The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1904-08-23
CONFLICT
ISRAGING
japanese Pouring Hot Fire
on Port Arthur.
WILL DI5MANTLE SHIPS
Russian Cruiser and DESTROYER at
Shanghai 10 Be Put out
of Business.
WILL DI5MANTLE SHIPS

LONDON. aug. 23.-Adviccs from
Chefu say that the news of the general
assault on Port Arthur indicates that
tremendous conflict Is raging and
that victory is hanging in the balance.
The japanese yesterday bombarded
Port Arthur from o'clock in the
morning until / o'clock in the after
noon, pouring in a heavy fire, but the
Russians succeeded in silencing the
Japanese batteries. The japanese fleet
was not engaged, having put further
out to sea.
The Japanese have swept the Rus
slams from Pigeon bay and captured
the northernmost fort Of the western
line of inner defenseS at Port Arthur
The Russian artillery prevents the
Japanese from occupying the fort on
Pigeon bay
With each additional report from
Port Arthur wonder increases both at
the persistence OF the Japanese attack
and the heroic stubbornness Of the de-
tenders of the fortress. The japanese
are literally throwing away thousands
Of lives in the hope of shaking the
courage of the Russian troops.
According to a Moscow report, Lieu
tenant GENERAL StocSscl concluded a
telegram to an intimate friend there
with the words; Farewell forever.
Port Arthur win be my tomb"
Information from Port Arthur shows
that the besiegers have been re-en-
forced by 10000 men FROM the north.
It is reported that the Japanese have
captured Fort No. %. one mile north
Of Golden hill. They are not attempt
ing to storm LiaOtsaishan promontory.
Their right wing stops at Pigeon bay.
The Russian garrison of Port Arthur
is estimated mt $4,000 men. covering an
area of twelve miles.
The Japanese main attack has been
the heaviest against the Russian cen
ter and right particularly against the
center, fronting which the Japanese
have taken up strong position at Shu-
siyen.
The temperament of the Russian gar
rison is dogged and determined. Gen
Aral Stoessel, who is heavy, rides cease
lesSly his chargers, which are showing |
the strain upon them. although the |
general changes his mounts frequently. |
Both officers aud men have grown in |
different to the shells which enter the |
town frequently. Recently the Chinese
theater was hit, and a score of people
were killed or wounded.
An unusually large proportion of
young company officers have been kill
ed' which is partially owing to their
1utieS and to reckless daring.
At Shanghai, the taOtai has granted
,he Russian cruiser AskOld and de-
'troyer Grozovoi till noon today to
cave port.
The Russian vessels viii not be al
owed to make any further repairs.
The japanese torpedo boat whose ar
'ival here caused much excitement
md which was followed to her an
'horage by the United States torpedo
'oat Chauncey. has left the harbor.
She carried dispatches for Japanese
leet lying off the mouth of the river.
The American warships at Shanghai.
While outwardly inactive, have been
or several days practically cleared for
ction. Their gun sights are in posi-
ion, and they keep steam up. Admiral
stirling is determined not to allow the
apahese to interfere with the Russian
hips, and has offered to escort them
utside the three mile limit.
A later report says that as soon as
'hina and Japan come to an agree
lent the Askold and Grozovoi will be
isarmed, the admiralty having de- {
ided that 1t would be suicidal to send ]
hem out against the superior force of
he Japanese lying in wait ,