The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-30

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE)
ana then the entire infantry force gradually
moved forward.
The gunners the fortified heights were
not slow in giving smart response to the
Japanese attack, and soon a vigorous flre
and counterfire In progress, to which
the big guns of the japanese squadron lent
noisy chime. At 6 o'clock the atmosphere
had cleared up sufficiently for the naval
Workmanship to work effectively.
For three hours the Smelling from bay
and shore and the replying from the forts
continued without interruption, and then
the Russian fire abated.
THE FIRST RUSH.
The cessation of the firing on the hill
was a signal for a forward movement of
the troops below. and the attacking batter
les changed their positions to secure better
500 to $500 yards in width separated the
japanese and Russian lines, and the rest of
the day was spent by assailing forces in
crossing the fire-swept zone.
A Russian gunboat in Talien-Wan bay
opened fire on the japanese left at 10
o'clock in the forenoon and continued fir
ing for five hours.
Five Russian steamers attempted to land
their crews near Hung-TuAi, but the Third
Division stopped them; In the meantime
four heavy guns at Ta-Fang-Chen found
the range of the Third Division and kept
Smelling ii until o'clock in the evening.
The artillery with the Third Division vainly
endeavored to reach these guns, but failed
on account of the darkness
In the main attack the Japanese ar
tillery continued Smelling Nan-Shan hill,
seeking TO destroy entanglements and
otherwise clear the way of the infantry,
but every time the infantry advanced the
awful Russian fire drove them back.
In the meantime the Russians had re-
inforced their right under cover of two
nrpyiOuSlv Withdrawn from
Nan-Shan with fresh infantry, whose fire
enfiladed a considerable portion of the en-
tire Japanese line.
AMMUNITION EXHAUSTED.
Very critical at this time was the situa-
ton for General Oku's forces, for at the
wavering of the line, under the reinforce
ment of the Russian infantry, came the
reports from the Japanese batteries that
the ammunition was almost exhausted.
General Oku reports that he knew he
could not hope to continue the battle much
longer, so decided to make an assault in
force, regardless of casualties. Then the
artillery opened fire with the remaining
ammunition and the First Division courag-
eously assaulted the Russian center, only
to be beaten back During this time the
Fourth Division artillery had been pound
ing the Russian left. Suddenly the JAP
anese squadron also began pouring shells
into the Russian left and it's noisy awaken
ing was succeeded by the onslaught of the
Fourth Division the demoralized left
wing OF the defenders, and the victory was
won.
The beaten forces, badly shattered, re-
treated toward Port Arthur. exploding the
Ta-Fang-Chen magazines as they receded.
A detachment of Japanese infantry pur-
sued the retreating Russians far into the
night.
General Oku estimates that the force of
the enemy consisted of one line division.
two batteries of field artillery, some fort
ress artillery and marines.
General Oku telegraphs his opinion that
the Russians intended to check the Jap
anese advance at Nan-Shan in order to
protect Port Arthur. Besides the big guns
miscellaneous assortment of Russian
property was captured.
General Oku concludes bis report by
heartily thanking the navy for its coop
Grafton. The Japanese captured number
of Russian officers and men.