Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-11-01
PORT Arthur IS
AGAIN ASSA|LED.
FURIOUS ATTACK BY JAPs ON
BESIEGED CITY.
TWO MORE FORTS CAPTURED
Unconfrmed Report of Sinking Of
Russian Battleship in Harbor
Sharp Fighting Near the
Shakhe River.

Shanghai, Oct. 29.-lt IS reported
that the Japanese have occupied two
forts to the northeast of Port Arthur,
that Russian battleship in the harbor
has been sunk and that the japanese
attack on the fortress is becoming
more furious. This report lacks con-
firmation.
Magazine Explodes.
Toxic, Oct. 29.-It is reported that the
Japanese opened desperate general at
tack on the eastern forts OF the Keekwan
group, north of Port Arthur, during the
morning Of October rs and silenced the
Russian batteries. A shell exploded the
Russian magazines. simultaneously
the Japanese attacked the forts on
Rihlung mountain and Sunghohowian
mountain, silenced the Russian bat
teries and stormed and occupied the
forts in front of these mountains. On
the night of October rs there was con-
Migration in old Port Arthur, and on
October ~ shell hit the Russian battle
ship Sevastopol and two Russian
steamers were sunk. Official confirma-
ton of the above is lacking, but the re-
ports are believed to be true.
Anxiety in st. Petersburg.
st. Petersburg, Oct. 29.-Alarmist re-
ports from foreign sources Of
the alleged critical situation OF
the Port Arthur garrison and Of
q renewal Of the Japanese attack
upon that stronghold have created con-
siderable popular anxiety here, over the
fate of the fortress, which, it must be
by the public the past few days, owing
to the absorbing interest taken in the
North sea complications. The govern
ment simply states that it is without di-
rect advices, though it realizes that the
situation in the fortress must be grow
ing daily more difficult. However, it
maintains the firm belief that the garri-
son will be able to hold out.
Death Before Surrender.
Shanghai, Oct ga private letter
from Port Arthur dated October 81, re-
ceived here Friday, says:
Gen. Stoessel wired the Russian en-
peror and court recently: I now bid
you all good-by forever. Port Arthur is
my grave
Gen. Stoessel has instilled the gar
rison Of the beleaguered fortress with
the spirit that to court glorious death
IL preferable to capitulation. The jap
anese shells are inflicting great dam
age to the Russian fleet in the harbor,
and to the fortifcations. The arsenal
1 ~ DO re q
small arms, has been destroyed, and
| preparations are being made for the
last deadly struggle at close quarters
The water supply having been cut of
wells are being sunk. Provisions are
scarce. Only timed meats being
left, the soldiers hold gala feasts or
horses killed by the shells.
Conditions Desperate.
Gen. Simonoff, it is said, would sur.
render, but is overruled by Gen. Stoes,
eel. Certain troops included in the gar.
rison have to be closely watched al
present, for fear Of desertion or treach.
cry. The field and naval hospitals are
crowded, and hygienic conditions are
becoming desperate. The bombardment
at times is so incessant that it is impos-
sible to bury the dead to any depth
Over half Of the original garrison Is
dead, wounded or sick. The besiegers
are pressing closer daily, and it is hare
to say how long we can hold out. When
the end comes there will be a desperate
fight and surprise. Thousands of thu
enemy will perish as everything ii
mined"
Japs Capture Fill.
Gen. Kuroki's Headquarters in thu
Field. via Fusan, Oct. 29.-The japanese
gave stirring exhibition of sharp ant
determined fighting Thursday. The,
| drove the Russians from high hill ter
miles east of the railroad in Gen. Kuro
ki's front, which is important strategic.
ally as post Of observation and was
the only point south Of the Shakhe rivel
which the Russians held. About regi
| ment OF Russians were entrenched there
with five machine guns. The japanese
| rushed the Russian trenches, shot many
Russians as they were running down thu
hillside and captured two machine guns
The japanese had 20 men killed and 81
wounded. The Russians left 80 dead 0,
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