13th August.
The dispersal of the fleet at Port Arthur has once again brought Shanghai within the war area, a different' thing from the area of hostilities. Excitement on the Bund and in the Settlement yestorday recalled the early days of February, when the presence of the armed Mandjour gave us a share in the moving events of the time. Before noon yesterday the report was current that four Russian war-vessels, three cruisers and a destroyer, had been seen off the Saddles, and while that rumour was awaiting confirmation, torpedo-boat-destroyer flying the blue cross came steaming up the Huangpu and took up moornings just below Pootung point, in close proximity to two U.S. destroyers.
The arrival was the Grozovoi, a twin-screw boat of 300 tons, 5,000 ili, and a speed of 28 knots, launched in 1900 at Havre, carrying two torpedo-tubes, one twelve-pounder and five three-pounder guns. Her appearance was, as might be expected, extremely weather-beaten, her sides rusty, netting torn and twisted, and her sailors looking though they had all been living in the stoke-hold for months. There were not, however, apparent any marks of injury to her hull, and she appeared to be in fighting trim, if not exactly spick and span, Her flag was marvelously clean and looked like a new one, as did 'a small pennant flying from the single mast.
'A more important vessel arrived later in the afternoon at Woosung. This was the five-funnelled fast cruiser Askold, well-known here before the war broke out, but now presenting a lamentably changed appearance. She dropped anchor outside the Spit buoy about half-past four. She reports having lost a lieutenant and eleven men killed and has fifty men wounded.
An observer on @ passing vessel gives the following description of her; Port side one gun dismounted. Hole in water lino on port side under gangway. Starboard side, one plate screwed on over another eight fet above water liv, also another hole near gangway on starboard side covered with canvas, shell gone through to the other side. Starboard between fore and main masts, rather forward, shell gone in three feot above waterline. Fifth funnel away close deck. All funnels riddled with shell holes.
No confirmation had been received last night in regard to the three vessels at the Saddles, but as the cruisers of the Port Arthur squadron are understood to have received orders to make southward thoro is no inherent improbability in the statement. The presence of the Askold at Woosung goes to confirm it, and the other two may possibly include the Diana.
Up to last night it was uncertain what steps will be taken in regard to the Russian vessels in port. It is understood that application for their departure or disarmament has already been made to the Chinese authorities.
In consequence of the presence of Russian men-of-war in these waters the departure of the N. ¥. K. chartered str.
Bengloe has been postponed for the present.
Reports as to the sort of fighting at Port Arthur, on the land side are coming through. The *Chefoo Daily News* translates from the "Novi Kral" an account of the engagements on the 26th and 27th July, when the Russians won the day, repulsed the Tapanese,—and then retired. "We have space only for the following "The second day of the fight was clear and quiet. The persistent enemy kept up a constant artillery fire, the awe-inspiring shells whizzing over Lunwantan valley at Prince Tscheidse and Captain Skrydloff batteries. The firing of the enemy cannot be heard, but the detonation caused by the exploding shells can be clearly distinguished from ian batteries. What will be the result of it "Thank God! on the batteries the skilful management of the officers reduces "to a minimum the losses in the hell of fire and hailstorm of iron in which these forts have been enveloped for forty-eight long weary hours. The enemy's batteries of twenty-four guns have hurled a constant fire of shrapnel at our entrenchments. The p- riflemen, hidden in the trenches along the whole line of defence, overshowered from the front with a hail of missiles, are patiently awaiting an attack. It 1s still unknown where the enemy will direct his blow. 'The defensive line of the right wing is about ten versts' in length, and that of the loft wing fifteen, This is a fight unprecedented in history. Artillery trains are galloping to and fro in Lunwantan valley. 'Telephones are at work without ceasing, the apparatus mounted hurriedly on the rocks. The division commander and Colonel Sime-jon off are receiving reports and giving orders incessantly. Every minute is heard the cry the next courier' and the chasseur addressed seizes his message and rushes off. For the more important messages officers are chosen.
joutenant Lenkjewitch, you will ride to Captain Palchewsky, and seo for yourself the state of affairs in his position.' Lieutenant Lenkjewitch, a model officer, chief of a company of chasseurs, salutes and replies understandingly, and burries away through the valley caveloped in a hailstorm of shrapnel. The Japanese think that our reserves are there, and how many thousands of shells they have dropped these two days! About nine o'clock the rifle fire began. The enemy began to assault, But the forts of Prince Tachoidso and Captain Skrydloff sent forth a fire that was terrible in effect. A storm of shells met the attacking troops. T should not like tobe in the place of the Japs; it is like opposing the elements,' said one of the officers."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.