THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 4 February 1905, Page 3

THE WAR.

SEIZURE OF CONTRABAND

LONDON, Eeb. 1

The Japanese captured the Britis! steamer Wyefield, laden with con traband, while bound to Vladivos tock. She was insured for £BO,OOO.

THE PROCESSION FROM POET ARTHUR.

A PATHETIC SCENE

(Per Mail Steamer at Auckland.)

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 0,

Conversing at the smrendor of Port Arthur, General Stoessel informed General Kogi that he hist heard from General Kuropatkin on 6th October, when the commander of the Manchurian army said he would soon come to the relief of Port Arthur. Stoessel Said he had sent out Chinese spies, who reported that General Kuropatkin was with a relieving army at Kinchau, twenty mile?, north of Port Arthur. General Stoessel listened with evident incredulity to the statement that General Kuropatkin had been defeated and driven back towards Mukden. General Nogi recited the story of General Kuropatkin’s defeat, and said the Russian losses were between 50,000 and 60,000. General Stoessel expressed amazement, and quietly remarked that he had been misled. The first attack on Port Arthur by the Japanese fleet in February was a tremendous surprise to the Russians, as the forts were then only partly completed. They were garrisoned by only 2000 to 3000 troops. There was a long procession of the remnants of the Russian garrison, which presented a pathetic spectacle. The first were four droskies, drawn by sorry-looking horses. They contained the staff officers, who refused to give their parole. All wore their swords, as allowed under the terms of the capitulation. A few minutes later the first detachment arrived. The regimental officers marched with their men, heads bowed, their faces seamed with lines, showing the result of the montal and physical strain they had undergone during the long defence. The Japanese soldiers crowded about them with evident curiosity. The faces of the Russian officers were an interesting study. All appeared feel the humiliating position kt though some seemed resigned to tbo situation. Others were resentful at being regarded as a curiosity. The men looked well fed, but their faces, like those of the officers, indicated the awful physical strain they had undergone. The officers were well clothed, while the men were clad in dirty-looking sheepskin coats. They appeared resigned and glad that the end had come,

The horses drawing the transport carts were staggering with fatigue, though the loads were small. They were tied to the carta, and were led by orderlies. In the procession were many lean-looking pet dogs belonging to the officers. In many cases the officers refused to wear their swords, and had them carried by orderlies. The prisoners were treated with the greatest respect and kindness. The soldiers were given food, cigarettes, and beer, the Japanese soldiers voluntarily carrying the effects of the prisoners when they were overcome with fatigue.