New-York tribune., 1905-01-03
LIFE IN OY4MA'S ARMY.
Soldiers on Good Terms teith the
NatiUes-Russian Bombardment.

General Kurokfs Headquarters, Dec. 81 (via
Tien-Tsin. Jan. 2).-The positions OF the Japan
ese and the Russian armies south of Moukden
have not been materially changed in the last
two months. In few places the lines more
than mile apart. and they close on the
Japanese left that loud talking in the Russian
trenches can be plainly heard. Though the Rus
slams became very quiet in the first half of De-
oember, they have renewed the bombardment OF
the Japanese centre and left in the last fort
night and have selected several points to which
they devote the most attention.
The Japanese usually lie low In their trenches
and remain silent during the bombardments
Often several hundred shells will be fired in a
day without doing any damage. although occs-
sionally shell strikes exposed group or kills
some careless soldier. Almost every hour Of
the day night artillery is booming or rifles are
popping somewhere along the lines.
The Russian bombardment usually begins be-
fore noon and continues until sunset but II Is
often resumed from midnight to the breaking Of
day Frequently sorties are made by the COM
panes OF by detachments. when the fighting be-
comes severe Both armies are using the hand
grenade one OF their regular weapons for
close lighting Reconnoitring forces constantly
patrol the country both tanks to guard
against offensive movements and to protect
the auxiliary lines OF communication.
The Russians obtain quantities OF supplies
from Sinmintin, thirty miles west of Moukden.
where the Chinese branch railway ends. and
they must protect the roads leading to that
point, while the Japanese guard the highways
to the Yalu River The barren surface of the
land and the remarkably clear atmosphere
make surprises almost impossible. The fields
without shrubbery other cover for the
troops. and the hills are bare and rocky. There
xu{tb ~
and trees are few and widely scattered The
only for moving troops is the deep ra-
vines which seam the country. There Is seldom
a cloud in the sky and the nights. even when
there is no noon are bright and starlit
The weather continues TO be evenly cold, with
sudden changes. All the soldiers on the
front line live in underground huts. which are
heated with charcoal. Field Marshal Oyama
General Kodama, his chief of stafr and General
Fukushima occupy ordinary Chinese
house in a small village. General Kuroki's
headquarters in a similar establishment,
while attaches live on a comparatively iuxuri-
Gus scale in a foreign Russian building
The soldiers beyond the first line are quar-
tered IN Chinese houses and in generous struct-
ures Of cornstalks and earth. The Chinese share
their dwellings with the army and receive rent
for them. besides getting good prices for all
produce and extraordinary wages for their la
Dor. The transport department hires an army
of carts. animals and coolies. paying four times
the normal prices and skilled labor commands
corresponding rates. The prices OF coal and
wood have risen proportionately.
The women and children who deserted their
homes In the Russian occupation have gradual
ly returned, until almost the entire normal popu-
lation is back. Although they, at first regarded
the japanese with distrust. good relationship
has now been established. and the people and
the soldiers are living on the best OF terms
The roads are at their best in the winter time.
being hard and smooth. and consequently the
transport department is taking advantage OF
this condition TO accumulate quantities Of sup
plies.
Charcoal burning Is OF the army's chief
activities, and the sparse timber is consumed at
rate which ia likely to leave the country al
most bare in the spring The Chinese do not
object to this because the timber is bought and
not oonfscated. The smoke OF kilns Is seen
everywhere.
The Japanese soldiers are all clothed I'm furs
and heavy overcoats. and the equipment and
supplying OF the army continue, as they have
since the japanese landed In Corea nearly
year ago. 10 be almost above criticism