Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-09-08
RUSSIANS STILL RUNNING.
Beaten at Liaoyane, They Are Trying
TO Reach Mukden Ahead Of Japs.

The great battle OF Liaoyang last week
resulted in the complete defeat of the
Russians, who are now being pursued
toward Mukden BY the triumphant Japa-
nese. The battle itself lasted three days,
" hen the Russians began TO withdraw.
This movement, which occupied two days,
was accompanied by considers bic fighting.
The Russians estimate their losses at To-
600. Marquis Oyama, Japanese command
er, reports his own losses every heavy
At the beginning of the battle, early last
week, the Russians occupied strong posi-
tions few miles south OF the town OF
Liaoyang, which is located on the south
bank of the Taitse river, sizable stream
that flows almost due west. This point
for an obstinate defence. Large stores Of
supplies had been assembled at Liaoyang.
Most of the eminences had been fortified
and heavy guns were in position.
The japanese advanced from the south
and east, Oku on the left or west wing,
Nozdu in the center, while Kuroki's large
army formed the right and extended to
the northeast. 1t is likely that the two
armies we're of about equal strength.
A days terrific bombardment began the
struggle The japanese guns, focused as
much as possible, swept along the entire
Russian line, doing much damage. The
Russians replied in kind. Next day and
the day following the Japanese infantry
assaulted. The Russians describe its ae-
tion as superb in valor. The men
swarmed over pits dug to catch them and
barb wires set to entangle them, faced the
terrible fire in front and though swept
back with awful loss always returned.
Even at night they kept on. In the main,
the Russians held their line, but some po-
sitions were taken,
Meanwhile, Kuroki's right army had
ss.ar . Tat 81
LiaoyRng in order to flank Kuropatkn.
At length this was accomplished some
miles up stream and Immediately heavy
masses of the Japanese poured over to the
right bank and deployed to the north
ward, preparing to sweep down on the
Russian left. This movement upset all
plans of Kuropatkin to defend Liaoyang.
He was Obliged to look out for his own
line Of retreat toward Mukden to the
northward, and as soon as possible threw
a strong line out from his left to face
Kuroki, while he prepared to withdraw
his whole force across the river.
The weakening Of his defence south OF
I,iaoyang caused by this withdrawal made
possible further successes by the Japa-
nese on the south, who pressed their adj
vantages, bombarded Iiaoyang itself and
almost cut off and captured Stakelbergis
Siberian corps OF 10000, but it was finally
extricated. As many OF the stores at
Liaoyang as possible were burned or de-
stroyed and the town evacuated under the
guns OF the enemy.
All interest now centered in whether
the Russian army, now fugitive, could
keep kuroki off its path long enough to
allow ii to pass on to Mukden. Some
warm fighting took place near Yentai, but
the Russians contested the Japanese ad-
vance so stubbornly that Kuroki could
not quite head them and they took the
lead, Kuroki still trying to place his force
in the vicinity OF the railroad. Oku and
Nodzu also crossed the river and followed
In rear.
AT last report the Russian transports
had begun to pass on through Mukden.
the line OF wagons reaching back many
miles. The army vas following hot foot
and the Japanese close in pursuit on right
and rear. Kuropatkin naively reports,
"Our army is now advancing to the north
ward II is unlikely that the Russians
can make stand at Mukden, so shattered
are they and so close the pursuit, and they
will probably keep on 10 Harbin in the
extreme north, where the railroad from
Siberia forks, one branch passing down
through Manchuril and the other east
ward to Vladivostok.
Prince Ouktomsky, who took command I
OF the Port Arthur squadron after Admir-
al Witthoeft was killed. is to be court /
martialed for returning to Port Arthur
with most OF the battleships after the sea
fight in disobedience of the czar's order.
Russia has fioated $3.50, ,000, 600 loan in 1
Germany and the czar will soon call out 4
100000 more troops.