Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 122, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 October 1904 — RUSSIANS LOST 25,000. [ARTICLE]

RUSSIANS LOST 25,000.

Almost Routed by Japanese in First Battle with Conditions Equal. The seven days’ battle north of Yental was the heaviest blow yet struck the Russians by the Japanese, so far as loss of life is concerned. The left Japanese army during the week buried 4,100 Russian dead left in front of its lines. A village in front of the left wing contains many Russian dead, but the shell fire of the retreating Russians prevents the Japanese from reaching them. Conservative estimates place the Russian casualties at not less than 25,000. Probably many more dead are on the field in places not yet searched. The Japanese report their total casualties at a little over 3,000 killed and wounded. The principal Russian casualties occurred in determined counter attacks on each village captured by the Japanese. The Russian attacking parties were in many cases entirely annihilated.

For the first time the Russians met the Japanese on an equal footing, not having strong defense positions to depend upon, and for the first time they attacked the Japanese in their own trenches. The Russians everywhere fought bravely, but they were unable to drive the Japanese out or to hold their own positions against fierce charges. Almost in every case the Russians retired from their positions at the first charge, then made repeated attempts to •recapture them. The Japanese left ■army, with a front of nearly ten miles, moved forward about five miles, fighting over every inch of ground. The final retreat of the Russians was almost a rout. The Japanese extreme left advanced, driving the remnant of Russians ahead. The Russians covered their retreat well with artillery and carried away much baggage and many wounded. The Japanese ooldiers were practically the same that fought before Liaoyang. Chinese report that heavy works are ready for the Russians along the Hun river. The Japanese are undecided where the next stand will be made. Details of the operation of the right and center armies are not obtainable. Baron Hayashi sees no probability of anything being done rewards peace In the event of a victory for the Japanese, but thinks when Port Arthur falls there may be some hope. •