PORT ARTHUR'S CONDITION.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 12027, 31 October 1904, Page 7

PORT ARTHUR'S CONDITION.

DESPERATE STRAITS. PREPARINGFOR THE END FORTRESS IN FLAMES. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, October 28 Tokdo reports that old Port Arthur is in flames. A 'desperate general attack on the 26th inst. silenced the Bossian batteries on the eastern and Kikwen Forts. The Japanese simultaneously stormed and occupied Forts Ecfangahan and Sung* chowehow. A merchant at Shanghai received > letter from Port Arthur dated the 21st. The writer states that the shells are causing great damage to the fleet and harbour works. More are falling over the arsenal, and amuunition and small arms are being destroyed. Preparations are being. made for the last struggle at' close quarter*. The water, supply is cut, and there are only tinned meat* and meal to.eat. The offal of horses is regarded as a banquet. The Polish and Jewish soldiers ore watched lest they desert or, commit treachery. The hospitals are in a deplorable con- , dition, and over half the original gar- ' risen is dead,, wounded, or sick. - The besiegers are pressing closer, and when the end comes there will be a desperate fight. Everything is mined. ' 1