The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1905-03-08
RUMOR HAS RUSSES
In FULL RETREAT
Continued From First Page

selves forward at every point yester-
day. their main energies were behind
the blow west and southwest in an at
tempt to envelope the Russian right
and drive a wedge through the line at
Madyapu, but Gen. Kuropatkin seems
To have been able successfully to
change front on the line of his shat
tered right, aligning from northwest to
southeast. to protect the railroad to
Mukden, and at nightfall, il was re-
ported, he was practically holding all
his positions. At the same time he
was drawing in and shortening his
line to the southeast.
According to reports all the concen-
trated attacks of the Japanese to the
westward failed, and the effort of Gems
Nogi and Oku to push the encircling
movement north and eastward across
Gen. Kuropatkins line OF communica-
tons was blocked. Reports, however.
are conflicting. One correspondent
telegraphs OF hearing firing to the
northward toward Tie pass, which may
be between Cossacks and flying col
umn OF Japanese.
While some Russian correspondents
perhaps attach undue Importance to
several minor Russian successes on the
southern front, which evidently were
simply counter attacks and in no sense
real offensive movements, If Kuropat-
kin has a plan for striking real blow
upon which. in the opinion OF ex-
perts, his salvation depends. there Is
no indication as yet OF such a purpose.
oyama Chooses Battle Points
The commander in chief has been
combining his strategy. as at Liaoyang
TO meeting the attacks of the Japanese
and accepting battle at places chosen
by Field Marshal Oyama. Both sides
are terribly exhausted by ten days Of
continuous fighting and all the cores
pondents at the front Intimate that the
issue must be definitely decided today.
AT the military clubs here Gen. Kuro-
patkin is already regarded as beaten,
the only question being his ability to
execute a retreat. Those who believe
there is still a chance of actual Rus
sian victory are few and far between.
The majority regard the fighting yes
terday as in reality rear guard action.
entertaining no doubt that there Will
be a heavy withdrawal during the
night. These officers. however. are de-
pendent upon practically the same in
formation as the public.
Gen. Kuropatkin's critics among mill
tary men are increasing in number, the
burden of complaint being that in
every action he has. shown q lack OF
initiative. With defeat now, whether
disastrous or otherwise. they declare
his star will set. On the other hand,
it is believed that Field Marshal Oya-
mas daring strategy, if successful in
this battle, will entitle him to rank as
one OF the greatest captains of the
age.
Effect Politically
Politically the result may determine
the question of continued prosecution
of the war. An overwhelming disaster,
1t is believed. will surely bring Russia
to terms; but anything less might not
break the stubborn resolution of the
Russian government. In its bearing on
the interior situation the result of the
battle is regarded as equally import
ant.
No exact figures are hazarded as to
the losses, although ii is evident they
will exceed those at Liaoyang on both
sides. According to all accounts the
japanese, who had to attack, were the
heavier losers everywhere except in the
west. In the matter of supplying food
and ammunition the Russians, occupy
ing defensive lines enjoy great adj
vantage which might prove decisive at
the crucial moment. although all the
dispatches from the front dwell upon
the terrible exhaustion and hunger of
prisoners who have been captured.