THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 5 July 1904, Page 2

THE WAR.

RUSSIANS ROUTED.

Three Japanese column# were utilised. One making a frontal attack, on Sunday, routed two thousand infantry and cavalry posted at Wengchepautse, renewing the engagement at dawn. After a severe struggle, they secured the artillery position, enabling them to pour an enfilading fire on the Russian lines. Then the infantry advsinced, capturing the heights, djfie Russians broke and fled, leaving 90 dead on the field and many more in the valleys. The o'her two columns attacked the Russian right. After fighting all Sunday, they renewed the assault at midnight, defeating the Russians, who, reinforced on Monday by three battalions, with sixteen guns, desperately attempted to re take the positions, but were repulsed, retreating in disorder on Simuicheng. There is an uneasy feeling at Tokio , that possibly the Peresviet may have regained port during the night, and that no vessel actually sack. A Russian destroyer, in charge of Lieut. Durukoff, leaving Port Arthur r i on Tuesday night, mo the blockade and reached Niuchwang on Wednesday with despatches.

HEAVY FIGHTING- AROUND PORT ARTHUR.

Russian despatches admit heavy fighting around Port Arthur on Sunday last, and that the Russians were forced to retire on their main positions with the loss of seven officers and 200 men killed. The Japanese losses were greater, as they travelled over a rained field. It is reported that desperate fighting has taken place ten miles north tof Port Arthur. The Japanese have occupied Wolf „■ Mountain. , . 1 ■■■ - , , Fcepcb advices state General Karo-' t patkinjias only 70,000 men at bis ■ disposal. ’British calculations give V the number as half a million, apart from |he railway guards. < Reuter’s Obifoo correspondent asserts that 180,000 Japanese are in the field. None of the fourth army has yet been landed. The Yladivostock squadron disappeared in the rain.