RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1413, 19 November 1904, Page 3

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

LONDON", November IG. The 'Daily .Mail' states that a Russian destroyer entered Chefu in a blindingr snowstorm during the night of the ~lsth, and anchored a quarter of a mile from shore. The 'Standard's* Moscow correspondent sta-tes that the officers' reserve mobilised there is destined for duty in Transcaspia, Russian Turkenstan. The 'Telegraph's' correspondent \yith General Nogi describes the terrible fight on the 30th, successive casemates in tunnels barring the Japanese progress. The bombardment on the :Wth cost the Japanese JC40.000. On <Uh November the Japanese were slowly winning their way'underground to >4>e vitals of Kast Keekwan Fort, and sinking shafts against Krluugshan. The Russians and Japanese at Sha--Ih> have so dug themselves into the ground that big guns alone are serviceable in attempting to inipede the work of fortification. November 17. The Governor of Suez has directed merchantmen to stop while the Baltic fleet is traversing the canal, not to throw anything into the canal, and to refrain from demonstrations. Advices from Dakar state thai Rozhjestenski coals oft Damaraland and at Dieeo Suarez. The Russian destroyer which reached Chefu is the Baztoropni, Captain Pelem. He brings copies of the 'Novy Krai,' which shows Uiat on the night of the 3rd, a Japanese four-funnelled destroyer and some torpedoers were removing mines, mostly Japanese, in Tacne Bay. Midshipman Dimitrieff, volunteering, was allowed to take the lietvisan's steam launch, carrying a torpedo, and, accompanied by half a dozen other volunteers, quitted tie harbor. He sped through the darkness to within striking distance and launched the projectile. A sullen explosion followed, and the destroyer sank immediately. The launch was not followed on returning to the hai>

'Uor, the Japanese thinking the destroy er had struck a Japanese mine. Haritana Korotkowich donned inalo . attire at Port Arthur in February and enlisted in her husband's regiment. "She participated in sorties and her sfex was discovered, but owing to her bravery and attention lo the wounded she was permitted to continue. The. soldiers never swore in her presence. She nursed her wounded husband through his illness and returned to the front, becoming a fearless messenger. As she carried a message lo the trenches a shell killed her and eight others They were buried in otve grave, a Hag enshrouding her body. Captain Pclem, ot the destroyer Raztoropni, was the bearer of a despatch wherein it is reported that General Stoessel inquires from St Voters. burg whether he should hold out awaiting relief, or surrender advantageously forthwith. The Japanese have crossed the frozen Shaho river. Advices from Mukden state that a serious movement is occurring, the Japanese threatening the Russian flank. The 'Sew. York Herald's" St. Petersburg correspondent states that an envelopment movement began by the Japanese promises to be most effective. Owing to constant breakdowns on the railway the provisioning of the Russians is difficult, as it is iinpossiWJe to bring up supplies. ST. PETERSBURG, November 17. The Czar had audience with Alexeicli' for five hours on Tuesday. Alcxeicfi will be appointed a' member of the Council of the Empire. PEKfN, November 17. The Taoti of Chefoo removed the destroyer Raztoropni's breech blocks and disabled her machinery. Later, two Japanese destroyers appearing, Captain Pclem, of the Russian torpedoer, applied a slow fuse to charges placed in the watertight compartments and the explosion caused the vessel to sink. All the,crews were landed LONDON, November 17. Three thousand Russian infantry .arid cavalry with guns fruitlessly attacked the Japanese at Hsuitaiho on Tuesday. Another mixed force attacked Pinliatun at midnight, but were repulsed. The Japanese;are pushing westward of the Liao river, and concentrating at Leushinpi. A 15erlin despatch states that the Krupp Company 'is working double relays on an order of 200,1/00 shells of a completely new make, probably intended for Russia or Japan. The Czar accorded a first audience to Admiral Alexieif yesterday. AlexielT is residing at a Motel. Renter's representative at Nogi's headquarters describes the general attack cabled on the 7th as the most unsuccessful assault hitherto made on Port Arthur, but the North Keekewanshan galleries were captured after desperate underground fighting. The Japanese casualties on the I-HUli were l."> 00. The Keekewanshan forts, in the shape of a crescent, occupied the north-eastern inner line of defence, enclosing the town and inner harbour. Icliinohe holds the northernmost of the East Keekewanshan forts. Other reports from Nogi's heaiV•.marters state that Gen. Stoessel, owing to his wound, has entered a hospital, but refuses to relinquish his command. He has ordered the garrison to die at their posts rather than surrender. The spirit of the troops is damped by continuous work. lack of supplies, and the hopelessness of the defence. Jinny are kept at their posts by the ollicvrs menacing them with revolvers. The besiegers belie\e that the garrison has almost reached the limit of endurance.