-Nothing is known
here officially regarding the movements OF the
Vladivostok squadron. A naval expert says that
II the report Of the Hakodate bombardment Is
true Admiral stackelberg. in command Of the
Vladivos.ok squadron, will be able TO come south
by the eastern coast Of Japan and cause enor-
nous havoc along the shore and to shipping
and ultimately effect Juncture with Admiral
Wirenius's squadron, on its way to the Far East
from Europe.
Viceroy Alexiefrs silence about the Fladi-
vostok squadron is explained follows:
For strategic reasons the Viceroy, as COM
mander in chief. is empowered to dispose Of the
ships and men without consulting headquarters
The enumeration OF the Russian ships engaged
ct Port Arthur was purposely omitted I'm the
Official reports, as it would have given valua-
bic clew 10 the enemy
private telegram has been received from a
resident Of Port Arthur in which the sender
says he saw one japanese warship sink The
fact that no mention was made Of this IN the
Viceroy's dispatch does not dsDrove the story,
because the Viceroy is careful not to announce
anything outside OF personally established facts.
1t IS pointed out on high authority that the jap
anese are not likely to admit such loss. and
II is recalled that during the Chinese war they
were most secretive about the casualties.
the Yalu River is believed to be broken. which
explains the absence OF direct news regarding
the naval engagement of Chemulpo. However
little doubt is entertained here to the fate
OF the Variag and Korietz.
The blowing up Of the Russian torpedo trans
port Yenlsei as the result Of accidentally strik-
ing a mine at Port Arthur. telegraphed
here yesterday. but the news was not given out
until the names OF the officers killed were known
50 as 10 avoid needless anxiety 20 the relatives
OF the surviving officers.
According 10 the "Novoe Vremya." the Yenisei
was LAYING mines at the entrance OF Talien-wan
Bay. with the object OF closing It against an
attack from the Observing that one OF the
mines had risen 10 the surface. the Yenisei ap-
preached for the purpose OF blowing It up. when
the vessel came I'm contact with another mine.
The Finance Ministry. IN denying to-day the
report that Russia has prohibited the expOrta-
ton OF grain. added that no such step was even
contemplated.
The first feeling OF depression Is disappear
ing and entire confidence - expressed in the
ultimate success Of Russian arms. distin-
gushed Russian said:
The slight reverses which we sustained at the
outset have had good effect. The Russians no
longer dcspise the enemy That mistake
which we made. The japanese certainly are eX-
cellent fighters. who will be treated with the re-
spect they deserve.
denial OF the report that the japanese lost
two regiments while attempting 10 land ct Port
Arthur IS authorized.
a loyal address from the Council OF the EN-
pre was presented to Emperor Nicholas yester-
day. His majesty. replying TO the deputation
presenting the document said:
l thank you for the expression Of your senti-
ments. and hope, with you. that Gods help VIII
be with US IN these times so serious TO US.
count now. always. upon your devotion TO
myself and 10 the Fatherland. and hope Russia
will. as heretofore in her history. emerge from
her Erievous trial with honor and strengthened
both at home and abroad. and again devote her
self TO the arts OF peace. dear 10 my heart
and necessary to the Fatherland.