New-York tribune., 1904-08-09
BATTLES. 1T TRENCHES.
Russians Use Stones and Mines
Ground Stre7cn zgith Dead.

Ground StTe9Cu zC1th O6QU.
Che-Foo Aug. S-Two hundred Chinese and
fifty Russian refugees have arrived here from
Port Arthur in the last twenty-four hours
Most of them left there on August g.
The Japanese are endeavoring to work their
trenches nearer the fortress. The Russian re-
sistance to these efforts is confined to the use
of artillery. which ceaselessly harasses the dig
gers. The Japanese are said to have sixty guns
In position on Wolf Hill and its vicinity.
A refugee who witnessed the fighting at Wolf
Hill on July 90 and 81 says that 1000 Russian
troops defended that position. all the approaches
to which had been protected with terraces at
angles OF 45 degrees. In many instances the
Russian soldiers dropped their rifles and rolled
rocks down on the enemy, with effects more
fatal than their bullets.
The Russian mines were cleverly concealed in
an open field. At the bottom was layer os
high explosive, next layer OF rocks and the
whole covered with sod. The explosion OF these
mines threw the rocks for a distance of one or
two versts.
It is alleged that, with the exception OF forr
men, who were captured. two squadrons OF
Japanese cavalry were wiped out by the ex-
plosion OF such mines.
MANY BODIES UNBURIED.
The witness confirms previous statements that
the japanese losses IN this fighting were severe.
The Japanese soldiers advanced on Wolf Hill
over ground thickly strewn with their dead.
They occupied the hill. BY the third day the
stencil from the bodies which were not buried
for lack OF time became intense. Japanese pris-
onerS are quoted as saying that one of the mar
row streets OF n Chinese village which was
made the target for Russian batteries was
packed with dead and wounded men.
The vehicles used by the Russians in removing
their wounded included bicycles used in pairs
with a litter swung between them. detach-
ment Of six cabs also was sent out on July 26 70
bring in Russian wounded. On July p these
cabs returned for more wounded to place they
had visited the day before It was found. how
ever that this place was then occupied by the
Japanese. who captured the outfit OF cabs.
on July 81 two detachments OF marines and
sailors. numbering 2GO men. lost every COM
missioned officer as a result OF the first volley
fred by the Japanese The men of this detach-
ment thereupon sent q delegation 20 Major Cen
eral Kondratenko and requested that no send
10 them the officers under whom they had pre-
vlously performed exceptionally brilliant ser
vices. for which General Stoessel had sent them
special thanks.
RUSSIANS MARCH OUT WITH BANDS.
By the night OF July 81 the Russian soldiers
had been lighting forty-eight hours with a mini
mum OF rest, food and water. They were then
relieved by reserves who arrived at the lines led
by bands playing the national anthem At the
conclusion OF the anthem cheers were given
along the entire Russian line for the Emperor.
A proclamation published by General Stoessei.
thanking the soldiers. and declaring that their
work IN defence OF the fortress never would be
forgotten. was read TO the troops. who again
cheered At this time parts Of the japanese
I hot bp Eusefnua COuld hear
their enemies talking.
Two French newspaper correspondents. who
made an attempt TO reach Port Arthur by junk.
saw the japanese feet on August d. They were
| twice arrested and turned back They heard
nothing OF the alleged sinking Of a japanese
| cruiser They counted twenty-four vessels OF
| the Japanese fleet RANGED in a double semi
! circle in front of the harbor.
The refugees report that tho Russian cruiser
| Bayau was struck by a fragment from one Of
the mines which the Japanese constantly send
| In toward the harbor entrance. The explosion
| occurred at the spot just previously vacated by
the Russian gunboat Gillak which had been in
/ that position for months acting guardship
| The Bayan bears marks OF projectiles OF various
! sizes showing that she has been hit two hun
dred and eighteen times since the beginning O
the
| sKRYDLoFF NOT ON THE BURUKOFF'
| II is stated positively that Vice-Admira
! Skrydloff was not board the Russian torpedo
\ boat destroyer Lieutenant Burukoff, which
visited New-Chwang a month ago. and which
was sunk one OF her return trips from tina
port
This last batch OF refugees. several OF whom
| witnessed part Of the three days lighting OF tht
week before last. deny that the japanese wer'
one verst (sixty-six- -hundredths Of mile) from
the Russian fortress. They say that the Jap
anese troops from ten to fifteen versts from
the inner fort.
Among the refugees who have arrived herr
are officials of the Danish Asiatic Company. 70
| whose safety fears had been entertained