The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1904-10-13
kUROPATK|N IS IN
PERSONAL COMMAND
RUSSIAN GENERAL rs DIRECT
ING FORWARD MOVEMENT
OF THE ARMY.
JAPS CONCENTRATING
! ON BANK OF RIVER
Engagement Believed to Have Oc-
1 curred-Mikado's Forces Reported
as Failing Back-Three Russian
Ships Sunk,

st. Petersburg, Oct. 11.-Gen. Kuro-
patkin is in the field, personally direct
ing the forward movements Of the army,
which, it is understood, is divided into
two strong columns, moving on each
side of the railroad, whence they will
draw their supplies, their tanks being
assured by no less than $50 %squadrons OF
Cossacks. The Russians are operating
along a front of between 40 and As miles,
extending from Kaoutou pass to Bent
Biaputze on the east and across the Hun
river to the left bank of the Lao river
on the west. They are taking every
%precaution against possible counter at
tacks, throwing up entertainments as
they advance southwark. Field Mar
shall Oyama, however, has not yet shown
a disposition to strongly hold his outer
positions. The evacuation of Bensia-
putze left the flank of the japanese po-
sition at the Yentai mines unprotected,
and news of the abandonment of the
mines is, therefore, hourly expected.
The Japanese appear to be c~oncentrat-
ing their forces in the Notifications for
merly occupied by the Russians on the
right bank of Taitse river, which are
exceedingly strong. and they have an
equally good defense north and south.
The Japanese retired from Bentsiaputze
almost without a struggle, fearing that
Gen. Mistchenko's Cossacks would sur
round the position and cut them off.
BentsiaputZe is of the highest impor-
: lance, commanding the roads from
Mukden and Fushun to Liaoyang and
Bensihu.
Private advices from Mukden just re-
ceived indicate that the artillery is al
ready at work. An engagement is re-
ported to have occurred Sunday on the
Russian right flank, IA miles southwest
of Mukden.
Change in Situation.
A dispatch to the Dourse Gazette
from Mukden, dated Sunday, says:
"The general situation at the seat
of war has materially changed. The
japanese main army is retiring south
ward. Its right wing has gone 80
miles southwark, evacuating Sianshan,
Sinangai, Saimatsze, Fenshui Pass and
IuO uClSuUOl uOCu VI Wdlluld1Sldu
The japanese are thus giving up not
only the positions which they occu-
pied after the battle Of Liaoyang, but
places they had previously taken"
Firing Heard.
Mukden, Sunday, Oct. 8. delayed in
transmission).-The sound of a heavy
cannonade is distinctly audible from
the center of the Russian advance.
Three Russian Ships Destroyed.
Toxic, Oct. lit is reported here
that the Japanese recently centered a
fire from the land positions and from
the fleet blockading Port Arthur on
the west harbor, with the object of de.
stroying the Russian feet, and sue
ceeded in sinking three vessels, the
names and character of which are un-
known. The failure OF the Port Al.
thur fleet to- make a sortie is creating
the impression that the Russians in.
tend to destroy their ships just before
the fall of the fortress in preference ia
taking the risk Of a sortie.
Scouts Ambushed by Japs,
Mukden, Oct. 11.-On the western
front Sunday a party of Caucasian
scouts, while accommodating, fell into
IN ambush Of two companies of japan,
csc infantry, who fired a volley at the
scouts. Before the latter could with
draw they lost ten wounded, including
a lieutenant, Kousoff, and n mar
killed.
Mikado Hopes for Victory.
London, Oct. IA dispatch to a
news agency from Toxic says: "At
an audience Monday morning the
emperor of Japan handed the premier
a message to the nation, as follows:
"'Since the commencement of hos
tilities our army and navy have dis
played conspicuous loyalty and
bravery, and, with the officials and peo-
y pie with united minds complying with
our instructions they have hitherto
steadily advanced by progressive steps.
Nevertheless, our prospects of final
success are still distant. l earnestly
hope that the sincerity CT the national
spirit will enable us to realize our
final object"
Cleveland to Speak.