On Sunday the Vladivostok squadron of three cruisers was also
met and defeated. It had been sent out probably in the hope that it might be joined by the fleet escaping from Port Arthur, but Admiral Kamlmura compelled it to an engagement at a point thirty-six miles north-east of Tsu Sliima. The Russians, doubtless under orders—for they are as brave as their foes—tried to escape ; but the Rurik,' a cruiser of large size, of which the Russians were very proud, proved slow. The Japanese concentrated their fire on her, and the other two cruisers, after a vain attempt to render assistance, during which they were "repeatedly set on fire," fled back to Vladivostok. According to the report of Admiral Alexeieff, the Rossia ' was struck eleven times, and the Gromoboi' six times, below the water-line, and the casualties embraced 50 per cent. of the officers and 25 per cent, of the crews. The Rurik,' overwhelmed by the Japanese fire, sank ; but the Japanese rescued six hundred of her crew. Russian fleets in the Far East have now lost the power of successful action; and the Japanese can transport their troops with as little precaution as in their own inland waters. On Tuesday the Japanese sent a message to the Port Arthur garrison, advising, on behalf of the Emperor, the surrender of the fortress and the • dismissal of non-combatants ; but General Stossel has refused both demands. Latest reports seem to show that the Japanese have captured two of the inner forts and have lost heavily from the explosion of mines.
