DISPOSITION OF THE FORCES. RUSSIAN NIGHT ATTACKS REPULSED.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 97, 21 October 1904, Page 5

DISPOSITION OF THE FORCES. RUSSIAN NIGHT ATTACKS REPULSED.

(Beceived October 21, 7.26 a.m.) LONDON, 20th August. -The Russians are opposite General Oko's left wing, entrenching a line from Manghapau (thirteen miles south-west of Shahopu) to Sankiatze and Hangkaitai. A considerable extension of FieldMarshal Oyama's left wing is thus in~ dicated. Some of General Oko's cavalry crossed the Hun River, and prevented the Russians flanking. Field-Marshal Oyama reports that the Russians fronting General Kuroki are diminishing. Those in front of Geaeral Nodzu on the night of the 17th (Monday) tried several attacks, which were repulsed, and only an artillery duel maintained on the 18th. The enemy, in front of General Oko, occasionally sending in an indirect fire, stopped within 600 to 1000 yards, and is now entrenching. General Sakharoff reports that Captain Dembovski and a detachment of Vohinteer Chasseurs boldly reconnoitred, at I night in the vicinity of Shahopu, and captured two field pieces without fighting. . A correspondent declares thai maps which have been captured show that all the Russian retreats were prearranged. THE USE OF MACHINE GUNS. I .i i ! A BATTALION ALMOST ANNIHILATED. (Received October 21, 7.26 ajn.) LONDON, 20th August. The Standard's correspondent with G*Beral Kuroki states that a Russian battalion was almost annihilated while returning across the Taitse Pontoon Bridge. The Japanese cavalry overtook them, and got their machine guns into position, and swept the bridge from end to end. This is the first time during the war that machine guns have been used decisively. . The Russian detachment which was reported to have been enveloped across the Taitse River early in the battle escaped, retreating north-east. FIVE THOUSAND CASUALTIES. (Received October 21, 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, 20th October. General Oko's casualties at Shaho are estimated at five thousand. HOW KUROPATKIN WAS CHECKED A BADLY-EXECUTED MOVEMENT. LONDON; 20th August. The St. Petersburg correspondent of the Temps says that the general check to General Kuropatkin's offensive movement was due to a badly-executed movement by General Stackelberg's army against a narrow pass ? to the Russian centre's weakness in attack, failure to use a considerable number of forces, and incoherence in Jie orders. The scene at Mukden on the 17th suggested the approaching evacuation of the town. JAPANESE HAMPERED BY RAIN. (Received October 21, 8.58 a.m.) LONDON, 20th October. The Japanese slowness and failure to cut off the Russian retreat was largely due to the rains, and the difficult ravines and gullies. The weather is now cold and clear. A JAPANESE PROTEST. AND A RUSSIAN COUNTERBLAST. LONDON, 20th Augu B t. The Japanese have sent a protest against the Russians attempting surprises disguised in Chinese garments, this being contrary to international law and a source of calamity to innocent Chinese. The Temps St. Petersburg correspondent states that information from an unquestionable source shows that the Japanese in the night attack when • they captured a number of guns (cabled* on the 14th inst), tricked the Russians into mistaking them for comrades, the Japanese wearing fur caps and Russian overcoats.