Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1904 — WAR NEWS IN BRIEF. [ARTICLE]

WAR NEWS IN BRIEF.

rge orders for ammunition have been placet? with all the German powder factories. Russian refugee's, succeeding in evading military duty at home, reach New York and relate thrilling stories of escape. It is reported that a large force of Russians has been stationed at the important fortified and strategical town of Ashan-Shan. The Czar has declined with thanks the offers of the German and French Red Cross societies to supply contingents for service in the field. A deal for 5,000 tons of barley has been closed at San Francisco with agents of the Russian government for the use of Russian troops in the field. The Russian government is building some armored trains for use on the Manchurian railroad after the model es those used by the British in. South Africa. Official denial is given in Paris of the report that exchanges of views are now going on between Paris, London and Washington relative to offering mediation in the far eastern war. Advices from Fong-Hiian-Chebg, fortyfive miles -northwest of Wiju, say the Russian troops are showing an admirable spirit In surmounting the difficulties aud hardships of the march over the frozen tracts of cast Manchuria. Three Norwegian steamers arrived at Shanghai from Port Arthur aud reported that the Japanese bombardment caused the greatest destruction in the town. The shells, which were fired most accurately, killed 127 persons. The Korean superintendent of trade at Ky ong-Hung, on the Tumen river, lias received a note from the commanding general nt Vladivostok saying that since Korea has joined Japan Russia considers Korea ns a belligerent nnd will uct raccordingly. The State Department nt Washington hns received formal assurance from China that the government at that conntry will insist on the observance of the strictest neutrality toward both sides during the present war on the part of Chinese subjects. A recent copy of the Novi Krai/of Port Arthur contains the viceroy's appeal to tbe civilians of Port Arthur to volna* teer nnd promising to equip them at the government’s expense. It also contains the warning issued by Gen. Stocssel notifying the officers to refrain from the di«cu«Bion of militnrjr affairs with which they are unacquainted.