THE WAR.

Bush Advocate, Volume XVI, Issue 581, 3 December 1904, Page 5

THE WAR.

RUSSIA AHD .fAFAI

(UNITED BKESB ASSOCIATION.) By Electric Telegraph -^-Copyrigrht, . London, December 1.

The Times' Tokip correspondent jaays there ia no irritation over the coal question as the Japaneae fully, comprehend' the nature of' the' English laws. The

indignation is confined to the action of, France in so interpreting her laws rfsto allow the Baltic fleet the' : free use pf ports to conduct operations which are' described as irreconcilable with a strict neutrality. '■ ' ''''' •''

Repeated charges against Fort '203' failed, but finally a footing was obtained within 30 metres of the summit. The southeastern portion was reioforoed, and with a fierce asaulfc the Japanese captured the summit. ■ i,? 1 ■ Simultaneously 'the northern, part and the entire fort were captured. . . ; Heaps of Russians daad vere fpniatl.i ' Dec. 2. The 203 battery ppntained several 4*7 iuillimetre quickfirers and several 1" 5 centimetre canet guns. ■ - The north-eastern and south- western: central defences were, built of earth and rocks. ° -The western 'suiiimit was very strongly defended, armoured covers encircling the approaches. Mr Bennett Burleigh wires that the first division of - stormers suffered heavily. \ Simultaneously the 9th and Hth divisions of stormers advanced and menaced Erlungshan and Eikwan. The Japanese casualties during the twenty-four hours were 15,000. Fort 203 commands Itzushan, Antzushan, and Taujangkojo, besides tha: town and the eastern portion of the harbour. . .

The Express states that a terrific fire during four successive charges mowed xtbwn the Japanese literally in com; panics. After reinforcements came a fresh advance was made. The Russian fire then preceptibly slackened. . the Japanese reached the trenches, clubbing and bayonetting the Bussians, who- bravely stood • their' ground. * The Japanese officers wielded the samurai with terrible effect.

! ; 3?he' newspapers aib St. Petersburg confess that the' reserves are deserting in hundreds and thousands. v -

Joy is manifested at ToMo at the great victory connected with the taking of Fort 203. New recruits are joining the colours gladly. _' ; Several supplementary vessels of thY Baltic fleet have arrived at Tangier. The railway, police ab Ghingwantao hay^dispbler&l 549iquiQ'le firer shells, cop^e^ledtm/a cargo 6ribag^s of beans from Simitun. Three Chinege, who w^i?e -arrested, confessed that they were hired tocoavey them to Port Arthur,. -\,