WITHIN the week two great naval engagements have taken place between Russian and Japanese fleets. Since the first engagement off Port Arthur, the Japanese fleet under Admiral Togo has been waiting outside for the Russian fleet. On August 10, it emerged and attempted to escape. A great battle resulted in which the Russian fleet was terribly battered. All the vessels got away, but in such a condition that most of them will be unable to appear again until after the war. The commander of the Russian fleet was blown to pieces by a Japanese shell, and a number of his officers were killed at the same time. This is the second Russian fleet commander that has perished. On August 14 the Japanese fleet under Vice-Admiral Kamimura encountered the Russian Vladivostok squadron in the Strait of Korea. The result of the encounter was the sinking of the Russian cruiser Rurik. The cruisers Rossia and Gromboi fled toward Vladivostok in a greatly damaged condition. It is felt that this practically disposes of the Russian naval power in the East, and clears the way for the renewal of commerce. It is probable that most, if not all, the officers and men on the Rurik were lost. There was a considerable number of casualties in all four of the squadrons.
The Japanese on land are now turning their chief attention to the capture of Port Arthur. The fall of this fortress would release many thousands of men who would be sent to re-enforce the armies operating against General Kuropatkin. The Japanese breach of Chinese neutrality in capturing a Russian vessel in the harbor of Cheefu is causing much anxiety among the nations.