The San Francisco call., 1904-10-18


Russian positions on Anshu and Oil
kei Mountains. That night the Japan
ese attack on the Russian center was
repulsed with heavy loss. The next
morning the attack was renewed on
Ojikei Mountain under cover of a heavy
and concentrated artillery fire. The ad-
vance OF the infantry was enormously
difficult, as the mountain sides were
almost precipitous.
The. Russians remained in the
trenches until the last moment and
were driven out only after several
charges. Many Japanese were wound
ed. The Japanese We're struck by loose
stones which were hurled at them by
the Russians above when they were
climbing the slopes.
There was also hard fighting on the
left flank, where the positions were
very difficult to take. A body of Rus
sian troops held to Loatzu Hill long
after the rest of the line had retired.
The japanese made a desperate effort
to outfiank them, but during the night
the force escaped.
On the morning of July 2S the Rus
SLAMS evacuated their positions along
the entire line and retired to new
Ene from Taku Mountain, on the west
coast, through Fanghoan range to a
point on the west coast.
The japanese advanced before day.
Light on the 30th and surprised the
Russian outposts who retired, leav-
ing their kits, blankets and rifles
piled in their bivouacs. A short fight
followed with the Russian main po-
sition, but the Russians soon retired
within the line of permanent fortifi-
cations on the west and center, but
held on the Taku and Shonku noun
tains and the hills close to the east
coast.
NOGFS PRESENT POSITION.
The japanese line was now as close
to the Russian line of forts as pos
sible, except on the east coast, where
Taku and Shonku mountains, strong
strategic points, were held by the Rus
slams.
1t is evident that the Russians only
fought strong rearguard actions dur
ing the two months they have been
holding these positions, waiting until
they could infiict serious loss on the
japanese and then retiring in good
order to their next natural positions.
General Stoessel is evidently unwill-
ing to sacrifice his men by holding
these positions, though they are strong
ones, and evidently he also is afraid
Of being outfianked by superior
force.
The Japanese successes were pur-
chased dearly, but they were wonder
ful considering the tremendous diff
cults the japanese encountered in
country which is a series of natural
fortresses, almost impregnable. The
Russian losses were about 1900, while
those of the japanese were close to
5000.
1t is evident from their positions
that the japanese have shown great
skill in locating trenches and in plac-
ing guns. The concentrated artillery
fire of the japanese was splendidly
effective in silencing the Russian guns,
while the infantry, with machine and
mountain guns, were enabled to climb
almost impossible heights and to en-
gage the Russians hand to hand.
1t is impossible to understand Gen.
eral Stoessel's determination to retake
Ken Mountain, as the ei1~rt cost him
800 men. and as he coulu not have
held the place if he recaptured it, as
it could be easily outfianked.
In advancing the Japanese right has
moved twenty miles, while the left
has moved only twelve miles, to it's
present position in front of Port Ar
thur.