The Land Fighting.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXI, Issue 12508, 21 October 1904, Page 3

The Land Fighting.

MARSHAL OYAMA'S REPORT. . A GREAT BATTLE RAGING. United Press Association—Per Electric 'Telegraph—TCopyright: /LONDON, : , Marshal ''Oyama reports that a regiment of infantry attacked, part of General' Ku.-. roki's army at Sbangpingatzu, and that General Taichaku ,on Sunday was routed by a counter-attack, and.retreated north. Marshal Oyina adds, " There-is no change as regards, our right and centre armies. General Yamada's detachment was sent to help part of General Oku's army, attacking ihe_. enemy northwards of Shahopo. It drove off the enemy's right wing, and captured two guns, ; -and retired in the da*Tr nes s to.its ..original position. Meanwhile a division ihatlo a vigorous advance and enveloped the detachment in. a severe hand-to-hand fight. \ ,The detachment drove : off the enemy's front; but was'Ttoable "to resist both flanks. '^Ajcway "itras, however, cut put by field' guns and five mountain guns t most-of'.the men and horses were lulled;.- The casualties numbered 1000. The enemy" on- the- night of October 17th made two" fierce counter attacks against G.enejal Oku's- right .column. Counter attacks on a t smaller -, scale were made in the direction'--'of-Generals Nodzu and, Kuroki's positions, but' the enemy were repulsed entirely, leaving a great number of dead. The enemy in front of Hnnho have been enormously reinforced,' especially in front of General Nodzu. . A mixed: brigade- faces General' Okn's left flank detachment.'' """" " ';, .■'..,

It is understood at'Tokio that, another great battle has begun. The indications are, that General. Kuropatkin' has trans 7 ferred a portion of •bis "forces, east':',and west. The Bussians-'expect "the. battle to last for a. "week. ■'■' :."• ' *.

The telegram from : Mukden' and Harbin cabled yesterday and" .stating" that the Russians are driving in - the centre are not mentioned in "tie officialdespatches and the "Tjtpor" girnnises- they are. intended :or consumption in-Russia. .'". It is reported that General'Kuropatkin has received reinforcements numbering 20,000 from Kirih.

Marshal Qyina has -received 'a whole brisade from. Xiuchwang* The Mistchenko ■ infantry defeated several battalions on Monday, the Japanese, saving the guns by enormous" losses. The newspaper "Russ" states that the : rains of Monday have swol!eVrht r and the roads are desperately-bad:' The Russians have Jreoccupied ■ Shaho Station. • - . ■ "

• General Kuropatkin telegraphed ;to tbe Czar that the Russians.would; conquer or die. -.;.-. • '.',•■■■:-•.:

The St. Petersburg General Staff state that the Russians only captured twelve guns. ■-..- -.-■:.--: General Kuropatkin has abandoned Mukden as his headquarters, and remains : with the troops. ~.-• .:' The Japanese attacks on:-Lonely Hill-on Monday night were repulsed. ■■■'■ A Tokio telegram of states that owine to the'absence-of news it is believed that inactivity followed- General Kuropatkin's abortive assaults to cover the withdrawal from Hunho. ;. •■ - : UNFAIR DISGUISES, CHARGE AGAINST RUSSIANS. " AND AGAISNT JAPANESE. THE CAUSE OF THE CHECK. Received 11.25 p.m.. October 20th LONDON. October: 20. The Japanese have sent word through Mr Hay, American Secretary for State, protestina against the Russians attempting surprises disguised in Cbfhese garments, contrary to international law and a souree of calamity to iniroce'nt Chinese. 'Le Temps'" St. Petersburg -correspoßr dent states that information'from' an unquestionable source shows that the Japanese in the night attack and capturing" guns, tricked the Russians info mistaking ibero for their comm-les.;: rUe" Jhps'nese wearing fur caps and Riisfvaiji Vivercoafsl The correspondent adds that'the" general r£eck_ sustained by Genenl Kuropatkin's offensive movement was due to a "badly executed movement by General Stackeiberg's army against a narrow pass, for the Russian centre's weakness of attack, failure to use considerable forces, and the incoherence of orders.

The scene st Mukden on the 17th Oc-~ tober sn're-esied the approaching evacuation of the town.