Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-06-23
THIRD DEFEAT
FOR RUSSIANS.
JAPS CHECK MOVEMENT TO RE-
LlEVE PORT ARTHUR.

Gen. oku's Main Army Turns and
Drives Russians From Strong Posi-
tion With Severe Loss almost En-
velops Its Foe.--gladivostok Squad
ron Sallies Forth and Destroys Three
Transports.
The Russian attempt to move to the re-
lief OF Port Arthur met with disastrous
failure last week. The considerable force
detached by Gen. Kouropatkin for that
purpose was met at Telissu (Nafangow) by
the main Japanese army which had delay
ed pressing the siege of Port Arthur until
il had time to dispose of this force in its
rear. A bloody battle followed, in which
the Russians, after stubborn fighting,
were totally defeated with the loss of at
least 1900 men and II guns. The japanese
loss was about 1000. The operations are
thus reported by the japanese, with which
the Russian account agrees in the main.
Scouts having brought the news of the
Russians massing large army at Telissu,
p miles north OF Pulantien, evidently
with the intention Of attempting TO force
the Pitsewo- Pulantien line, which forms
the northern gate of the peninsula, Gen.
Oku resolved to assume the offensive. He
marched out of Pulantien June 10, his
right moving by Taihaho, the center along
the railway and the left by three roads,
the westernmost OF which was Fuchau
highway, while the cavalry rode on the
extreme right by the road from Pitsewo to
Hiyugyochin.
The Japanese columns, driving in many
OF the enemy's outposts, bivOuacked after
a march of twelve miles. All the units
being at their appointed positions ON the
morning of the 14th, the advance was re-
FF
ly to Nanchialing, while the centre and
right. preserving touch, reached the line
of the CHA ckiatan- -Tapingkau road. y
Kilometres south Of Telissu. The country
is hilly and the advance was difficult.
Reconnaissance now showed the enemy
holding the line from Tafangshin 10 Lung
wingmio, in a very strong position, but
with detective facilities for retreat. Ihis
disadvantage, however, was outweighed
by proximity to the railway, enabling the
rapid arrival of re-enfOrcements. The
Russian fighting line consisted OF 25 bat
talions OF infantry and II squadrons OF
with as guns to which constant
additions arrived later.
The Japanese forthwith advanced to the
Wangkaitun- -Lungkiatun- Wukiatun line,
here, posting artillery. they bombarded
During the night the centre occupied
heights west of Lafangkau, and at dawn
OF the 18th the right seized the heights
from Lungkaitun to Wengkiatun, which
were ordered held firmly without making
any strong offensive movement, pending
flank movement by the Fuchau column.
The morning Of the 18th was foggy, but
at $50 a. m. it cleared sufficiently for ar
tillery to open from the center and right 4
after which the center. advancing upon .
hills in the valley OF the Fuchau river, en-
stout resistance.
About 80 a. m. the movement on the
left began to develop. Infantry and artil-
Iery OF the Fuchau column reached the
heights to the westward OF Wangkiatun,
.hus establishing touch with the centre,
N hen both columns faced heavy artillery
ire, the advance steadily scaling precipi-
.ous scarps and pushing back the enemy
10 Tafengshin.
Meanwhile the enemy's left, heavily re-
enforced by the arrival of new troops, at
empted to turn the japanese right by re-
)eated attacks, necessitating bringing up
he whole japanese reserves, which, sup
)lemented by timely movements OF the
,avalry threatening the Russian left and
ear, restored the Japanese initiative.
The entire line, gaining ground stimuli
aneously. enveloped the position Of the
.nemy, who at three p. m. commenced re-
reat, which the Japanese by whitening
ire converted into a fout, although the
rrOund dlQ not laNof pursuit. Inc nus
ans left 600 dead on the left wing alone.
The Russian Vladivostok squadron, con- /,
listing of three cruisers and two torpedo Z
,oats, again made damaging raid on the +,
transport service last week, des- :
roying three vessels and capturing !
oliier Admiral Kamimurs, commander !
i the japanese squadron delegated to :
,uard against this movement, was evident !
i outwitted, and though he responded :
to the alarm and pursued the
russians they returned in safety 10 Nladi- :
ostok. :
Admiral Skrydoff, the Russian COM !
handler, reports as follows:-
aOn June Is our cruiser division en- !
ountered in the Strait OF Korea Jap !
nese transport steaming from the south /
q the direction of the Japanese coast !
'hich was visible on the horizon. The !
essel proved to be the Izumi with troops !
n board.
"On the expiration of the time given :
hose on board TO lower boats and leave :
he ship, permission to do which was :