THE WAR IN THE ORIENT

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 15, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 24.

THE WAR IN THE ORIENT.

After the great Japanese victory at Kinchou and Nan Shan hill, the Japanese pressed their columns steadily on toward Dalney and Port Arthur. The Russians evacuated Dalney hurriedly, after destroying some of their boats, warehouses, and railroad material, and retreated to Port Arthur. One of their largest docks at Dalney was rendered useless, but a great amount of property of value to the Japanese was abandoned. The Japanese are now in complete possession of this port which was built entirely by the Russians at an outlay of several million dollars.

The Japanese have landed large siege guns, which are being planted on heights in the vicinity of Port Arthur, and have brought their troops up to within striking distance of that place. It is said that an additional army of 25,000 men has been landed in this vicinity to take part in the capture of the stronghold. The Japanese are expected to begin the attack in a very few days. They know that the fortresses can not be taken without the loss of a great many men, and they are planning accordingly to have plenty of men there to lose.

The Russian Government is manifesting much impatience with the defensive plans of their general-in-chief, and he is being urged so strongly to take the offensive that it is said he is now moving a part of his army south to attack the Japanese in the rear. It is known, however, that between General Kuropatkin’s army and the Japanese army that is attacking Port Arthur there is another large Japanese army which will be able to hold him in check. Many consider that the fall of the Russian stronghold will be a vital blow to Russia, and will end the war. There is much skirmishing and many small encounters between the outposts of the two armies.