New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-26
no NEWS OF NAVALBATTL
Brush scith Togo Not Credited
Reports of Russian Fleet.

St Petersburg, May 25-The Admiralty has No
information confirmatory of the Manila report
OF the defeat of Admiral Togo south of Fornnosa
While it is considered possible that there NAV
have been brush between scouts the idea Of
an open battle with Togo is not credited in the
best informed naval circles, where the on,nion
is expressed that Admiral Togo would not dare
10 risk bringing his battleship division SO far
south to meet Admiral Rojestvensky. 1t is be-
lieved that Togo viii try to keep in touch with
the Russians by means of fast cruisers and await
their approach of the japanese coast Accord
ing TO the Admiralty's calculations, Rojest-
vensky should now be far out in the Pacific, al
most thousand miles northeast of the place
where the battle is reported TO have occurred.
An admiral OF high rank said 10 The Associated
Press this afternoon:
we have known for some time that Rotest-
vensky would not attempt to pass through the
Straits OF Formosa, where the waters are shall
low and could easily be mined ahead of his ships.
Rojestvensky will undoubtedly keep far out TO
sea il order to avoid torpedo attacks. A wide
detour VIII also make it harder for the Japanese
scouts 10 communicate with Togo. However, I
expect news Of a battle within ten days"
Admiral Avellan reaffirms the official denial Of
the reports that Rojestvensky has broken down
and asked 10 be relieved. He says Rojestvensky
sent detailed reports Of the condition of his own
health and of the health of the crews Of his
ships. The constant tension and hard work of
The past months have been a great strain on the
admiraTs health.
Even before he started" said Admiral Avel-
Ian, ''Rojestvensky was a sufferer from kidney
trouble but his health is no worse. His reports
breathe a spirit of strength, resoluteness and
confidence. and other reports show he has in
spired his crews with the confidence of their
commander. AS a matter of fact. it is not
Rojestyenshy. but vice-Admiral voelkersam.
who has suffered from the long stay in the
tropics. The appointment Of Vice-Admiral Biri-
left as successor to Vice-Admiral Skrydloff at
Vladivostok viii in no wise affect Rojestvensky's
status. The latter's mission as chief Of the feet
is to take 1t to Vladivostok. There will be no
antagonism when he gets there. The two ad-
nirals are on excellent terms, which began long
ago when Rojestvensky served under Birileff-
Both are iron disciplinarians, and Rojestvensly
will give his superior the same loyal OBJ rdienoe
that he demands of his subordeaates."
Do you expect a sea fight soon?' was asked.
The admiral replied:
Certainly The japanese cannot afford to
allow RoJestvensky TO reach Vladivostok with
out an engagement. I personally expect it to
take place in the near future. though I admit
the Admiralty knows nothing Of Rojestvensky's
strategy OF plans, the Emperor having accorded
him complete freedom of action. Possibly it is
his present purpose TO seek Admiral Togo and
force a fight, but it is more probable that Ro-
5estvensl1y is bound for his base at Vladivostok-
However, I can say nothing definite this
point"
In response to a suggestion that Togo might
Intentionally allow Rojestvensky 10 get to
vladivostok, contenting himself with torpedo
attacks while the Russians are on their way
there. and then try to bottle Rojestvensky up
in vladivostok, Admiral Avellan smiled and
said:
THE story Of Port Arthur will not be re-
peated. Rojestvensky IS not the kind of man
TO allow himself TO be locked up in port. If he
gets 10 Vladfvostok he will not rest on his lau-
rels but viii seek an engagement. He VIII try
to wrest the mastery of the sea from Togo.
There are many ways of compelling Togo 10
accept battle. RoJestvensky viii have to bonn
bard only one Of the coast cities to force Togo
TO appear in its defence"
Admiral Birileff left st. Petersburg for Vladi-
vostok to-day by special train. All other trains
viii be sidetracked in order to enable his train
10 get 10 Vladivostok quickly. The admiral ex-
poets 10 make a record trip. in order to reach
his post before Rojestvensky arrives
Several trainIoads OF coal are on their way
10 Vladivostok.
Paris. May 25.-The Foreign Office and the
Russian and japanese legations here are with
out any information in regard to the runor from
Manila Of a naval engagement between the
Russians and japanese.