PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

Evening Post, Volume LXVII, Issue 128, 31 May 1904, Page 3

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

The further details of tho desperate Btruggle near Kinchau to hund to-day confirm earlier particulars of the sanguinary engagement and of the complete success of the Japanese forces. There is no news, however, of a further advance towards Port Arthur, though there is every probability that this is proceeding. Port Arthur is claimed to bo one of tho strongest fortresses in tho world, both from its natural position aud tho fortifications erected. On tho sea side it is poasiblo to destroy tho town itself 'by means of high angle fire, but without doing harm to the f orUifcations ; while a land attack means the overcoming of difficulties bosido Which tho recent assaults, at Kinchau sink almost into inaignifieim&s. A belt of hiiis from 250 to 460 feet in height encircles the town, aud up the outer face of thoso run tier upon tier of entrenchments and fortifications, the guns in many of which command a range extending practically in all directions. Barbed wire entanglements and land mines add to the strength of tho position, and experts claim that it would require- a force five times the strength of the garrison to have any hope of success in fcubduing the stronghold. General Oko's force coa hardly claim thi* superiority in numbers. It is probable that with tho forces which are falling back in the face of Oko'd troops Uie Port Arthur garrison must number anything from 20,000 to 30,000 men, Vhilo in General Oko's fighting lino thore may be from 50,000 to 60,000 troops. We havo had ample ovidonco of the reckless gallantry of tho Mikado's troops, and we know the stubborn courage of the Russian soldier, and tho prospect points to appalling loss of life on tho port of the attacking party. Tho Nanshan Hill struggle may have taught its lessons, and tho Japanese form of attack may be changed and the loss of Hfo lessened, but loss of life if accompanied with matorial success is not allowed to stand in tho way of Japanese plans, and the plan of campaign includes the early subjugation of Port Arthur. Word comes that Kuropatkin is advancing towards tho Liaotung Peninsula in order to tako the Japanese attacking Port Arthur in the rear. Wo have pointed out on previous occasions that Kuroki's position prevents this movement unless Kuropatkin can forco him aside. Moreover, every mile that Kuropatldn moves south from Linoyang reduces the strength of his fighting line in order to enable him *o keep open his communications. It also lays him open to an attack in the rear unless lie dispo«os of Kuroki's forces, and in view of tho fact that tho Japanese have boon strengthening their positions across the passes leading south for some days past, this should bo no easy, matter. Even if those difficulties are overcome thoro is yob the Japanese fleet blockading the peninsula at the narrow' part. It has been contended that llussia made a tactical blunder in attempting to hold Port Arthur at all. It is of no use to her now that the fleet is hors de combat, and is a source of weakness in compelling the distribution of forces in order to keep open the long line of communications between Kharbin and Port Arthur. Retirement on Kharbin woultf have postponed a decisive engagement, and enabled concentration and strengthening of tho Russian forces. As things are Port Arthur will have to depend for its defence on its N fort iflc«tion» nnd on its garrison rather than on any assistance that Kuropatkin can send it.