Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1904-11-03
FURIOUS ASSAULT
ON port ARTHUR
JAPANESE CAPTURE TWO FORTS
NORTHEAST OF THE Be
SIEGED CITY. Z.
RUSSIAN BATTLESHlP :. <
IN HARBOR is SUNK
Interesting News from Shanghai Be-
lieved to Be True, Although Not
Officially Confirmed-sharr Fight
ing Reported.

Shanghai, Oct. 29.-It is reported
that the Japanese have occupied two
forts to the northeast OF Port Arthur,
that Russian battleship in the harbor
has been sunk and that the, Japanese
attack on the fortress is becoming
more furious. This report lacks con-
frmation.
Magazine Explodes. ...s
Toxic, Oct. 29-It is reported that the
Japanese opened desperate general at
tack on the eastern forts OF the keekWan
group, north of Port Arthur, during the
morning of October 2G and silenced the
Russian batteries. A shell exploded the
Russian magazines. simultaneously
the Japanese attacked the forts on
Rihlung mountain and Sunghohowian
mountain, silenced the Russian bat
teries and stormed and occupied the
forts in front of these mountains. On
the night of October 2G there was con-
fiagration in old Port Arthur, and on
October q a shell hit the Russian battle
ship Sevastopol and two Russian
steamers were sunk. Official corfirma-
ton of the above is lacking, but the re-
ports are believed to be true.
Japs Capture Hill.
Gen. Kuroki's Headquarters In the
Field, via Fusan, Oct 29.-The japanese
Field, via Fusan, Oct. 28.-The Japanese
gave a stirring exhibition of sharp and
determined fighting Thursday. They
miles east of the railroad in Gen. kuro-
ki's front, which is important strategic
ally as post of observation and was
the only point south of'the Shakhe river
which the Russians held. About regi-
ment of Russians were entrenched there
with five machine guns. The Japanese
rushed the Russian trenches, shot many
Russians as they were running down the
hillside and captured two machine guns.
The japanese had 20 men killed and 80
wounded. The Russians left 30 dead on
the field. There was hand-to-hand
fighting when the trenches were taken.
The Russians retired across the river.
When the Japanese flag was raised over
tower surrounding the hill the Rus
sian batteries showered shrapnel on i,
for an hour, but without result.
Death Before Surrender.
Shanghai, Oct. "a private letter
from Port Arthur dated October q, re-
ceived here Friday, says:
Gen. Stoessel wired the Russian EN-
peror and court recently: I now biz
you all good-by forever. Port Arthur /:
my grave
Gen. Stoessel has instilled the gar.
rison OF the beleaguered fortress with
the spirit that to court glorious death
| is preferable to capitulation. The Jap
anese shells are inflicting great Gam
age to the Russian feet in the harbor,
and to the Notifications. The arsenal
with its contents OF ammunition and
small arms, has been destroyed, and
preparations are being made for the
last deadly struggle at close quarters.
The water supply having been cut on,
wells are being sunk. Provisions are
scarce Only timed meats being
left the soldiers hold gala feasts on
horses killed by the shells.
Conditions Desperate.
"Gen. SimOEOff, it is said, would sur
render. but is oyerruled by Gen. Stoes-
sci. Certain troops included in the gar
rison have to be closely watched at
present, for fear of Ceserticn or treach-
cry. The field and naval hospitals are
crowded, and hygienic con6:tions are
becoming desperate. The bombardmert
at times is so incessant that it is impos-
sible to bury the dead to any depth
Over half of the original garrison Is
dead, wounded or sick. The besiegers
are pressing closer daily, and it Is HARD
to say how long we can hold out. When
the end comes there will be q desperate
fight and surprise. Thousands OF the
enemy will perish as verythiIg is
mined -