PORT ARTHUR CRITICISED.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 36, 11 February 1904, Page 5

PORT ARTHUR CRITICISED.

ENTRANCE EASILY: BLOCKED. In discussing the value of Port Arthur the writer of "China in pecay," says:— "It only remaine to glance at the Russian stronghold, and enquire whether Port Arthur is capable of being made ac impregnable a base as is generally supposed. Geographically, the harbour is most favourably situated. Its position is well adapted for the defence of the Gulf of Peehili, the entrance is easy to guard, and the harbour is protected from the weather. There are, however, corresponding drawbacks, which detract somewhat from its strength. The area.of deep wateris small and close to the entrance, necessitating the mooring of big vessels in full view, and within range from the sea outside. The entrance to the port is extremely narrow, and the entrance or departure of a fleet must always be attended with danger. This risk materially detracts from _the value of the harbour as a place of refuge, and renders it a simple matter for an opposing fleet to make the passage of the entrance practically impossible. In addition to this drawback the entrance, to the bay is ice-bound two months out of the twelve. It has been pointed out by Lieut.-Colonel Rheinhold Wagner that owina: to the formation of the coastline on the land side of Port Arthur it would be a most difficult matter to maintain communication with the rear. The isthmus is extremely narrow, in one part only IS miles, and an enemy landing here could easily command the situation by cutting off all communications., while coal must be brought by sea. Regarded from a Ipurely strategical standpoint, Port Arthur has been greatly over-esti-mated. Its military strength, owing to the heights by which it is commanded, is considerable, but its capacity as a naval base is indifferent, its accommodation limited, and its situation open to attack. It is. ind#>d, questionable whether the practical utility of Port Arthur is sufficiently great to repay its owner for the gigantic expenditure entered ] upon for its armament and defence. i ======