The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1904-06-17
800 RUSSIANS
DIE IN AMBUSH
LED INTO TRAP BY JAPANESE
RETREAT AND ARE
SLAUGHTERED.
hARRASSING JAPANESE REAR
CONTINUOUS SKlRMIsHING ALONG
RAILROAD SOUTH OF
VAFANDIEN.
HARRASSING JAPANESE REAR

Niuchwang, June Is. = Information
has been received here through here
tofore reliable channels that part of
the Japanese force left at Pulan-tien
to checkmate the Russians southwark
movement to relieve Port Arthur was
attacked southeast of Shunganmao.
After slight fighting the Japanese
made a false retreat, the Russians hot
ly following them, when the Japanese
made a flank movement, catching the
Russians in a trap. The Russian
losses are placed at 500 They
fell back on Kaichou and began to re-
treat along the Baimatgutsaichou road.
About 1000 Russian infantry from
kaichou passed through Niuchwang,
accompanied by a large supply and
hospital train. Several carts
Contained Bandaged Men.
The troops appeared to be tagged out
and showed every indication of a long,
forced march. A noncommissioned of
ficer told a correspondent of the Asso-
ciated Press that all the troops were
retreating from Tsai-chau. Before he
could say anything further he was rep
rimanded by a captain. Stragglers
are closely watched by noncommis-
stoned officers to prevent them from
talking.
The Russians have abandoned the
ground mines eight miles south of
here. A native messenger just in from
tho D,o,;or oo,o~ ooo+ ~f Loro ,oD,+
that there are many wounded men
there.
Do Not Hear of 1t.
st. Petersburg, June 15.-No infor-
nation reached the general staff
last night regarding the reported am
bushing of Russians at Pu Ian Tien as
the result of which they We're alleged
to have lost 800 men. The only thing
of the least significance in this con
n~ection is the short dispatch received
from Maj. Gen. Karkevitch, which was
sent on June II, the day the battle is
said to have occurred. Gen. karke-
witch does not mention the Pu Lam
tien fight. of which the authorities pre-
sumo he would have heard had it oc-
Cured. His dispatch only covered
events up to the preceding day.
News Is Of the Scantiest.
General news from the southern
part of the L%iaotung peninsula is of
the scantiest, and, in the absence of
official news, the officials here are not
inclined to speculate as to the situa-
ton.
Up to a late hour last night nothing
further had been heard from Port Ar
thur.
The reports of continuous skirmish-
ing along the railway south Of Vafan-
diem are taken to show that the Cos
sacks are keeping the Japanese busy
in protecting their rear. While heavy
fighting is not regarded as being inn
with the enemy is likely at any time.
Baltic Fleet of for Far East.
London, June Is. The Daily Mail
correspondent at Hamburg wires: "A
private telegram received here states
that a Russian squadron composed of
forty large and small warships. prob,
ably the Baltic fleet, has passed the
island Of Bornholm to the south of
Sweden, following a westerly course.
1t cannot be ascertained whether this
is the trial trip of the feet or the
actual departure for the Far East"
Climax Is Near.
Toxic. June Is. - Only the limited
circle personally in touch with the m
peror knows the exact situation at
Port Arthur. The second rank of of
ficials is aware merely that the siege
is proceeding and that the climax is
likely to come at any moment.
Naval and military experts absolute
ly are convinced that no amount of
good luck, g%allantry or endurance can
avert the capture of the fortress. They
admit that the struggle will be marked
With Varying Fortunes
from time to time, but they declare
that Gen. Oku commands an army
large enough and brave enough to ac-
complish the work in hand.
Gen. Stossel." said a general officer
to a correspondent yesterday, cannot
pour fresh strength and unshattered
nerves into his positions, whereas Gen.
Oku practically has unlimited forces
to draw upon: The defense of the Rus
SLAMS may send luster on the cars
arms, but the Japanese will overwhelm