The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-31

mountain became almost perpendicular.
The Russian trenches scanned the slope.
To advance against them over an un-
broken slope which was mined, even
without Russian resistance would have
been a difficult task. but the slope had
been torn up, great holes having been
blown III it at various places by the
bombardment, and the Japanese avail
ed themselves of these indentationS,
which offered combined foothold and
protection against the bullets. In the
meanwhile the fire of all their available
artillery was directed against the Rus
sian trenches, the Russians eventually
retiring, whereupOn the Japanese in 80
minutes constructed trenches sufficient
to shield themselves. The Russians eX-
ploded mines, but the Japanese claim
without result One company of jap
anese engaged in this fight aroused gen
eral complimentary comment for its re-
markable GOODNESS, executing the var
iouS maneuverS for the purpose of Sc
curing shelter with automatic exact
! ness, as if on parade. Upon the retire
ment of their troops the Russians open
ed fire from Liaoti mountain and that
night they made sortie-s But the jap
anese had in the meanwhile brought up
machine guns, with which the Sortie
was repulSed.
Except for the, knowledge that the
bonn bardmef4t was continued all infor-
nation covering the period between Oc-
tober 27 and 20 is lacking, but preSum
ably it is much of the same character
as that just described, the Japanese op-
erations gradually assuming the pro-
portions of the general attack of yes
terday. The fighting is reported to
have been most severe from Rihlung
mountain down along the whole east
side of the town.
Garrison Growing Discouraged.
Chefoo Oct. 31.-The stories of Rus
sian prisoners vary concerning the gar
rison affairs at Port Arthur but they
agree, however, in saying they have
been often disappointed General StoeS-
sci has been endeavori1g to cheer them
by promising the early advent of the
Russian second Pacific squadron and
relief from General Kuropatkin. The
constant failure of these hopes to ma
| teriaTize depresses the soldiers. Stoessel
is quoted as saying that while thou
sand men were left he would not sur
render. Owing to the constant Shelling
of Port Arthur the Russian ships there
maintain low pressure steam so as to
enable them frequently to change their
positions. Since October 6, the RetVizan
Poltava and Peresviet have often been
hit and one steamer used in sweeping
for mines was sunk One gun of the
Electric hill battery and one on Marble
hill have been dismounted by Japanese
shells.
The local japanese are jubiliant over
the Port Arthur squadron.
The crew of the Russian torpedo boat
destroyer Ryeshitelni, cut out of this
harbor August IL. by the Japanese, are
preparing to go to Shanghai and join
Askold.
Latest From Steessei.
St. Petersburg, Oct. 31.-A telegram
from General StoesSel dated October IL,
constitutes the latest Russian news
from Port Arthur The general then
announced that the Russians had re-
pulsed a Japanese attack on the forts
north and northeast of Port Arthur.
October 16. with heavy loss to the as
sailants. General Stoessel also asked
for blessing
press.
Soldiers Live in Caves.
Mukden, Oct. 31.-The Japanese have
occupied a rocky promontory south of
Sindiapu and also the hills southeast
of Koutiatze. The positions along their
line are strongly fortified with redoubts
wire entanglements, bitches and pitfalls
and also mines in some places. The
fortificationS are arranged in double
tiers. The positions especially on the
plain are exceedingly well masked On
Saturday through telescopes. the Rus
slams observed a movement of the Jap
anese eastward and judging by the dust
it must have been a heavy force.
The northern slopes of the hills held
by General Zabtorff's corps resembled
the homes of cave dwellers- All the
slopes are pieced with caves, which are
warm and comfortable for the soldiers
at night General Oganoffsl<y has for a,
fortnight been living in the cleft of a
rock.
Digging Their Way In.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 31.-In tele-
gram dated October IA, General Stoessel
says:
THE enemy with IL inch guns, keeps
up a severe fire, bombarding the for
tificationS on the north and northeast
front on the east of the railroad and in
the interior of the fortress simultaneous
1y. They are approaching our forts by
means of trenches, their furtheSt ad-
vance being in the viciniyt of fort
situated near the village of Utsiafau,
necessitating the greatest caution by
our gun and rifle fire and gallant SoE-
ties by our sharp shooters. Our troops,
a mhapyp to report to your majesty,
continue to fight heroically despite the
fatigue and priVatiOnS. We ask for your
blessing and for that of the empress"
In later telegram, dated October IL,
General Stoessel says:
Yesterday at about three in the af-
ternoon the Japanese commenced
furious bombardment of the forts and
fOrtifications."
In Hailing Distance.
Mukden, Oct f31, Via Pekin.-The
manifestations of the Japanese in their
center which convergeS at point
where the plain meets the hills, have
attained the greatest Importance. These
manifestations are being fully met by
the Russians so that the sitNation at
this point of the prospective battle
field is now one of the greatest interest
and apprehension
AT the present moment the trenches
on both sides are crowding with troops
and at many places the Japanese ard
Russians are within hailing distance
At the isolated hill of Mamalon in the
plain where the Russians ten days ago
Japanese, the rival forces are only 500
PAGES apart.
FINE AUTUMN WEATHER.