The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1904-09-24
-5APs ADVANCING AGAINST MUk-
DEN AND PORT ARTHUR.
MAY SURROUND KUROPAT-
KIN AND CUT OFF
RETREAT-lF NOT CAUGHT IN A
TRAP WILL HAVE TO MOVE
NORTH-FlERcEST FIGHT
s9 ING YET ENGAGED IN
5CBy Publishers Press.)

H|AAH'AAS-A-o !
LONDON, Sept. 2A.-Two battles
q the one in its initial stage and the 9th
er in the final stages, are believed tc
3 be in progress in Manchuria. At AIuk
den, the japanese have begun thei1
general advance against General Kuro
b patkin S force, while at Port Arthur eff
5| forts, more determined than have been
exerted during the long season of ter
rife commandments, are being put
forth to speedily reduce. the fortress.
In northern Manchuria Field Mar
shal Oyama's troops are spread out in
a huge Seml-circle, the outer ends OF
which are being slowly but persistent
$ly% drawn in in an evident attempt to
completely surround General Kuropat-
kin's forces, and end the seasons cam
paignt by brilliant victory, entailing
the possible defeat and Surrender of
Kuropatkin's huge army. Already a
portion of General Kuropat atkin's forces
have occupied Flu Pass on the shores
of the Hun River, and within a few
miles Of the main road from Harbin
TO Port Arthur. Flu Pass is to the
northeast of Mul1den, about seven
miles from that stronghold and a jap
anese force here could readily move
"a little further to the westward and
effectually cut off the Russian retreat.
Agaln, the japanese troops who have
been marching northward to the west
OF the main road are said to be in a
position to hurry shallow draught
boats up the Lao river, and within
day or 50 occupy position still fur
ha Of1 4
Junction might readily be effected
with General kuroki's force, thus com
pletely enveloping the Russian Mul-
den army.
y such moves means one OF two things
3 Either General Kuropatkin viii be
caught in trap with Japanese on all
sides of him, or seeing his danger. he
will be compelled to evacuate Mukden
and instead of a terrific battle occur
ring at that place, the fighting Will re-
solve itself into a rear guard action,
while the main force continues it's way
north toward Hardin. Telegrams re-
5ard1ng the situation at Port Arthur
Ire somewhat confusing, but the tenor
II all are that a final desperate as
'au1t began yesterday or will be begun
o-day. ..
One dispatch from ST. Petersburg re-
:e1Ved in Paris states that the Japan
Sc with that complete disregard for {
which has marked their i
lghting throughout the war, are now :
ngaSed in the fiercest fighting of the
he campaign. Whole battalions are 6
aid to have been moved down in the G
nslaught, or blown up by the subter- I
anean mines which the Russians have c
lanted along the roads which the as /
aulting army must pass. C
Still another report emanating from il
hee Foo and published in Rome
ays that demand for surrender has Il
cen sent into Port Arthur and that
the event of it's disregard the as f
ault will be begun to-day. II
Field Marshal Oyama is said to be &c
ost anxious to have. the reduction o
! the fortress effected within few p
ays as such an event would mean the T
,1easing of $4,000 veteran fighters ts
ho could be used in the fighting al
sainst General Kuropatkin about CT
ukden.
Fear Cholera Epidemic.
KIN CHOU, Sept. 24.-A Russian
wal officer has received official advi- III
$ which state that cholera has bro sc
IN out at Port Arthur and that it is i'll
ared the sickness will become cpl ho
mic. sc