Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-03-08

Mukden. March 1.-i.35 p. NJ Fight
likely to decide the fate of the battle
which las been in progress for 10 days,
began at dawn. today. and has contin-
ucd uninteYruptedly up to the present
time on Il front IA miles long, west of
the railroad and on IL line with the
Shakhe river. The japanese also have
made desperate attack on BentSia-
putZc. and reports are arriving here
that fighting was renewed, this morn
ing. on the extreme left of the Russian
army. Eoth sides are fighting Will
desperation to the westward. though
the troops are well night exhausted.
The issue of the battle may depend
largely on the relative physical condi-
ton of The rank and file. In its many
features the combat is very much like
that at Lao Yang. and if the Russians
should be able to crush the thanking
force victory may be regarded as won.
The losses in the 10 days of battle on
both sides are already far greater than
were the casualties in the battle OF
Lao Yang and are likely to increase
as the days pass before the issue is full
ly decided.
Beginning at O'Clock 4. NJ the
Japanese made Il succession of desper-
ate attacks on General I'serpitsky's di-
vision on the west front south of Muk-
don, repeating the assaults at intervals
Of two hours with constant reinforce
nentS. About 10000 JapeneSe with 200
pieces of artillery, participated. All the
attacks We're repulSed, there being
enormous losses on both sides. One OK
hands several times. Finally, General
Tserpitsky OH horseback. placing him
self ut the head of his troops. led his
regiments to the attack with colors
flying and music playing. The attack
WAS successful. After it was over. the
victorious soldiers crowded around
General Tserpitsky. shouting his
praises and even kissing his hands and
feet. The Russians captured several
quick fire guns and many Japenese
prisoners. Including officers
Monday night, the Japanese attacked
\ elhsitun, -ildnpu and ErthtaitZu.
and also made four furious attacks on
the village of lithuanian, early this
morning. On the fourth attack, the
Japanese were temporarily successful
III driving out the Russians and rushed
directly toward the field Kitchens
where the morning meat was being
prepared and commenced to bolt the
food. The Russian troops however
with Il shout of Save our dinner.
brothers." tell upon the Japanese like
Il hurricane and drove them out of the
village at the point of the bayonet.
y captured japanese said they had
had noting to eat since Sunday. and
that they had been told. this morning,
either to capture the Russians dinner
or Starve.
st. Petersburg. Mach All hone
that Gen. kuropatkin will be able tc
turn defeat into victory is rapidly de-
creaSing. The position of the Russian
army is growing increasingly desperate
curing the last "A hours The eravasI
danger is from tie Jararese left whicr
has been pushed northward en- the
Sinmintin road to a PORT eight miles
northwest Of Alukdar. where it has
Joined ttankinE column from the west
around the village of TatChekiao loca.
ed at this point.
The battle ragged with terrible bit.
terness Throughout Monday and all The
reserves We're hurried to the scene 7,
block the stroke at the Russian line n
communications.