New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-19
RUSSIANS TAKEN IN TRAP.
Occupy Pass EUacuated by Jap
anese-The Retreat.

aReSe-Ihe Retreat.
s. Petersburg July 19.-The Russian and
japanese forces grappled in a serious fight on
Sunday morning. General Keller losing over a
thousand men, according 10 a report from
General Kuropatkin received here late tonight.
The report indicates that the japanese misinter-
yreted the movement. and that instead of it
being an attempt TO take Mao-Tien Pass, it was
q reconnaissance on a large scale.
General Count Keller's account OF the fighting
does not state the precise number OF men en-
gagged though It shows that the Russian main
advance consisted of eighteen battalions. with
considerable reserves. three battalions of the
latter being called Ip in the course Of the battle
while others were not untitled.
An important fact developed by the recon
noissance was the exact location of a powerful
japanese force secreted in the region between
Fen-Shui and Mao-Tien Passes. Its strength
is indicated by the fact that twenty-one hat
taions were insufficient 10 force the japanese
positions though some Of these were occupied
temporarily.
report that the japanese were either disinclined
or unabl 10 follow up General Keller when he
retired TO his former position at Ikhavuan.
The battle leaves the general situation un-
changed, but shows that a powerful japanese
army is massed and is constantly threatening
Liao-Yang, apparently only awaiting General
Kuroki's signal to advance.
General Kuropatkin's dispatch is dated July
Il, on our eastern front" and follows;
After the occupation by General Kuroki's
army OF the passes in the Fen-Shui Mountain
chain, our information concerning his forces
and dispositions I'm general inadequate.
According 10 reports his army had been
reinforced. and he had even extended his forces
toward Samaja. Other reports stated that
displacement Of his troops had been made in
the direction Of Ia Pass and Siu-Yen. There
Were indications that Kuroki had trans
ferred his headquarters from Tskhakhekan to
Touinpu.
On the strength OF the information received
and the basis Of reconnoissances which had
been made, the hypothesis was formed that the
principal forces Of the enemy were concentrated
around Lian-Shan- Kwan. and that their ad
vance guards had been strengthened in the
n
ho and Papau. well at sybey Pass. two
and half miles north Of the road and half the
e.ght OF Siao- Kao Pass.
KELLERs DISCRETIONARY ORDERS.
On July Il. in order to determine the strength
OF the enemy. 81 was decided to advance against
his position in the direction OF Lan-Shan- X wan.
Lieutenant General Count Keller had been in
structed not TO start with the object of captur
ing the pass. but 10 act according TO the
strength Of the force that he would find OPP
posed 10 him.
The left column Of this expeditionary force,
consisting Of three battalions, dispatched
toward sybey Pass. The centre column. com
marded by Major General Kashtalinsky. con-
sis,ing Of fourteen battalions. with twelve guns,
MAS destined 70 attack SiaO-Kao Pass, the
heights surmounted by the temple and Wafan-
kWan Pass. The right column. one battalion
strong. occupying points where the roads
leading 10 Sinkia and LakhO passes cross in
order TO cover The right flank OF General
kashtalinskys column. The general reserve
MAS left at Ikhavuan. and portion Of the
force occupied a position at that place.
Al 10 =. m, on July l6. the head of the obi
umn advanced from Ikhavuan. At IL O'Clock
battalion of the 2d Regiment dislodged "A Jap
Enese outpost at the point of the bayonet at
-he crossing Of The l<aKfO ana tae Slnkla TOaus.
KASHTALINSKY ENTRAPPED.
Tho details of this engagement have not yet
been verified. but its general course, according
10 the telegraphic reports sent in by General
Keller was MS follows:
During the night the japanese had evacuated
siao- kao Pass and the heights surmounted by
the temple leaving only outposts there. a,
dawn General KashtainsIly's column occupied
these passes. driving back the Japarese advance
posts.
Abou; $50 the morning OF July q the jar
anese. in considerable strength and with nu-
,lerous guns occupied Wafan-Kwan Pass and
The mountainous bluffs 10 the south on the
lank OF General Kashtaiinsky's column From
ihis position and from the OF the mountains
.he east Of the heights surin9untod by the
Coa:iuued Ions