The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-02-03
1t Was Fought at Night in a
Binding Snow Storm.
Marshal Oyama's Report ofthe
Engagement at HeikOutai.
FOUGHT HAND TO HAND
Japanese Lost 1900 and the
Russians 10000.
One of Kuropatkin's Regiments
Practically Annihilated.

Toxic Feb 3-Field Marshal Oyana
reports that the extreme japanese lett
holds a line along the Hun river with
its extreme left established on the right
bank. The main body of the Russians
after their defeat at Heiyaoutai retired
across the Hun river and occupied
Nfuyupao. Shugangtai and a portion of
Changtan. On Wednesday the Rus
slams began constructing defensive
works in the neighborhood of Shufang-
tai, Chungehiawopeng and Changtan-
Russian cavalry patrols were seen
Wednesday along the line of Tzuyuto
Pinpaotazi and Yupaotazu. The Rus
slams made q series of small attacks on
the right army and the left flank of the
left army but were repulsed in each
instance.
Details of the fighting from January
% to January %, which Field Marshal
Oyama officially designates as the bat
tie of Heikoutai show that the opera
tions were more extensive, the forces
engaged larger and the fighting more
desperate than the first reports indi-
Gated.
The japanese casualties totaled 1000
According to the japanese estimate the
Russians lost over 10000. The armies
fought in a driving snow storm. It
was bitterly cold and very difficult to
see. A night attack delivered in the
early morning brought success to the
Japanese
A Russian division surrounded and
attacked Heikoutai, January 25. Field
Marshal Oyama reports that the garri-
son though outnumbered made a stub
born resistance and retired at night
under cover of the darkness to
Kuchengtzu- In the meantime Field
Marshal Oyama warned of the attack
ordered an advance for the purpose of
retaking Helkoutai. 1t was showing
and the movements of the troops were
delayed.
January % about noon while the at
tack on Heizoutai was developing a re-
port reached the japanese headquarters.
that another division of Russians ad-
vancing from Changtai had surrounded
ChenchiehpaO and also that an inde-
pendent and smaller body of Russians
was operating west of Chenchiehpao
threatening the left flank of the Jap
anese force moving against Heikoutai
which had deployed from Sunapo. west
ward of Heikputai. 1t was originally
planned to deplOy from Sumapo to Tao
paO but it was found that the Russians
possessed q line from HeikOutai to Tao
pao. The Japanese therefore deployed
to Humpao and Wuchiatzu and attack.
ed Heikoutai and TaopaO- The latter
place was strongly held but its capture
was necessary before it was possible to
take Heikoutai. Thirty Russian guns
slzillfully placed around HeiSOutai en-
fladed the troops attacking Taopao.
The nightfall of january % saw the
japanese still struggling to dislodge
the Russians.
on January 27. the Russians pressing
the japanese right wing temporarily
retreated. The freed force reinforced
the Japanese center. The attack on
HelkOutal was resumed January Pa A
covering force was sent to protect the
right flank, rear and also the left flank
of the Japanese force operating at
sChenchiehpao. Another covering force
protected the extreme left.
The troops attacking Heikoutai ad-
vanced fearlessly and despite the heavy
losses inflicted by the reinforced Rus
slams. constantly gained step by step.
A Russian division advanced from
the direction of Niuchu and struck the
left column on the right flank. A force
of Russian infantry and mounted artiI-
1ery fred into the rear Of the left col
umn. The Japanese lost heavily and
the extreme left wing was compelled to
retreat temporarily. The Russians
made a series OF night attacks January
81 in all directions. They succeeded in
catching a detachment stationed at
SamupaO in the front and rear a des-
perate hand TO hand encounter follow
ed The japanese finally succeeded in
repulsfng all the attacks. A portion of
the Russians remained concealed at
Sumapo and on the morning Of January
2S fired into the rear of the Japanese
center The Japanese turned, attacked
and practically annihilated the Rus
SLAMS. only 200 Of them surrendering
The fight continued throughout the Cav
and night of January IS The Japanese
who We're everywhere outnumbered de-
cided to make a general night attack.
In his report Field Marshal Oyama
says:
"Our object had not been attained so
I encouraged all columns to make night
attacks. All columns of the attacking
force expected annihilation. We at
tempted several attacks and movements
but suffered heavily by the enemy's ar
tillery, especially the machine guns. All
columns continued the attack with ali
their might. The enemy. unable to
Withstand our vigorous attacks, began
to retreat at $50 in the morning. Our
forces charging into HeikOutai, occu-
pied the place firmly and entirely at
$3.50 o'clock in the morning
The Russian force engaged is estfma-
ted by the japanese at seven divisions
with a division of cavalry. Prisoners
report that the fourth Russian infantry
regiment was practically annihilated.
Preparing for Big Battle.
Headquarters of Cen Oku. Feb. d
The Russian force remains opposite
the japanese left wing, occasionally
firing. but no serious attacks are at
tempted.
some movement of the Russians is
noticeable along their entire front and
the bombardment of the Japanese
lines is continued at intervals. The
1t is evident that both armies are
preparing for a battle when the
weather moderates The temperature
aeit) last night It is believed that the
present period of colo weather will be
he last of the season
BofrOvsE1y to Join ROjestvenslzy.
Jfbutil. French Somaliland, Feb. g.
The division of the second Russian
pacific squadron, commanded by Rear
sdniral BOtrovsky. consisting of four
Trlsers and three torpedo boat de-