The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-09-02
DETAILS OF OPERATION AGAINST
LAO YANG.

LAO YANG.
TokioS .. m.-Details OF the opera
tons against Lao Yang from August
18th, which include an OF the
neighborhood OF Hal Cheng and the
abandonment of A~nshanshan. reached
Toxic today.
The first japanese army was divided
into three columns and moved against
Lai Ping. where the Russians eccupiet
a steep and we'll <oruned eminence.
which they had spent months IN
strengthening.
The Japanese left column moved
forward August 25. driving back =
small force OF Russians n on the 18th
prepared 10 give battle the following
day. Al midnight Of the 18th. the Jap
anese center suddenly rushed forwari
in a bayonet charge against me RuS-
sian center. which was located In the
vicinity OF Kung Chang Ling his
charge was a surprise and proved "a
be eminently successful. The japanese
captured the entire Position. The Rus
sian forces on the second n third
lines were then strongly reinforced
and offered a determined resistance.
A fierce rife engagement ensued and
continued without abatemnt
out the 18th.
The Russian artillery posted at An
Sing got the range Of the Japanese
lines and sent In deadly fire. The jap
anese artillery was not able to obtain
good positions and was badly exposed.
The Russian infantry endeavored to
recover Its lost ground but the Japa-
nese held their positions and managed
gradually to press the Russians toward
the valley of the Ian river.
The japanese left column, the prin-
cipal strength OF the 5th infantry. at
tackled an eminence north of Tahsikou
- Jor-n - tha oGth Tho Russian ar
tillery was in semi-permanent forttn-
cations north OF Tatientsu and north
west of Kaofengsu and in strength was
superior to that OF the japanese. II
bombardment reached its height be-
tween two and four O'Clock in the az
ternoon.
The Russian fire had dwindled at
times but the japanese Were unable
to silence the enemy's guns. The
Russian infantry was reinforced ana
pressed again the left wing or the
japanese left column. The
troops were dangerously exposed and
the advance from the left column re-
tired.
During the night OF the 18th the Jap
anese made a fruitless assault upon
the Russian positions at Hungshaling
and Tahsikou. None OF them succeed
ed, however. In getting possession OF
the position at Hungsnaling. where
they captured eight guns which had
previously wrought havoc in their lines.
On the morning of the 9th through
mist and haZe all three of the Japa-
nese columns moved Onward. Inc
Russians resisted this advance vigor-
ousl yand it was nightfail before the
japanese were in possession or h
long ridge.
The most fierce engagements OF Au-
gust 18th occurred at Hungshaing aud
Kung Changing. The moonlight re-
vealed the Japanese troops as they adj
vanced. The Russian OF these
positions. besides opening a fierce rifle
fire on the enemy rolled boulders down
the hillside upon the climbing
soldiers. The japanese reserved their
fire and climbed steadily upward. A.
nally reaching the summit and driv-
Ing the Russians out.
The main force retreated toward
Lao Yang. The Japanese casualties
IN this fighting numbered two hous-
and. No estimate is given Of the Rus
sian casualties. but they are believed
TO have been heavy.