Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1904-10-19
Terrible Slaughter Reported in
Oriental War

Terrible Slaughter Reported ir
Oriental War
War in it's most frightful aspect
and attended with unspeak bic
horrors, comes to us In tho latest
reports from the struggle in the
Orient below Mukden, Manchuria,
whers the japanese have dealt the
most staggering blows to Russian
power and pride. There is no re.
cord of any japanese gains since
Friday, when the Russians after a
20-mile retreat took refuge behind
the Shakhe River, like a wild
animal at bay, and made a last
furious stand to save themselves
from rout. The battle of the
Shakhe is believed to be the
bloodiest since the days of Napo-
con.
The combined losses in the seven
days ferocious struggle, which
Field Marshal Oyama has officially
designated the "Battle of the
Shake River" have reached the
appalling figures of 10000 killed
and wounded, according to the
japanese estimates. The awful
tragedy has not yet ended, the
fighting continuing desperately ON
the Russian left.
Advices firm Mukden indi cate
the critical position of larger
portion Of the Russian army, the
correspondent. whose dispatch
shows evidence of being censored,
stating "it is now certain that the
army will be able to extricate it.
self"
Before the severe fighting Octo-
Der IA, General Oku's army buried |
1000 Russians and General Ku-
roki's men inferred $500. Up to
and including October IA, the jap
anese army commanded by Oku
lost $500 men.
General Kuropatk;n, just before
the great battle began, said the
japanese were a gallant foe and
most correct in the observance of
the rules of war. In this respect
he said it was the most pleasant
var in which he had ever been en-.
gagged.
A dispatch from Toxic says there
s strong appeal for peace in the
appalling tragedy which Is now
lnder enactment in Manchuria
even the japanese. to whom the
,reat victory is Of paramount JIM ]
Ortance, seem to be shocked by y
be slaughter Of their enemies a
he japanese people are receiving +
he news from the field of battle
almly, and there can be heard no +
bouts in the street proclaiming
be victory OF their nation. IN
ew flags are displayed. S
A prominent japanese said:
We have won sweeping and q,
ecisive victory. which may prove
be the salvation of our country's di
iiStence, but regret both our own III
sses and the terrible slaughter Ii
hich our forces have inflicted or 20
e enemy. We regret still more
9 necessity which forced US to
gage in this war" cr
A member Of the diplomatic
rps,in an interview with a cor
'pondent said: 81 believe the Soy
rid will recoil from the sicken- ' '
: slaughter Of this battle. p p"
Every interest of humanity de- -a'
Inds the adjustment of the differ pa
;es between the two nations and '"ss
proclamation Of peace. 'v w
e situation between the two u"
ligerents is delicate one, but pei
at splendid triumph for diplo- l
cy it would be if peace could be ne'
anged. 1t seems to me that or
question of honor is no longer ano
olved. If Russia feels that ah'
h question Is involved, surely IN
heroic and successful defense o"s
Port Arthur and the valor our
wn by Russian soldiers on the sch
ds of Manchuria should forever T
ermine the quality of Russian :,
rage. Russians should remem
that the distance dividing gre. .r
strength and the limitations uin
her railway are historical fac ,1u ,
in this war. These factors "o'
generally known. They are , ,3n
reeiated by everybody and are o Co.,
looked upon as faults" 1oS