New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-04
SOME FORTS CAPTURED.
Russians Exploding Mines - Jap
anese Occupy Neu Positions.

Che-Foo Nov IA censored dispatch from
The Associated Press correspondent with the
japanese army does not give any particulars Of
a general engagement going on at Port Arthur,
but il is certain that it occurred and that some
forts were captured. Terrific explosions heard
here indicate that the Russians have exploded
mines and destroyed other property.
The correspondent of The Associated Press
here has received information, the trustworthi-
ness of which is beyond question. that the Jap
anese now occupy positions which place the east
side of Port Arthur at their mercy.
The last assault has gained for them positions
which insure their ability to enter the main
east forts whenever they are ready.
The japanese calculate that if the Russians
90 not surrender now they viii be capable of
proIonging the fighting by making their final
stand at Liaot Promontory and Tigers Tail for
a month longer, but that long before the second
Pacific squadron arrives the Japanese flag will
wave over the wrecked citadel This will end
Viceroy AIexieff's dream of an unconquerable
city.
The Japanese have not occupied the main
forts and highest points of the East Hills. but
they occupy in overwhelming numbers positions
which will enable them to drive the Russians
back whenever they desire.
When the Japanese occupy the eastern ridge
OF the forts they will completely dominate the
other Russian forts with their artillery.
Japanese arriving from Dalny to-day report
that the japanese have captured Rihiung Noun
tain and Sungsnu Mountain, which lies between
the railroad and Rihlung Mountain They also
report that the japanese have captured East
Keekwan Mountain.
Conservative Japanese, realizing the intense
desire of the ia anese for good news on the
Emperor's birthday, received the above reports
with reserve. Regarding the ca pture Of Rihlung
and Sungshu mountains, the report is not con-
"a thn
II Is not intended to occupy East Keekwan
Mountain
IN August the Japanese succeeded in enter
ing East heekWaE fort but under the con-
cenrrated fire of the other forts they were COM
PEELED TO retire. Japanese officers here saw that
IL is impossible to hold East Keekwan and thar
therefore an attempt on that position is pre-
sunably only fent. When the Japanese
occupied the Russian trenches on Rihlung
current OF water into the trenches hut that the
japanese held fast. Previous TO this Japanese
shells exploded two land mines on Rihlung
Mountain.
Headquarters Of the Third Japanese ARMY
in Front of Port Arthur. Nov 2, by wav OF
Che-Foo, Nov 3 censored. The Japanese arc
now in a position to bring to an end the opera-
tons to capture the eastern fortified ridges
Their siege park has been completed bv the
placing of 11-nch howitzers. In the night o..
October % all the reserves advanced through \
network of trenches in front of the eastern fortI
fed ridges from south of Keekwan to west of
Keekwan and TO the west of Rihlung Mountain
called by the Japanese Shochosan.
The bombardment began at dawn on Octobsr
30 and infantry attacks were planned against
Rihlung Mountain intrepched hill between
the east of Raniusan and the east of Kealw,o~
and three keekWan forts
There is tremendous excitement among the
troops, who convinced of success and mean
TO capture the fortified ridges and compel the
surrender OF Port Arthur in time for the MI
kado's birthday, November 3.