The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-10
kurOpatkin'S Army Has Begun
the Long Promised Advance.
Captures a Japanese Position
With Slight Loss.
kUROKI'S MISTAKE.
He Neglected to FOrtify an I'M
pOrtant Point.
Russians to Fight Their Way
to Port Arthur.
Oyama's Army Falling Back on
Lao Yang.

AIoO
st. Petersburg. Oct. 10. 6:15 p. NJ
Cen Kuropatkin is in the field per-
sonally directing the forward move
ments of the army, which it is under
stood is divided into two strong col
umns, moving on each side of the
railroad, when they will draw their
supplies their TANKS being assured by
no less than $50 squadrons of cos
sacks. The Russians are operating
along a front of between 40 and 5
miles. extending from KaOuto pass to
Bentzipatuze the east and across
the Hun river to the left bank of the
Lao river on the west They are tax
ing every precaution against possible
counter attacks, throwing up en-
trenchments as they advance south
ward. Field Marshal Oyama, how
ever, has not yet shown a disposition
to strongly hold his outer positions
The evacuation of Bentziputze left the
flank of the Japanese position at the
Yentai mines unprotected, and news
of the abandonment of the mines is
therefore hourly expected.
The Japanese appear to be concen-
trating their forces in the fortifcations
formerly occupied by the Russians on
the right bank of the Taitse river,
which are exceedingly strong, and they
have equally good defense north
and south. The japanese retired from
Bentzipatuze almost without strug-
gle. fearing that Gen. Mistchenko's
cossacks would surround the position
and cut them off. Bentzipatuze is of
the highest Importance, commanding
the roads from Mukden and Fushun
to Lao Yang and Benzihu.
Private advices from Mukden just
received indicate that the artillery is
already at work
An engagement is reported to have
occurred yesterday on the Russian
right flank, IA miles southwest of
Such news of the Russian move
ments as may be given out without !
compromising the advance is likely |
to be telegraphed by Gen. Kuropatkin |
each evening, after the days work in |
the field is over.
Bentziaputze Captured.
Mukden, Oct I0.-The Russian for
ward movement has begun and Bentsi- |
aputze has been captured with a small |
loss.
In order to get a clear understanding |
of the situation, it may be stated that
two days ago the Japanese divisions |
were confronting the Russians north of |
the Taitse river. Their left flank, con- |
sisting of two divisions was on the
railway at Sandiapu, 80 miles south |
west of Mukden, and close to the Hun |
river. Their center comprised of four |
divisions, occupied the railway between |
Lao Yang and Chandiaputze, II miles |
the extreme, the japanese right along |
the road between Bentsiaputze and |
Bensihu. Their front extended about % |
miles.
The position at Bent-iaputze was
strongly fortified and intended to with
stand attack 1t is reported that Gen.
kurol1i was there in person.
The japanese had omitted to fortify /
one hill which was the key to the po-
sition. The Russians, aware of this
omission. made a wide detour eastward
and seized the hill with little OPPOSE
ton. The hill once occupied exposed
the whole japanese position TO a heavy
1anking fire.
The Russians also turned the Japa-
nese right and the fortified positions,
thus becoming untenable the japanese
were forced to withdraw hurriedIy
guard action in which they suffered
heavily The Russian losses through
out were small although severe opposi-
tion had been expected.
Gen. Mistcheniko's Cossacks had
been marrying the Japanese outposts
for several days, and were entirely sue
cessful in number of engagements.
The Russian southern advance began
October with the occupation of
Shakhe, railway station. The next day
the station, which had been dismantled
by the japanese, was restored by the
railway brigade following Immediately
behind the fighting line, and the same
brigade also restored the bridge across
the Shakhe river. October 6 General |
AIistchenko advanced almost to the YEN
tai mines. driving the Japanese outposts
with heavy loss at the expense of only
one killed and five injured.
The Russian forward movement is be-
ing made in the heaviest marching Or
der. One sees everywhere whole COM |
panies, of which every man carries a
large knapsack on his back rifle on
his shoulder and a large kettle or tea
pot slung to his waist, while hanging
from the belt is the cartridge case in
front and a big wooden water bottle
and an ak, pickaX or spade on either
side Altogether, with overcoats the
equipment weighs 100 pounds The SOL
diers move steadily and cheerfuIly
though the column looks more like
pack train than an army.
First aid stations of the Red Cross are
fasing organized and the nurses are
-Iorking untiringly everywhere. Doctors
and sisters of charity are going to the /
front in Chinese carts at the rate of
two miles an hour over heavy roads, |
but are cheerful and devoted as ever |
in spite of the imminent prospect of
more of the difficult and dangerous
work under fire. which won them the
undying gratitude of the army at Lao
Yang.
To Relieve Port Arthur.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 10.-Comment-
ing upon the order issued by General
Kuropatkin on Sunday the Novosti ex-
commander and says:
This is the man who at the begin
ming of the war said: Patience, pa
thence and again patience We have
awaited in obedience for his words
now the time has come to turn south
ward Advance now will be no idle
word Kuropatkin is going through to
save his comrades at Port Arthur,
posing armies to do So But our SOL
dfers are happy. 1t is not nature to
desire Russian troops to retire.
New Chwang Becoming Japanese.
Mukden, Oct S.-A European who
Just arrived from New Chwang says
]