RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 12737, 17 December 1904, Page 2

RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.

ATTH'k ON RUSSIAN WARSHIPS.

JAPAiNESI-: TOUPEDO BOAT MISSING. lt>

B'lliJST DIVISION OV BALTIC FLEET AT JIBUTIL.

TOWN OF PORT ARTHUR ALMOST DESERTED.

United Press Association. — By Electric Telegraph . — Copyright . London, December 16.

A mauler of torpedo boats which, had lost touch mutually during a blinding snowstorm attacked the Sevastopol separately. The Sevastopol's bow was protected by a frame-work ! of interlaced logs and by torpedo nets. | While her searchlight was blazing on one flotilla another crept round and discharged torpedos at her, and the Sevastopol began to settle, her torpedo tubes being submerged.

Uneasiness is felt in Tolcio, as a ! Japanese torpedo boat is missing. Admiral Yamata telegraphs that the Sevastopol's bow is down three feet, and adds in a later .message that she" has sunk deeper.

Admiral Foelkersham's division of the Baltic fleet has sailed from Jibutil. The town- of Port Arthur is almost deserted. 3'lany buildings have been burnt, and shells search every part ol the city and harbour. The turrets, moats, and funnels of sunken warships are visible, but no vessel is afloat.