The Pickens sentinel-journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1903-1906, 1904-12-07
WAY OPEN FOR JAPS
Port Arthur Now Admitted to
Be Surely Doomed.
DEADLY BLOW is STRUCK
Summit of 2o3-Meter Hill Occupied BY
6essigers and Town and Harbor
are at Mercy OF Big
Guns.

The official announcement was
sent out from Toxic Thursday that the
Japanese have occupied the summit
Of 203-Meter hill, at Port Arthur. This
important position has been the OBJ
Ject OF severe and continuous fight
ing, and cable reports, from time to
time, have indicated that many men
have been sacrificed In the effort to
capture 1t. The position designated is
dominating point in the range which
lies to the westward OF the town of
Port Arthur, and according to reports
1t commands artillery range Of the
harbor and portion OF the main
town. Its approximate distance from
the citadel or main defenses is three
to four miles. Reports from both To-
kio and st. Petersburg indicate that
isolated engagements of a mord or
less severe nature are occurring
along the front of the Manchurian ar
mics, but it is not apparent that the
main forces are engaged
The correspondent at Chefoo OF
The London Daily Telegraph says that
the attack on 203-Meter hill resulted
In heavy losses to the first division of
the Japanese stormers. Simultaneous
~ with this assault the correspond
ent says, the men Of the Ninth and
Eleventh divisions advanced and men
aced the Rihlung and Kekwan forts.
1t Is stated, the correspondent adds.
that within twenty-four hours the
Japanese casualties have totalled 49,
600, and IL is asserted that the attacks
have been planned to continue until
December 10, when it IS hoped the
capture Of Port Arthur will be COM
pleted.
Rejoicing in Toxic.
A Toxic special says: General No.
gl's telegram announcing the storm
ing and capturing of 2O3-Meter hill
was received with cheers by the jap.
anese people. 1t revives the hope of
an early capture OF Port Arthur prop.
er.
December 1st was the date set un-
der the conscription act when recruits
recruits marched to the barracks and
donned uniforms for the first time.
Following an honored custom, the rel
atlVes or the recruits carried flags
and banners. and escorted the new
soldiers to the barracks In Toxic
there were scores of little professions
escorting attachments OF popular con-
scriptions.
The number OF men who have Joined
the coldrs under the conscrlption act
has not been made public.
H. Commands the Harbor.
st. Petersburg dispatch says: The
war office here Is not yet prepared to
accept the report that the. Japanese
before Port Arthur have taken 2O3.
Meter hill, but it is officially confirmed
that the war office admits that it will
be desperate blow for the gallant
defenders OF the fortress.
The position commands the harbor,
and IL the Japanese can mount siege
guns on its summit they can force out
the Russian squadron or destroy 1t at
its anchorage. Those familiar with
the supporting plans Of the forts think
1t Is by no means certain that even
though the Russians are forced to re-
tire from 203-Meter hill the Japanese
can place in position heavy guns
against the fire which the other forts
can bring to bear on IT, Still the war
officials reluctantly agree that such a
breach In the chain renders the posi-
ton extremely critical and though
the garrison might be able to hold out
In the Golden Hill. Tigers Tail and
Idaotien forts for some time, 1t may
mark the beginning OF the end.