The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-05-04
WARSHIPS seen.
Fourth Division of the Russian
Pacific Squadron
Is Sighted in the Vicinity of
Singapore.
JAPAN is INDIGNANT.
Sharp Criticism of Frances
Action Regarding Neutrality.
The Government Has Made Rep
reservations on the Subject.


Singapore, May 4-The British steam
er Selanger which arrived here today
reports having passed a division of the
Russian warships off Jugrah. midway
between the island of Penang and Sing
apore, at 9 o'clock this morning.
Island of Penang, Straits of MaIacca,
May 4.-The Russian warships sighted
by the British steamer Selangor this
morning have been identified as the
fourth division of the Russian Pacific
squadron, commanded by Rear Admiral
Nebogatoff.
Japan Is Indignant.
Toxic, May 4.-The press of this city
continues its sharp criticism of French
neutrality in Indo-China waters and
expresses surprise and indignation at
what it describes as the elasticity of
Frances pledge.
The Jiju urges the government to
urge a speedy settlement.
1t IS understood that the japanese
government has addressed France on
the question of her neutrality but the
nature of the correspondence is un-
known.
Position of japanese Army.
Gunshu Pass, Manchuria, May 4.-The
armies of Generals Nodzu, Oku and
Kuroki are lying along a line with right
flanks extending north to Kwaum and
General Nogi is west of Tie Pass. The
grouping OF the japanese armies indi-
Gates that Field Marshal Oyama will
move his right flank first.
NebOgatOff Moving South.
Malacca, Straits of Settlement, May
4.-4:30 p. ma Russian division con-
sisting Of four battleships, an armored
cruiser and a. gunboat, accompanied by
five golfers, is now passing Malacca
bound south.
Guests of Japan's Ally.
London, May 4-The Identification of
the warships sighted by the steamer
Selangor in the Straits of Malacca this
morning Is Rear Admiral Nebogatoffs'
division OF Admiral Rojectvensky' s
squadron is considered liable to develop
an interesting situation. Jugrah, off
which the division was seen, is q town
Of the state Of SelangoF, which is a
British protectorate and is not far dis
tant from the point where Russian di-
vision was sighted as long ago as April
27 It is not vet known whether the
Russian warships are within territorial
waters or whether they are obtaining
supplies from the neighbOring land. A
telegram on the subject from Sing9poTe,
however, is taken to indicate that for a
week the Russians have been practical
ly enjoying the hospitality of waters of
Japan's ally in the same manner that
Admiral Rojestvensky's ships have
utilized French waters in Cochin-China
A cable dispatch received in London
says two of Nebogatoff's transports
have put into Sabong on the north coast
of the island of Sumatra with thel-
bows stove in, evidently having been in
collision. Their names are not given.
Storm Hits ROjestvensky's Fleet.
Amar, China, May "A typhoon
which swept over the coast of south
China this week is said to have dam
aged the Russian second Pacific
squadron considerably. The lighter
vessels are reported to have been scat
tered.
Shipping men expect further delay in
the execution of Admiral Rojestvens-
ky's plans as a result of the damage
sustained by the squadron.