Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-06-02
NANSHAN HILL
CARRIED BY JAPS
RUSSIANS DRIVEN FROM THEIR
STRONG FoRTlFlCATloNS.

All-Day Battle, in Which Japanese
Finally Won BY Desperate Bravery
and Unparalleled Grit.--Stubborn
Defence Made.--Heavy Loss on
Both Sides.--Result Has Important
6earins.--Japs Take Dalny.
The second heavy land battle OF the
Eastern war took place last week Thurs
day, and like the big fight at Kiulieng-
cheng on the Yalu was a complete victory
for the japanese, though they paid a
costly price in lives for possession Of the
field.
The Russian stronghold Of Port Arthur,
which is one Of the main obiectiyes OF
the japanese in their Manchurian cam
paign, is located near the southern point
Of the Liaotung peninsula. Some 30
miles north Of Port Arthur the peninsula
is narrowed to mere neck by the cutting
10 on the eastern side of Talienwan bay
and on the western side by Kinchow bay.
Across this neck the Russians had con-
structed a strong line OF fortitications,
mounting many guns, and here some
10000 OF them tried to bring to a halt
the advance Of the japanese army under
Gen. Oku, which landed recently at
Pitsewo further north, cut of railroad
communication and proceeded carefully
toward Port Arthur.
II was a critical moment in the cam
paign. II the Russians could hold tine
enemy at this point, they would be left
in control not only Of Port Arthur, but
OF Dalny and the whole southern bulb Of
the peninsula. Time would be gained
for further defence preparations, as well
Is for the gathering OF a reinforcing
army to the north. IL the japanese could
pierce this line Dalny would be theirs
and they could approach without further
opposition 10 the near vicinity Of Port
Arthur and begin its siege. Eaeh side
counted the cost and prepared TO shed
an abundance Of blood to win the victory.
The japanese were assisted on tneI ,I
right by a squadron Of torpedo boats that
entered Kinchow bay and rendered
valuable service in raking the Russians
all through the battle. A small gunboat
did similar service for the Russians on
their right at Talienwan bay.
The Russians had fortified the high
ground on the south shore of Talienwan
bay, their works extending to the east ana
west. a strongly fortified hill at Nanshan
marking the western end Of the line. The
Russians apparently waited for the Japa-
nese to attack, for their batteries opened
fire slowly on the enemy. The japanese,
however. refused TO be drawn into an at
tack until the positions OF the Russians
with their guns and their strength had
been fully developed. To this end the
Japanese began a series OF careful man
oetlvres, their officers working their way
close enough to the Russian position 10
draw the enemyis fire. They thus secured
fragments OF shells for the purpose OF
ascertaining the calibre OF the Russian
guns. With this information they were
better able to plan the battle.
After careful reconnoissances, early on
Thursday morning the japanese infantry
approached Kinchow and drove out the
garrison which fed TO the fortified line on
the heights southwark. These were oe-
Tended by many guns, with barb wire
entanglements TO hinder approach. Inc
Japanese posted their artillery at com
manding points and bombarded the forts
and trenches for several hours, the kus-
sian response growing gradually fainter.
Then came the order to charge, and m
German extension order the plucky Japs
assailed Nanshan heights. They were
literally moved down by the rifle fire
from the earthworks. Another column
formed, rushed forward and fell, almost
to man. Again and again these brave
foot soldiers OF the mikado tried TO pierce
the line. but the stubborn defence yielded
not an iota and they could make no I'M
preston. Ammunition began to run low
on both sides, and the antagonists were
fairly worn down by sixteen hours light
ing when a ninth and final attempt was
determined upon. This assault OF the
japanese, in which they at last succeeded
in taking possession, was marked by the
most desperate hand TO hand encounter
that has thus far characterized the war.
The japanese squadron ~ MI hllchoM ,ll' uaS'
infantry had first moved forward. sudden
ly resumed the shelliDg Of Nanshan hill.
Then il was that the issues OF the day
we're determined-at a moment when the