THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 12 January 1905, Page 3

THE WAR.

THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR

HOW THE RUSSIANS HEARD THE NEWS.

LONDON, Jan. 9. Reuter’s correspondent states the prisoners will go to Eure. The Russians' on the 4th, interpreted the Japanese “ Banzais ” along the whole front of Shaho that Port Arthur had fallen. When this was confirmed the news produced a deep impression upon the Russians. Christmas was kept up with the usual gaiety in St. Petersburg. Small congregations, including a few high officials, attended the services at the St. Isaac and Kazan cathedrals in memory of Port Arthur’s dead. General Kuropatkin at the beginning of October promised General Stoessel a speedy relief. During his interview with General Nogi in the cottage at Shinishi, near Port Arthur, General Stoessel expressed himself grateful at the Mikado’s kindness in allowing the Russian officers to retain their swords. He also acknowledged the consideration of General Nogi throughout the war. The real cause of the war was that the Russians were unaware of their opponents’ fightingoualitief!. The turning point in the defence, he said, was the arrival of the Japanese eleven inch guns. He expressed surprise at the defeat of General Kuropatkin, adding that it was useless for the Baltic fleet to come. Takahira, the Japanese Minister at Washington, states Japan intends to press the war north, and is reinforcing Marshal Oyama, General Nogi’s 24,369 prisoners does not include the sick and wounded, TOKIO, Jan. 9. A Russian map of the hospitals at Port Arthur has been published in Tokio. It shows that thirteen wore scattered over the old and new towns, and four others were in a comparatively segrated position within the normal lines of fire. Eighty thousand persons at Tokio celebrated the fall of Port Arthur in Hihiya Park. Admiral Togo, in a speech, said he was determined to deserve the nation’s goodwill by increased vigilance and exertion against the enemy. The Admirals present at the celebration planted a ijrf&bHree in the park. A LONGER DEFENCE EXPECTED. BERLIN, Jan. 9. The Mukden correspondent of the Lokal Anzieger states that Marshal Oyama wrote a letter to General Kuropatkin informing him of the capitulation of Port Arthur. In it he expressed his admiration of the gallant defenders. The effect of the news proved overwhelming since a lunger defence on the part of the garrison was expected. LONDON, Jan. 9. The Daily Telegraph states a rumour of the capitulation was allowed to spread at Mukden on the sth, but it was not officially confirmed up to the 6th. Baron Kleist, of the Russian navy, on being interview at Chefoo, said the main cause of the capitulation was the lack of heavy gun ammunition. The Japanese estimate the Russian casualties at Port Arthur at twentyfive thousand. Japan will shortly propose a domestic loan of ten million pounds. None of the Baltic fleet have entered Diego, Suarez, Tamatave or Majunga. The French cruisers are insufficient to watch the whole of the Madagascar coast. ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 9. Mobilisation in Odessa was a fiasco, A few scores of reservists were collected by force. Out of two thousand only 180 enrolled volun-

tarily.