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COSSACK AIDE—“_I regret to report that Port Arthur has fallen._” THE CZAR—“_Hush! Don’t wake the baby!_” ]
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MARGATE, ENGLAND, OCT. 24—(SPECIAL)—_The Eddystone light-house was attacked last night by the Baltic fleet and totally annihilated. It is thought the Russian admiral mistook it for a fleet of Japanese airships._ ]
DOVER, ENGLAND, OCT. 24—(SPECIAL)—_Late last night a man standing on the English coast sou-sou’west of this place lighted a match to see what time it was. He was instantly attacked by the Baltic fleet, the admiral of which mistook the light for a Japanese signal. Three twelve-inch shells grazed the astonished gentleman, but fortunately none struck him. An ultimatum is probable._ ]
CHERBOURG, FRANCE, OCT. 24—(SPECIAL)—_Heavy cannonading was heard several miles off this coast last night. A French cruiser at once put out to the scene of the noise and found the Baltic fleet attacking the north star. It is thought the vigilant admiral mistook the light for a fleet of Japanese battleships. An ultimatum is expected hourly._ ]
FINISTERRE, FRANCE, OCT. 25, 3:30 A.M.—(SPECIAL)—_At an early hour this morning the Baltic fleet was seen steaming swiftly past this point. Soon afterwards a furious bombardment occurred and continued until the body of an electric eel was washed ashore much mangled by the deadly cannonading. It is thought the admiral of the fleet mistook the eel for a Japanese submarine boat. At the present writing the fleet is bombarding a drug store down near the beach. The druggist is issuing an ultimatum._ ]
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ADMIRAL ROJESTVENSKY STOOD MUSINGLY ON HIS FLAGSHIP—_“One load more,” he muttered sadly, “and then our fleet will be coaled and I must leave this pleasant coast.” For a moment a tear stood in his eye as he peered off toward the French China shore. The thought of leaving the dear old scenes, to which he had become so greatly attached, made even the stern old sailor weep. Dashing aside the tear, he turned to direct the busy crew who were bringing the coal to the ships._