The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-07-01

ceived tonight confirms the belief
that the great decisive battle of the
campaign between General Kuropat-
kin's main army and the armies of
Generals Kuroki and Oku is imminent.
The three armies probably aggre-
gate 100000 men, and their outposts
are today in touch all along the line.
The Japanese evidently tried to
Ira Kuropatkin as far south as pos
sible, holding out as an Incentive a
check to the advance of Oku's main
army. Meantime Oku swung sharp
ly to the eastward to join Kuroki, to-
ward the Chapan pass, Kuroki at the
some time moving a strong force by
the right 1ank towards Hal Cheng.
The main Japanese advance contin-
ues along the main Feng Wang Cheng
Lao Yang road avoiding the Mao
Tien pass by a detour to the north
ward. The ADVANCE in all points 10
being attended by constant skirmish-
ing.
Nothing is known here of the exact
point at which Kuropatkin's main
force is concentrated, though it Is
believed that a large part of the Lao
Yang force has been mounted to a
point between Kin Chou and Ia Tche
Kiao.
According to III Associated Press
dispatch from Tia Tche Kiao today.
a large force a pushed southwark
from TIA Tche Kiao against Oku.
While Kuropatkin is thus extending
himself, the japanese with great mo-
bility seem to be trying to concen-
trate for the purpose of striking the
Russians in flank and rear.
There is a belief that the VladivoS-
tok squadron put to sea Saturday n
is likely to be next heard of in the
Korean straits.
Ia Tche Kioa ((between Kai Chou
and Hal Cheng, Lao Tung PeninSu-
la), June 27.-2:45 a. MA great
battle ssems to be impending. A por-
ton of the Russian army has assum-
ed the offensive against the Japanese
forces commanded by General Oku,
and it is reported that General Kuro-
XII is moving along the Russian left
flank against Hal Cheng. According
to a high placed parsonage, General
KurokiS army is strong enough to
AXE the offensive, and he presumably
is anxious for a decisive action before
the rains begin.
Sharp firing was heard In the hills
OSNSA No& "N N0S DASons civ 0S'SAN
fighting is reported to be in progress
near the village of Ton Chen. An
officer who galloped in yesterday
evening reported that the Russians
We're gaining the upper hand and
driving Jack the enemy This, how
ever. has not yet been confirmed.
All the day yesterday, Russian
troops were hurrying southwark from
Ia Tache Kiao had after nightfall
battalions were continuously moving
briskly to the accompaniment of
hung over the marching col
umns, and the chorus of the infantry
singers was occasionally interrupted
by the rattle and clang of guns.
drawn at a smart trot and followed
by galloping squadronS of cavalry. 1t
was a stirring spectacle to see the
Russian army eagerly Fastening, sing
ing, into battle. The old battle
hymns, las heard in the Balkans, re-
sounded among the hills and valleys,
as with bayonets glittering in the set
ting sun the regimental colors- were
borne majestically forward. For
hours after darkness fell over the
scene, one could still hear the rattle
OF moving guns, the creaking of COM
missariaf wagons and the tread of
marching men, while occasionally, in
place of the war songs of the sol
diers, homely melodies recounting the
joys of village life, which carried the
minds of the men back to their distant
homes in Russia, echoed through the
air.
AS his dispatch is filed, news has
reached here hat General Kurokf is
marching upon Hal Cheng. There are
very many military attaches and