The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-12-21


yet to us fascinating, scenes. After
this encounter the engineers antici-
pated rest, but it was not to be so,
for we were pushed on to join Marshal
Oyama's division. To General Nogi's
army was assigned the most difficult
of the work, and the experience of the
boys who ATTACKED Port Arthur fitted
them admirably for the task.
''It was now February and the
weather was very cold. In contin-
uous snowstorm and with the ther-
mometer registering zero Nogi began
and continued the fight. There was
no cessation-no rest. Nogi, with
front Of Is miles, carried position af-
ter position, and eventually the whole
of the Japanese front, which extended
100 miles, closed in and the Russians
were. completely routed. This was the
battle of Mukden and the city was &C.
cupied on March 10 or II. The Rus
sian loss in this fight was 10000
killed, wounded and taken prisoners.
This ended the heavy fighting on land,
but the little skirmishes which fol-
lowed were just as exciting, if not
more so. HIP. FIJI
''At this time we had more leisure
and one of my amusements was to
watch the Japs bathing themselves in
hot water water - almost boiling.
We did not mind the cold much as we
were we'll provided with excellent
clothing. When at home I was never
a great lover of rice, but when in the
field became very fond of the cereal.
We were also provided with meat
whenever it was possible to secure it,
and we were seldom kept hungry for
any length of time. The >Japs can
travel long distance without food
and be perfectly fresh after a forced
march. They are truly wiry little fell
lows.
"A large number of Americans and
English were engaged on the medical
corps. I omitted TO mention that in
one of the minor engagements near
Mukden I was wounded by Russian
cavalryman on the leg and was CON-
PEELED to remain off duty about two
days. l..
"When ordered back to Japan I was
neither glad nor sorry, but on our re-
turn to Nagasaki I thought of dear
old Princeton and was glad in the an
ticipation of again meeting the friends
I had residing there. From Nagasaki
[ sailed for England and passed
three weeks in Ireland before return
ing to the United States.
NOTES OF THE CAMPAIGN.
"When off duty the Japanese engaged
in many kinds of amusements, such as
theatricals, the Geisha and wrestling,
and seemed to enjoy accomplishing
feats wherein danger lurked. One
night when off duty two Britishers, an
American, three Japs and myself
came near being captured as we were
quietly strolling around the Russian
lines. We were looking for spoils
such as vodka or anything that could
be drank. However. one of the Rus
sian pickets got his eye on us, but be-
fore he had time to give the alarm one
of the Japs had him quieted. He
skewered him. Wefcame back to" our
lines rather fast, but we were we'll re-
paid for our trouble with a couple of
canteens of the favorite Russian
drink. We had a little difficulty in
getting back to our lines, 'tis true,
but eventually Succeeded. We enjoyed
the outing very much, which was the
first of many which followed.
Upon another night was out by
myself and became lost. I spent the
best part of the night with a Chinese
Waterman, and in the morning found
myself seven miles from our lines. I
had quite time with the old China
man, and he gave me piece of some
kind of bread which must have been
at least year old. However as I
was hungry relished it and washed
it down with tea minus sugar or milk.
I nearly got into trouble that time
with our captain, but he was a good
sort and [ was let off. The captain
was killed by bursting shell at Port
Arthur later. There. are many little
incidents which makes one like the
Jap soldier, among them his courage
and his kindness. I have seen the lit
tie Jap soldier carry wounded Rus
sian great distance to hospital as
gently as he would carry his own COM
rade. I am sure I could not wish for
a better friend than one of those little.
but big-hearted, Japs.
civilian Firth.''
Farewell Surprise.
On Wednesday evening Frank Nor
neau and wife, while visitings at the