The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1904-05-20
lIAO-YANG IS
EVACUATED
RUSSIANS TAKE TO THEIR HEELS
ON APPROACH OF JAPAN.
ESE ARMY.
RUM0R OF HEAVY FIGHTING
NATIVES TELL OF A BIG BATTLE
IN THE DIRECTION OF
LiAO.YANG.


Niuchwang, May 18. - The Russian
army Is reported to have evacuated
Liao-yang upon the appearance of the
advance guard of the Japanese main
army.
There is an unconfirmed native ru-
NOR here that heavy fighting took
place in the direction of Liao-yang
yesterday. The report of big guns
were family heard east of Niuchwang
early this morning.
It is known that the japanese army
was almost within striking distance OF
Liao-yang yesterday and also that
Gen. Kuropatkin was preparing to re-
tire. All the Russian families left Lao
yang several days ago.
Russians May Be Trapped.
London, May 18.--The Express cor
respondent at Chefu says: Chunchuses
are raiding the railway at various
points and at one place are virtually in
possession of several miles of line.
Even in the vicinity of Liao-yang there
are swarms of lawless marauders how
| ering around. Reports state they are
in the pay of Japanese agents. How
| ever this may be, they are seriously
hampering Gen. ~Kuropatkin's move
ments.
The Standard correspondent at st.
Petersburg says that the report that a
large band of chunchuses appeared
near the railway between Liao-yang
and Mukden and has given rise to very
considerable speculation as to the pos
sibility of the Japanese surrounding
Kuropatkin and his army. 1t is ru-
mored that the general himself has
withdrawn to Mukden.
Heavy Firing Heard.
Chicago, May 18. - Stanley Wash
burn, a Chicago Daily News CORES
pondent, cables as follows:
"Chefu, May 16.-Leaving the vicin-
ity of Dalny Saturday afternoon, when
the Japanese had completed their op-
| spent Sunday among the Miaotao isl
ands, which lie in the Laothieshan
channel between Port Arthur and
Tengchow, on the Shantung peninsula.
It seems that there is probably some
truth in the persistent Chinese rumors
that several Russian destroyers have
managed to get out of Port Arthur, as
were searching among the islands all
day.
while cruising early this morning
heavy firing was heard off Port Ar
thur. The Fawan ran in as near rs it
dared. but owing to the mist was un-
able to see anything. Later a fleet of
Japanese destroyers was met coming
out. The commander, however. de-
clined to give any definite informa-
ton"
B~esiegine Port Arthur.
Shanghai, May Is. - Reports from
Port Arthur state that the Japanese
are vigorously besieging that place day
and night by land and sea.
The Japanese have destroyed seven
ty miles of the railway in the neighbor-
hood of Pulatin. According to the
latest news received here from other
sources the Japanese are still bonn
harding Port Arthur and Dalny, The
Russian troops are leaving Dalny and
the troops in Port Arthur are reported
to be dissatisfied and willing to sur
| render.
More Japs Landing.
Chicago, May 1S.-Richard H. Little,
q Chicago Daily News correspondent
cables his paper as follows:
"Yinkow, May 16.-Heavy firing was
heard here and at Niuchwang this
morning. 1t appeared to proceed from
the direction OF Kaichow, about twenty
miles south of this point. 1t is sup
pesed that 1t was caused by Japanese
ships covering an attempt at landing.
Everything is quiet here. In accord
ance with their plan Of campaign the
Russians will retire at the proper mo-
mont from Niuchwang and avoid a
tight with the Japanese"
Japanese Concentrating.
st. Petersburg, May 18.-The follow
dated May Is. has been received at the
wa ministry:
According to information received
up to May Is the enemy's advance
from Feng Wang Cheng toward Lao
yang Is characterized by indecision. 1t
II to be supposed that the objective of
the principal Japanese forces is a point
beyond Hal Cheng or Haitjoou (Kai