The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-06
.speelsI caslt Dtsralehe. o M So.

Special Cabe Dispatcher 70 THE Sun.
MuKpHN, March Noou.-Artillcry
lighting has been incessant to the west
ward all tho morning The Japanese ad-
vanced guards hold limo nine kilometres
long parallel with the railway
Japanese shells are bursting four dlo-
metres from the Chinese imperial tombs
The Russian batteries are vigorously re-
plying Both sides are pouring in hail
OF shrapnel.
The weather Ia clear and cold
TOXIC. March 6-An official bulletin.
issued tonight. apparently reports the
completion Of the japanese operations
! preparatory to what 10 expected to be a
decisive battle The situation from east
to west is as follows:
The extreme right Of the Japanese army
! has made a further advance in the direo-
/ ton OF Fushun, the principal position OF
the Russian left, which is considered the
real key to Mukden. The Russians have
completed lately railway connecting
! Fushun with Mukden. Owing 10 the eI-
treme Importance Of the position in tho
eyes Of the Russians, the reserves that
we're stationed in the rear Of Mukden have
| lately been hurried TO Fushun.
The bulletin adds that the japanese
have driven the Russians to Tita and
Machutan, which marks distinct approach
! 70 Fushun. A battle is now in progress
I - ,.tr i1tf or ,,1a nit ho
Japanese centre on the heights they have
occupied near Tungkiatun and Housunmu-
paotse. These heights are regarded IA
being Of great importance. as they command
the Russian advanced positions.
Four serious night attacks and several
smaller ones have been made in the direc-
ton OF the Sha River by the Russians. but
all were repulsed. The Russian offensive is
apparently most determined in this direo-
ton, where ii will be remembered, Gen.
Kuropatkins order for a general engage
nent at the end OF January was alone exc
cuted, resulting in the battle Of Heikoutai.
still further west. between the railway
and the Hun River. the japanese are con-
tinuing a fierce assault on tho Russian
trenches They have succeeded in occu-
pying three Russian positions about thir-
teen miles west Of Shahopas.
Vest Of the Hun River the eXtra mo Jap
unese left. under Gen, Nogi not only lately
occupied Sinminung, an important centre
whenc,. the Russians obtained suppBes
but have destroyed the defences Of the
Russian commssariat line. They dis
lodged several detachments Of the enemy.
and yesterday. continuing their hot pur-
suit, approached Mukden from the west
in the form of great quarter circle, with
radius of fourteen miles converging on
Mukden. Hers the seizure of Changtau
the key to the Russian commissary, marks
a distinct loss to the enemy
The general advance of both japanese
wings has entirely averted the danger Of
the Russians outHankinz the japanese
right while in the direction of the extreme
left the japanese offensive hns frustrated
further Cossack operations.
The bulletin in conclusion states that the
Russian casualties in the several engage
ments were enormous The japanese made
large captures OF mill tary supplies
The public is engrossed with the progress,
OF the titanic struggle around Mukden
There is great enthusiasm over the progress
of the Japanese extreme left. which the
people believe is far enough on the enemy's
night and rear to prevent a repetition OF
Gen Kuropatkins mastery retrsGt from
Liaoyang.
The moderate wording Of the official
dispatches Ia believed 10 cover something
resembling a panic and flight on the Rus
sian right It is realized that the butchers
bill will be enormous, but there are no re-
liable details regarding the casualties. i
ia believed that 10000 Rusoians are en-
gagged. Gen. Klober, commanding the
Russian second army, has been wounded
and taken to the hospital at Mukden.
The japanese occupation Of sinminting.
Shich is neutral territory. is eagerly dis
,ussed 1t is asserted that China has made
protest against the occupation, but japan
3 expected 10 plead justification because
he Russians used the place as a supply
iepot and stationed troops there. 1t Is
stated that Japan is protesting 10 Pelin
hat Chinese soldiers west Of tho Lao River
ire helping the Russians.
ST. PETERSBURG. March 5,-Teegraph-
ng under date Of yesterday. Saturday.
zen. Kuropatkin, the Russian Commanders
n-Chief says
The night passed quietly on our western
ront. A detachment Of our troops on tho