MARCHING TO MEET THE RUSSIANS.

Manawatu Herald, 18 June 1904, Page 2

MARCHING TO MEET THE RUSSIANS.

Two divisions of the Japanese are marching northwards from Port Adams to repel a strong force sent to harass the besiegers of Port Arthur. General Kuropatkin reports that 3000 Japanese are marching to Suayensuang, east of Siamtse. General Khorkevitch reports that on the night of the eleventh the Japanese attacked advance posts above Pitauwo, fighting all night. The Russians claim they captured the heights near Liotung, only losing four killed and 18 wounded. The Czar’s action in summoning many additional officers and men belonging to the reserves for active service has caused acute apprehension. Stackleberg r ports the Japanese fleet seized off Cbifa, a fleet of junks loaded with rice and flour for Port Arthur. SKRYDLOFF ESCAPES PROM VLaDIVOSTOCK. It is reported at Tokio that Admiral Skrydloff has escaped from Vladivostook, Nagasaki reports that the Japanese War ships engaged Admiral Skrydloff, biit the i'esdU of the battle, is unknown. Recent unconfirmed reports received in St. Petersburg state Admiral Skrydloff brought the Rossya, Rdrik and (jromtriobol to Within 30 miles of Port Arthur, but was unable to enter. He then returned. The Japanese commanders have been warned that important naval movements are expected. The Russians are constructing a deep moat on all sides, three miles outside of Liaoyang, and are mount* ing artillery on the hills, JAPS SECURE A STRATEGIC POSITION. The occupation of Sisu Pass, to the eastward of Motion, gives the Japanese the command of the valley through which the Taitscho flows to Liaoyang. Skirmishes northwards of Port Arthur occur daily. The troops at Port Arthur are on two-third rations.

There are many desertions of Siberian troops, who escape disguised as Chinamen. RUSSIANS LOSE HEAVILY. Unofficial news received at Tokio reports that a desperate battle has been fought at Fouchou, the Russians losing a thousand, and abandoning their guns and retreating in disorder. ; The headquarters of the Japanese Second Array Corps reports that the corps is drawing close to the Russians who are increasing in strength, and a battle is imminent. The cruiser Novik (3000 tons) with ten destroyers, came out under the pro ection of tbe shore batteries, which maintained a heavy cannonade, and the Japanese flotil a slowly retreated trying to decoy them, but the Russians after a sharp exchange of shots retired.