The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1904-03-30
JAPSTHRASH
COSSACKS
Russian Attack on Choniu
RepulSed.
BY JAPANESE GARRISON
Mikado's Troops Put up Plucky
Defence Many CossackS
We're Killed.
BY JAPANESE GARRISON

LONDON, March 30-Advices from
st. Petersburg say the emperor has re-
ceived a dispatch from General Kuro-
patkin giving lengthy report from
General Mishtchenko which says that
an important engagement has taken
place near the town Of Chongju in
which the Russians were defeated, re-
firing in perfect order. His report says:
For three consecutive days our ad-
vance outposts attempted to draw the
japanese cavalry into action, but their
patrols, after contact was established,
retired beyond Chongju, about hfty
miles northwest Of Pingyang.
Having learned that four squad
rons of Japanese were posted five
versts beyond Chongju, six companies
Of infantry marched toward Kasan,
and on reaching Chongju. as our scouts
approached the town, the enemy open
ed fire from behind walls. Two squad
rons promptly dismounted and occu-
pied the heights 600 yards distant An
engagement ensued.
I'm the town a company OF infantry
and a squadron of cavalry were lying
in ambush. Our men were REINFORCED
by three companies and attacked the
Japanese with a crossfire. Notwith-
standing this and our commanding po-
sition the japanese gallantly held
their ground, and 1t was only after
fierce fight Of half an hours duration
that the japanese ceased fire and
sought refuge in the houses. The Jap
anese holsted the Red Cross flag at
two points.
Soon afterward three squadrons OF
the enemy were seen advancing along
the Kasan road at full gallop toward
the town, which two Of the squadrons
succeeded In entering, while the third
fell back In disorder under repeated
voIlsys from our troops. A number Of
men and horses were seen to fall.
For an hour afterward our COM
panies continued TO fire on the Japa-
nese in the town, preventing them
from leaving the streets and houses.
"An hour and half after the begin
mag Of the engagement four compa-
nies were seen on the Kasan road
Fastening to attack. l gave the order
to mount, and the entire force, with
q covering squadron, advanced in per.
feet order and formed in line behind
the hill The wounded were placed in
front, and the retirement was carried
out with the deliberation OF parade.
"Our troops occupied commanding
position, but were unable to hold il.
The Japanese fought gallantly, but ow-
ing to thetr heavy losses were unable
70 occupy the position abandoned by
our force.
The japanese squadron which was
thrown into disorder was evidently
unable to occupy the hill which we
had Just evacuated, and their infan-
try arrived too late.
The detachment protecting our rear
guard arrived quietly at Kasan, where
we halted for two hours In order to
give attention to our wounded. At o
p. N. our force reached Noosan.
at Is supposed that the Japanese
had heavy losses in men and horses.
On our SIDE unfortunately three Off
Gers were severely wounded -Stepanofr
aud Androenke in the chest and Vas
elevitch in the stomach. Schilnikofr
was less seriously wounded in the arm,
but did not leave the field. Three Co.'S
sacks were killed, and twelve were
wounded, including Eve seriously.
General Mistchenko bears witness
to the excellent conduct and gallantry
of the officers and Cossacks and espe-
cially praises the Third company OF
the Argunsk regiment, commanded
by KraRnostanoT."
About 1900 men were engaged. A
d4GpRtch from Seoul estimated the kill
Cd on both sides Rt $50.
A Tientain dispatch says a French
man named Kreautlar, an employee OF
the Russo Chinese bank has been ap-
pointed French consular agent at New
chwang. He has hoisted the French
nag over the bank building. 1t is con-
sidered probable that this is fore
runner Of movement to fly the tri-
color over all the Russian government
buildings at Newchwang.
A Weihaiwei report says eleven Rus
sian war vessels are reported maneu-
yering off the coast near Weihaiwei in