Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-10-10
BULLETIN.


that the Japanese recently centered a
fire from their land positions and from
the fleet blockading Port Arthur on the
west harbor with the object of de-
stroying the Russian fleet and sue
ceeded in sinking three vessels. The
names and character Of which are UNI
known The failure Of the Port Arthur
fleet to make a sortie is creating the
suppression that the Russians intend to
destroy their ships just before the fall
Il of the fortress in preference to taking
the risk Of a sortie.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 1o.-Kuropatkin
is ii the field personally directing for
ward movements of his army, which, 1t
ds understood, is divided into two
strong columns, moving on each side
OF the railroad whence they will draw
their supplies, their tanks being as
eured by no less than a hundred and
nifty squadrons of Cossacks. The Rus
slams are operating along a front OF
between forty and forty-five miles. ex-
tending from Kaoutou pass to Bentsi-
aputze on the east and across the Hun
river to the left bank Of the Liao river
on the west. They are taking every
precaution against possible counter at
Aacks by throwing up entrenchments
rs they advance.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 10.-The capture
Of Bentsiaputze, which was strongly
fortified and where Kuroki command
ed In person, is officially confirmed.
The fighting was not severe, the Jap
nese retiring on finding themselves
outflanked. The Russian losses were
twenty-five killed or wounded, includ-
1ng an officer.
A high officer of the general staff in
Formed the Associated Press today
that Kuropatkin Is prepared to ad-
vance with great care but when the
main collision will occur will depend
on circumstances. Heavy fighting is
hardy likely before a week, at the
earliest. "Only six miles separate the
advance lines" said the officer referr-
ed to. and an advance or counter ad-
vance might precipitate the prelim-
, mary artillery engagement at any mo-
ments."
1t is now evident that Field Marshal
Oyama is aware that Kuropatkin is
preparing to strike and instead of ex-
tending himself for a big flanking
movement east, so much talked OF, he
has recognized the necessity of meet
ing the Russian advance by fortifying
his positions north of Lao Yang. The
interval between the eventual collision
will doubtless be utilized by both sides
in feeling out their respective strength
and dispositions and in active skirm-
fshinr on the flanks. of which the dar-
ing march Of Cossacks across Shakhe
river, almost to the Yentai mines, is
an example.
Not until the combined movements of
Kuropatkin's army are in full swing
southward will it be seen whether
Oyama intends to contest the present
advance or fall back on his fortified
positions north of Lao Yang, where he
would reverse the situation hitherto,
as the Japanese would, for the first
time, enjoy the advantage of fighting
behind defenses.
According to estimates Of the war
office, Oyama's total strength is about
$50, 900 men, of which 10000 are posted
between the Hun river to the west and
Bentsiaputze eastward. the remainder
being held in reserve at Lao Yang.
disposes Of nine corps, CIV
Ing him perhaps slight superiority I'm
numbers.
lieutenant General Grippenberg. who