MILITARY OPERATIONS IN MANCHURIA.
Desperate encounters have taken place between the advancing Japanese army and the forces of General Kuropatkin, in which the Russians have been systematically forced back from one position to another. The Japanese General reports that the Russians have been retreating since August 1. The heat is intense, and there is great suffering among the troops on this account, especially among the Russians who are not so well accustomed to the latitude in which they are fighting. Reports from Port Arthur are very conflicting. Those from Russian sources indicate that many thousands of the Japanese have been slain in the various attacks; but these reports are evidently exaggerated. It seems certain that practically all the outer defenses have been taken by the Japanese, who are now pouring shells and shrapnell into the town and fortifications. It is said that there is not a whole pane of glass in the city. The Japanese are daily expecting to hear of the fall of the fortress. The Russian position at Hai Cheng has been captured, and the forces there engaged are retreating upon Liao Yang. Some reports indicate that the whole Russian army is involved in this retrograde movement, and that General Kuropatkin himself has been wounded. There have been no accurate reports given of the losses in the last few days' fighting; but it is evident that the number of the killed and wounded has been very large. About a thousand Russian prisoners were taken at Hai Cheng. The Japanese are now halted, awaiting supplies and ammunition.