Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-05-26
RQjesyensky Is Not Seek :
ing to Evade Togo.
Adm. Ave|Ian Says He Is After
the Mastery Of the Sea.


St. Petersburg, May 2f.-1.15 p. M
Admiral Avellan, head Of the Russian
admiralty department, confirms The AS
| ISOLATED Press dispatches saying Vice
Admiral Rojestvensky is steaming
north to give battle to Admiral Togo
He considers it possible that news 20
the effect that the two fleets have met
may be received any day.
Admiral Avellan in an interview re-
atf1rms the official denial Of the reports
that Rojestvensky has broken down
and asked to be relieved. Avellan says
Rojestvensky sent detailed reports or
the condition Of his OWE health and OF
the health Of the crows Of his ships.
The constant tension and hard work
of the past months have been a great
strain on the admirals health.
Even before he left said Avellan,
'ROjestvensky was sufferer from kid
ncy trouble but his health is no worse
AS matter of fact il IS not Rojest-
vensky but Vice Admiral Voelkersham,
in command Of squadron of the Rus
sian fleet who has suffered from the
long stay in the troopships. The APP
pointment of Vice Admiral Birileff as
successor to Vice Admiral Skrydloff at
Fladivostok will in no wise affect Ro-
iestvensky's status. The latter's mis-
sion as chief of the fleet Is to take It
% Vladivostok. There will be no an
tagOnism when he gets there The two
ldmirals are on excellent terms which
Logan long ago wnen Rojestvenskv
served under Birileff. Role stvensky will
give his superior the same loyal obedi-
ence that he demands Of his subordf-
mates"
DO you anticipate sea fight soon
the admiral was asked.
He replied:
certainly. The japanese cannot az
ford to allow ROjestvcnsky to reach
Vladivostok without an engagement.
personally expect it to take place in the
near future though admit the admir-
atty knows nothing of Rriestvensky's
strategy or llans, the Emperor having
accorded him complete freedom of ac-
ton. Possibly 1t is his present purpose
to seek Admiral Togo and force a fight
but it is more probable that Rojest-
vensky is bound for his bsse at Vladi-
vostok. However. I can say nothing
'1efinite on this point
In response to suggestion that Togo
might Intentionally allow ROjestvensky
TO get to Vladivosrol, cnntenting HIM
self with torpedo attacks while the Rus
slams are on their way there and then
try to bottle Rojestvensky up in Vladi-
vostok. Admiral Avellan smiled ana
said:
THE story Of Port Arthur will not
be repeated. Rojestvensky is not the
kind Of man TO allow himself to be lock-
ed up in port. If he enters Vladivos-
tOk he will not rest on his laurels but
Will seek an engagement. He will try
to wrest the mastery OF the sea from
Togo. There are many ways Of compel
ling Togo to accept battle. Rojestven-
sky will only have 10 lombard one IF
the coast cities to force Togo to appear
in its defense"
A private letter from the commander
of one Of Rojestvensky's torpedo boat
destrOyers. mailed at Saigon. describes
the fleets passage of the Indian ocean.
The writer says tho hard work fell m
the light cruisers and torpedo boat de-
stroyers under Vice Admiral Enquist
which were constantly scouting aheai
and communicating the approach OF
vessels SO as 10 permit RoiestyenSky 10
change mis- course and steer clear OF
them his desire being to avoid dis
covcry before he reached the China sen,
in which he vas successful.
Admiral Birileff left St Petersburg
for Vladivostok. Thursday, by special
train. All other trains will be side
tracked In order to cradle his train 10
get to VladivOstOk quickly. The admiral
expects to make a record trip in order
TO reach his post before Rojestvensky
arrives.
CONTINUED on Page Five.)