The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-02-04
JAPS HOLD THE HUN RIVER.
Victory At HEIKOUT4I Won
AFTER FIERCE FIGHTING.
Oyama Reports That Russians 0utnum-
hcred His Forces, but Vigorous Night
Attack Drove Them Dack-Batuc
Went On During n severe SnOwstorm.
Special cab'e Despatch 10 THE SUN.

/ % ''hN VA bNi lh~ u ~N'Ni" ON" "''N'.'''
Special Cab,e Despatch 10 THE SUN.
TOXIC. Feb 3.-Field Marshal Oyama
reports that he holds the line of the Hun
River, with his extfeme left established on
the right bank. The main body of the Rus
slams, after their defeat at Heikoutai (Ho-
hontaD, retired across the Hun River. Tho
battle was fought during a driving snow
storm
After describing successive Russian at
tacks on Jan 20 and II. oyamn says
that on Jan. %, on the Japanese front, des-
| pcrate hand 10 hnnd encounters followed.
Tho Japanese succeeded in repulsing all
the Russian attacks including one made
in their rear by Russians who ambushed
them while they were advancing in pur-
suit. In this case the Russians were prac-
dcally annihilnted, only 200 Of them sur
rendering
The fighting continued throughout the
day and night of Jan. 2s. The japanese
were everywhere outnumbered. and it was
decided to make general night attack.
Marshal Oyama concludes:
"All the columns expected humiliation.
They suffered heavily from the Russian ar
tillery and machine guns. but continued to
ATTAIN WIN an Naltli ilubul. NIdDlc W
Withstand our vigorous attack the enemy
began to retreat at $50 A. NJ. We occupied
Heikoutai at Csc.
The strength of the Russians vas esti-
mated at seven divisions, with one division
of cavalry.
Other details Of the battle Of Heikouta
indicate that it was one of the boodiesti
and most determined struggles Of the
war. Evident signs Of Russian activity
west of the Sha River were detected by
he Japanese as early as Jan. 20. They were
apparently moving down. not rapidly. but
steadily. a large force. A japanese army,
specially organized, was placed at Taitai,
three miles east Of Heikoutai. At noon on
Jan. IS. Wednesday. a division of Russians
surrounded the detachment that was hold
ing Heikoutai. oompellingi it. after stubborn
resistance, 10 retire under cover of night.
Thursday opened intensely cold and
with a binding snow. which delayed the
Japanese operations until noon. when
the approach OF another Russian division.
from the direction of Changhau, west OF
the Hun, was reported. The Russian main
position extended parallel with the Hun
River. two niles from Heikoutai and Taupao
to the south. Tho latter was almost a
fortress, strongly armed with machine
guns, ard wes the key to the position.
There wore also thirty guns shlfully dis
posed about Heikoutai which covered
the approach across the fats.
For two days and nights the Japanese
fought hcreely. without success. On
IhurHIay afternoon the Japanese right
attempted TO drive the enemy who we're
protecting Hoikoutai to the northward.
But the Russian batteries poured in an
obiilue fire upon the attacking force, in
flicting heavy loss and checking its advance
On Friday the right flank succeeded In
driving the Russians. thus enabling the
centre to advance TO the attack Of the town.
This it did CALAMITY But owing to the
fact that the Russians were constantly
reinforced, especially with artillery the
japanese advance was made only by inches.
There was also heavy fighting on the left.
The extreme left wing was driven in and
its rear was turned by Russian infantry
and horse artillery at night, during which
the Russians attacked everywhere. Fierce
fighting ensucl and the Russians were
repulsel.
Al dawn on Saturday the japanese left
gaianty drove superior force of Russians
and obtained position from which to
assault the Taupao fortress but the Rus
Sims sharply fankcd them with cavalr
and twelve field and three machine guns,
thus engaging the japanese reinforce
ment5 who were designed to participate
in the assault ON the fortress. The thanking
movement, however. was repulsed at
night.
Heikoutai had not been taken and it was
decided that general night attack should
be made by all the forces. Tho troops
We're exhorted to do their utmost When
the assault began the different columns
expected that they would be annihilated
Attempt after attempt to take the position
was made, only resulting in the Japanese
suffering severe losses from the enemys
artillery and machine guns The attack
was vigorously continued. however. and
at o'clocl, on Sunday morning the Japanese
made furious onslaught. The Russians
wayered before the force OF the blow and
the japanese rushed in and occupied Heikou-
tai at $50 o'clock. The Russians were
driven across the Hun River. The japanese
have secured positions west Of the river
Dispatches from the Japanese head
quarters in Manchuria report further fight
ing on Feb. / and ?, including a fierce Rus
sian bombardment Of Sandepu, TO which
the japanese artillery replied. The Jap
anese repulsed an attack by a Russian
brigade at Changetan. The Russians are
accused Of mutilating japanese who were
wounded in the fighting on Jan. 20.
LoSDoN. Feb. A despatch 20 the