Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-03-08
Fierce Fighting in the East.

With General KurokTs army, via
Fusan, March 8.--The Russians last
night attempted to break through the
Japanese line by crossing the river where
General Kuroki has established his
forces. The attack was aimed at point
west of Witosan, but WAS rePulsed and
the Russians were forced to retire.
With General Oku's army, March s.
The Russians are offering the fercest
resistance to the advance Of the Japa-
nese. General Kuropatkin is making a
desperate effort to hold the railway un-
til the main army can retreat.
st. Petersburg, March S.-The latest
reports from the army in Manchuria,
STATE that the battle is becoming more
stubborn as it proceeds. The Russians
have Withdrawn the right wing of the
army toward the north 50 that it now
faces the Japanese hanking columns.
The two antagonists steadily maintain
their positions. japanese prisoners are
brought in by the Russians every day.
Yesterday the sharpest fighting was near
Yushuantun on the Sinmintiug road.
Last night the japanese hurled another
attack against General Rennenkampfs
division in Kaoytuling pass and the Rus
sian positions on Putilof Hill.
General Kuropatkin reports today
that the japanese attacks have been re-
pulsed at all points.
Moscow, March S.-The reports from
the correspondents ofthe Moscow papers
at Mukden are very pessimistic regard
ing the chances OF the Russians. The
dispatches say that the army is complete
Iy worn out by the long struggle. General
Kuropatkin's position, they announce, is
very serious.
Niuchwang, March 8.-Refugees from
Telling are arriving here in numbers.
They state that all the civilians are leav-
ing the city. According to the latest
reports received here, the Japanese are
concentrating their fire on the Mukden
railway station. The Russians continue
their counter attacks. The Japanese are
reported to have ransacked the freight
yards and seized the stores there.
st. Petersburg, March ga Russian
correspondent at the front reports that
the japanese were SO confident of VIC
tory that they had arranged to enter
Mukden on March 4. The Chinese
governor, it is stated had been instructed
to prepare solemn reception for the
japanese. As yet, however, the Japa-
nese have not realized their hopes. The
Russian line has even been advanced
slightly.
The same correspondent says that
General Sassulitch's infantry surrounded
a portion of General Kuroki's guard.
The Russians invited the japanese to
surrender, but the latter refused and
were shot down.
Toxic, March S.--A report received
from the army this morning says that
the Japanese captured Machuantan at
8 O'Clock this morning Machuantsp
is a great pass 35 miles east of Mukden,
and fifteen miles southwest of Fushan.
Its capture gives the japanese control
of the head of the valley running to
Fushan.
General Kurokis Headquarters, Man.
churia, March 8.-Under Govern of dark
ness last night the Russians evacuated
the whole line along the Shakhe river.
They are now 10 full retreat toward the
north with the japanese infantry press
ing them closely. On the east the Jap.
auese are pushing the Russians hard. Be-
fore abandoning his position. General
Kuropatkin harmed great heaps of sup
Elies, the fires lasting all night. The
fall of Mukden appears to be only mat
ter Of short time.
With General Kuroki's Army, March
S.-The tenth day finds the progressing
favoFa5ly. Its long duration was ex.
pected and it will probably continue
several days longer The japanese have
reached position near Mukden, within
two miles of the railway, and are keep
ing up the vigorous bomhardment. The
Russians everywhere are offering desper-
ate resistance. Frequently they have
tried to assume the offensive, but with
out result. They have resOrted to every
device known to modern warfare, to re-
sist the advance of the japanese. Long
professions Of ambulances which can be
seen travelling northward, show that the
Russians have many wounded.