Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 August 1904 — CLIMAX OF THE TRAGEDY IS HEAR [ARTICLE]

CLIMAX OF THE TRAGEDY IS HEAR

Signs Indicate the Close Approach of the Final Assault on Port Arthur. JAPS DUE TO LOSE TERRIBLY Supremely Confident ot the Result, They Prepare Decorations. Disaster to the Czar's Warship Sevas* topol—Nicholas Orders the Disarmament of the Askold ~£ and Grozovoi. Chefoo, Aug. 25.—There Is persistent rumor here to the effect that the Japanese had penetrated the innermost line of Port Arthur’s defenses, and that negotiations were in progress with General Stoessel for the capitulation of the fortress. Tokio, Aug. 24, 9 a. m.—Admiral Kataoka reports that as the Russian battleship Sevastopol was emerging from Port Arthur yesterday she struck a mine, after which she was seen to be listed to starboard. She was towed back Into the harbor. Chefoo, Aug. 25.—Information of undoubtable authenticity states that the Japanese armored cruisers Nisshln and Kasuga have bombarded and aileneed the Russian forts east of Golden hill, at the entrance of Port Arthur. Chefoo, Aug. 24. —I'ort Arthur has all but fallen—General Stoessel’s residence has been captured by the Japanese—Taipangtze hill is lost. After three days of continuous fighting the Japanese, in invincible charges over exploding mines and through wire entanglements, have obtained new victories and brought the siege of the czar's Gilbralter to its J,ast stages. London, Aug. 25.—The correspondent of The Times at Shanghai, in a dispatch, dated Aug. 24, 11:35 p. m„ says thuborders from Emperor Nicholas have been conveyed to Captain Reiteenstein commanding him forthwith

to disarm the cruiser Askold and the torpedo boat destroyer Grozovoi, and that “the flags on both vessels were lowered at 7 o'clock lonight.” Tokio, Aug. 25.—The final assault on Port Arthur is imminent. Hundreds of Japanese guns continue to pour a destructive fire into the city and harbor along the lines of forts and entrenchments, preparatory for the infantry assault. It is evident that the Russian lines have been weakened and partly penetrated in the vicinity of Antzshan and Etseshan forts. The entire line of Russian defenses immediately about the harbor is within range of the Japanese guns. Many of Russian forts and batteries continue to be vigorous. Death Roll Will Be Heavily Increased The Japauesedeath roll will be heavily Increased before they are captured. The direction of the Japanese attack creates the Impression here that the city and defenses on either side of the harbor entrance will fall first. The final stand will be made at Liaotisnan. Japanese official channels of information remain dosed, and the navy department’s announcement of the striking of a mine by the battleship Sevastopol and the firing upon the Russian forts by the cruiser. Nisshin and Kasuga Tuesday are the only disclosures made for several days. It is believed here that both sides have suffered heavy losses, and that the final record will make the siege Ilia bloodiest since Sedan. The Japanese are supremely confident of the ultimate result. The leaders of the government await the outcome in calm assurance, The people a_re everywhere

decorating streets - and houses, and erecting arches and Hag staffs in preparation for a national celebration of the expected victory. SITUATION GREW VERT CRITICAL Chance Improved for a Japanese Naval Coup at Shanghai. Shanghai, Aug. 25. —Tuesday the negotiations regarding the Russian warships here took a new turn. At 10 a. m. of that day Yuan, the taotal, requested British Consul General Warren to order work on the Askold stopped, as the dock at which she was being repaired was British property, and as Russia refused to obey China’s orders respecting neutrality. Consul General Warren replied that it was too late to take action Tuesday, but that he would do so on Wednesday. Consul General Warren then interviewed the Russian consul. The latter begged for further time. Consul General Warren agreed to withhold the order one day. This delay was availed of by the Russian minister to make a supreme effort to secure at Peking a still further extension of time. As a result of his efforts the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs ordered Taotai Yuan to allow the vessels to remain in the harbor until next Sunday noon to wait for the tide. While waiting for a favorable tide China allowed Russia to proceed with repairs, and it was thought that at the end of the extended period the Askold would not only be seaworthy, but that her speed would be increased, thereby adding to ber fighting capacity. The local consular body regarded the new phase of the question as an extremely serious one, and likely to lead to strenuous action by Japan. The latter government has intimated that in the event of an extreme course the consular body and neutral naval commanders will first be notified. Another cruiser has joined the Japanese fleet outside Woosung under Vice Admiral Uriu. PREPARE TO CELEBRATE Tokio Citizens Await the News of Port Arthur's Fall. Tokio, Aug. 25.—The people are everywhere decorating streets and houses and erecting arches and flagstaffs in preparation of the capture of Port Arthur. News of the victory Is momentarily expected in the capital, and private and official life is keyed up to the greatest pitch of patriotic excitement. The final assault on Tort Arthur is imminent. Hundreds of Japanese guns continue to pour a destructive fire into the city and harbor, along the lines of forts and intrenchmends, preparatory for the infantry as-

saulT It is believed here that both aides have suffered heavy losses and that the final record will make the siege the bloodiest since Sedah. The Japanese are supremely confident of the ultimate result. The leaders of the government await the outcome in calm assurance. Frightful Loss to Japan. Chefoo. Aug. 25.—Russian advices received hero say that the Japanese assaults on Port Arthur Aug. 21 and 22 were repulsed with tremendous losses. It is added that the attempt of the Japanese* to capture Fort Number 1 cost them 10,000 men. and that tlieir attack on Fort Etseshan resulted in their losing 3.000 men killed or wounded. Port Dal/iy is said to be filled with wounded men. Vessels To Be Disarmed. Shanghia, Aug. 25. —It is officially stated that the cruiser Askqjd and the torpedo boat destroyer Grozovoi will be diarm ad. The dismantling of the vessels is by direct order of Emperor Nicholas, who sent a message to the crews congratulating them on saving the vessels and thanking them for their service to the empire. Russia Loses Another Vessel. Tokio, Aug. 25, 9 a. m.—Two Russian torpedo boat destroyers struck wiltwm at the entrance of Port Arthur. The larger of the destroyers, a fourfunnelled one, was sunk. The names of'the vessels and the number of lives lost are unknown.