The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-08

The dav rrev warmer, and the white clad
soldiers. sharply silhouetted against the
flowers and the dark autumn green tints OF
the landscape, became more numerous
and more conspicuous. Then two Japa-
nese mountain guns were advanced with
great daring on the right below the Russian
front, being concealed by the corn. Rapidly
dropping shell and shrapnel right into
tho midst OF the Russian trenches, they
causAd the Russian fire momentarly 10
waver. Then it was renewed more Vigor-
ously than ever, but il was the beginning
OF the end.
Some Japanese, after creeping around
and wriggling through the corn, burst
unexpectedly on the trenches. There was
bloody fight then and there. As though
by magic white flags with blood-red centres
appeared all up the mountain sides. On the
summit stood man waving the flag OF the
Rising Sun aloft. The standard bearers
could he seen tearing up the slope, eager
that their companies should have the honor
of reaching the top of the mountain hrst.
"The Japanese infantry now opened nre
upon the Russians who we're descending the
opposite slopes, while the Russian artillery
turned savagely upon the heights which
had been held shortly before by their own
men. Almost to a man the Russians died
at their posts or got clear away, only three
prisoners being brought in by the centre
column as the result of the days fighting.
The Japanese losses were very heavy. one
company reported that it had over one halt
it's total strength killed or wounded Six
teen officers in one regiment were killed or
wounded. The total casualties OF the
centre were probably 900.
The Russian artillery covered the re-
treat Of the Russian soldiers who plunged
down into the valley and quickly took up
other positions as the shells fell behind them
Both armies remained in touch during
the afternoon Then severe thunder
storm came with heavy rain, in the midst
of which the artillery on our left wing at
tackled Daidenstu There seemed TO be no
single firing, but several shells every mo-
ment mingled their thunders with the thun-
ders of the heavens, making an awe In
spring volume OF sound in which one was
unable to tell where the artillery ended
and the thunder began.
There was little shelter that night for
the wounded. All lay in common fellowship
upon the mud. drenched to the skin, while
the pitiless rain continued all night and
until nearly midday, when thick FOG
covered the country
During the afternoon Of Aug. q was
permitted to ascend the captured heights.
Lines Of gathered corpses still twisted in
their death agonies lay in fields around the
village at the foot Of the hill, awaiting Gre
nation. As / reached the top picturesque
scenes we're visible. In front appeared
line upon line OF glistening bayonetted
rifles In stacks, while hundreds Of soldiers
stood awaiting the word to march. Behind
them here and there rough mounds OF
newly dug earth marked the graves Of the
Russian soldiers who had persisted in the
battle. Russian overcoats and blankets
lay around. --
Beyond there was nothing but wall
of mist into which the troops that were
constantly arriving disappeared. The long
lines of infantry dressed in mud soaked,
skinny khaki, some Of them armed with
wire cutters and others with trenohing
tools, melted away. Almost every man
was carrying a package wrapped In blue
cloth above his knapsack, which held extra
food Each soldier had a white armband
as q distinguishing mark during a night
attack.
Here stood a standard bearer, .. middle
aged man, bearded and grave of aspect,
like an Italian signor. His wounded head
was swathed in bandages and he bore with
pride this distinguishing badge OF honor.
Every now and then soldier in the ranks
walked with q specially proud air. Lint
and odoform revealed where his wound
was, a wound which he refused to allow to
keep him from battle.
.There seemed to be a ceaseless process
sion ascending and vanishing into dark
ness beyond the thin fog which had partly
lifted. Twelve hundred feet below, the fresh
green valleys shone out, while around In
a monster half circle myriad mountain
peaks came out.
Then through gap in the hills almost
due northward, a silver streak appeared,
shaped like a horseshoe Our glasses were
instantly raised and a thrill OF emotion
went through US. This was our Jordan,
our promised land lying beyond, Now
the streak OF light became clearer, niarking
the path of the River Tang, which showed
itself by it's sandy banks. Upon the dis
tant yellow sands we could distinguish
rows OF tents, and then dark, hurTying
masses OF retreating Russian troops, foot,
horse and artillery, all pouring toward the
bridge.
Our soldiers are now advancing toward
Anping, which is their goal. The task be-
fore US presents many difficulties. The
Russians hold the hills on the opposite side
Of the river apparently in great strength
and with abundant artillery. To make a
direct crossing would be an arduous task
vet no thought but of victory animates
our men. These soldiers believe them
selves to be heaven sent members Of an
ever victorious army