The San Francisco call., 1904-02-11
Port Arthur Will
Be Attacked
by land.

LONDON, Feb. 10-BarOn Hayashi.
the Japanese Minister here, has re-
ceived official conformation from Toxic
of the destruction at ChemulpO of the
Russian first class cruiser Variag and
the gunbOat Korutz.
The text of the official dispatch re-
ceived by Baron Hayashi is as follows:
"On Monday a Japanese squadron
escorting transports met on the way
to ChemulpO, Korea, the Russian gun
boat Korutz, as the latter was coming
out of port. The KOrutZ took up an
offensive attitude toward the japanese
vessels, and fired upon the japanese
torpedo boats. The latter discharged
two torpedoes ineffectively and then
the Korutz returned to her anchorage
in the port.
Early in the morning of Tuesday
Admiral Urik. commanding the Japan
ese squadron, formally called upon the
Russian warships to leave Chemulpo
before noon. The Admiral added that
if his demand was not complied with
he would be compelled to attack them
in the harbor The two Russian war
ships left the port at 1880 o'clock and
a battle ensued outside the Polynesian
Islands After an hours engagement
the Russian warships sought refuge
among the islands, Toward evening
the Russian cruiser Variag sank and at
4 o'clock this morning. February 10,
the Korutz was also reported to have
sunk having been blown up. The Of
ficers and men of the two sunken YES
sells sought refuge on the French cruis-
er Pascal. There were no casualties
on the Japanese side.
TO ATTACK -0RT ARTHUR.
we were slow in negotiating, SO
we are making u for lost time by
quickness in action" said Baron Hay
ashi this morning. The engage
ments at Port Arthur and Chemulpo
were merely in accordance with plans
long matured. AS soon as our forces
are landed in Korea l look for an inn
portant fleet action at Port Arthur.
The Russian vessels are not likely
to give up the advantage they gained
by being under the cover of their land
batteries. BY going to the Chinese
side, however. the Japanese fleet, by
high angle fire, can drop in shells
which should make ii very uncom-
Portable for the Russian ships lying
moored close to one another. Thereby
it is hoped to drive out VicerOy Alex
ieffs forces. Possibly, like Admiral
Cervera, he may anticipate fate and
come into the open of his own ac-
cord. At present events merely go to
snow the uIIer uSeleSSneSS OF Port
Arthur from a strategic viewpoint
General Sir William Nicholson. di-
rector general of the military intelli-
gence of the War Office. and Colonel
A. j. Haldale of the Gordon High
landers have been appointed to ac-
company the Japanese army.
GREAT BRITAIN'S NEUTRALITY.
1t was announced in the House of
Commons to-day that a proclamation
Of British neutrality would be drawn
up at a special Cabinet meeting to-
morrow and published shortly after
ward.
The necessary instructions will i'm
mediately be issued to the authorities
at the British ports. including those
of the self-governing colonies. pre-
scribing their conduct toward belliger-
ent warships.
Home Secretary Akers-DougIas said
In Commons to-day that the instruc-
tiOns would be similar to those issued
in the case of previous wars, covering
supplies of coal and restricting YES
sells staying in port to twenty-four
hours, except owing to stress OF
weather or necessary repairs.