The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-09
Japs Are Successful.

With the Japanese Left Armies, Satur- day March 4. 10 D. m. via Tien Tsin, March S.-The first four days fighting on this flank has ended as successfully as the Japanese could wish. It has re- suited in the complete turning of the Russian right and promises the certain defeat of the entire Russian army. It is hard to see how the Russians can possi- bly, hope for any other result.
 The left Japanese armies have swung north to a point on the main highway five miles north of the Mukden lines. The two left armies, which are executing the turning movement are now parallel to and four miles westward of the railroad The two armies swung around with Chan tan as pivot until they reached a posi- ton at right angles with ne original line and are now advancing directly east. The Russians made a strong fight at the start, but later their resistance was slight, their men retreating in disorder before the on- ward rush of the Japanese, who advanced over twenty miles in four days. con stantly in touch with the Russians. The Russians had manay strong defenses in several lines, but did not defend them as strongly as expected
 Soldiers Are Dlsheartened.
 The soldiers everywhere are dishesrt- ened by the fall of Port Arthur, and 1t is believed they are almost in open revolt.
 A number of strong positions were given up without a show of resistance. and the battlefield shows evidence of nasty retreat, being covered with cloth ing heavy felt boots and thousands of whips thrown away, probably because they impeded the Russians hasty flight. Many rifles and thousands of clips of rife cartridges were also thrown away, the Russians retiring east and north in confusion. 1t was evident that all their plans for retreat were disconcerted by the rapid rushes of the Japanese.
 The entire Russian right seems alto- gether disorganized Today's reports show the Russian troops are almost in a panic posed to the Japanese extreme left armies retiring rapidly. and practically making no attempt to stop the Japanese move- ment The Japanese victory was even greater morally than physically. It is es- timated that the Russian losses were over 10,O GOO. The prisoners statements give evil dence of even greater losses. The Japa- nese loss with these left armies during the four days does not exceed 4O00.
 The Russian center near the railroad when last heard from retained its former position, but it may since have retired.
 The entire cor-mand. it Is believed. will be surrounded and cut off Tiwankampu on the left bank of the Hun was cap tured last night by the Japanese who se- cured large quantities of supplies and lighter material. The Russians retreated precipitately. not having time to carry away or destroy their stores.
 Advance Is Very Rapid.
 The advance just made Is the most rapid the Japanese ever accomplished. They recognize the fact that the Russians are demoralized, and are determined not to allow them time to rally. The seizure of the railroad north and south of Muk- den will end the battle.
 The Japanese have not captured any guns. but have captured many rifles and much ammunition. The Japanese engi- neers taking advantage of the ice, are already erecting several bridges across the Hun The ice Is still firm enough to bear the weight of guns.
 The weather Is warmer with a north wind and dust storms which perfectly conceal the guns.
 The movement of the Japanese troops practically throughout the entire battle was conducted by telephone. the perfect fiatness of the country not allowing any hill from whic-- the commander could direct the troops The ground is still frozen and, therefore. 1t Is impossible for the advancing Japanese to throw up any | shelter. and they are using various de- vices for protection. some of the men being furnisheu with small steel shells,