NEWS FROM TOKIO.

Evening Post, Volume LXVII, Issue 150, 25 June 1904, Page 5

NEWS FROM TOKIO.

FORCES. THE ATTEMPT TO SEAL PORT ARTHUR. (By tho Evening Post's Special War Correspondent.) TOKIO, 3rd May. Details of the battle of Kiuliencheng aro slowly filtering through. Tho Imperial Army has shown its fitness to contest with tho navy tho laurels due for Sagacity, determination, foresight, and bravery. This initial battle seems to show that tho Russian army is as demoralised as the navy. It seems almost incredible that the passage of the river was not fiercely contested, but according to reports published here tho Russians did not arouse themselves until tho Japanese were upon them. In tho choice of positions at which a stand was mado they bcem to have shown an absolute lack of military- sense, which is the more extraordinary as wo wero led to believe that the enemy had been carefully studying the strategical features of the country ever sinco they commenced their friendly aud disinteioatcd occupation of Manchuriu. 'Ibis success on land is certain to inspire Admiral Togo- to redouble his efforts to seal up Port Arthur. It is an open secret that Togo is anxious to go round and see what mischief ho can do at Vladivobtock, and he wants to put tho Port Arthur remnant out of action befoio ho does so. The only obstacle to the ultimate success of tho "blockade operations is the fact that submerged obstacles cim always be blown up, and thero is no lack of explosives at Port Aithur, whatever tho food supply may bo. Still tho Japanese are determined to tc.^L the efficiency of the bollling-up process, even if they adorn the sea-bed with tho wholo of their merchant maiine in doing so. TOKIO, 21st May. At last tho tide of forlnno which has hitherto been setting in strong in favour of the Japanese arms, shows an ebb. The loss of the Miyako and a totpedubont wns not of miiuh account, but tho loss of tho HataiKse and Yobhino is anothei story. The battleship was one of tho finest Jnpun owned. The people I heaid tho new*- of the disaster with quiet resignation. The newspapers have assisted in iusphiug the people with understanding that some disaster must happen, and that courage consists in taking heart in lime of trouble. There is a belief in certain auaitois that tho know-

ledge thai Jup.iu had lost &uch a considerable amount of fighting material will encourage the enemy, when Admiral Skrydlotf a-i rives, to sally out and put tho isbuo to the touch, ard win or lose it all. There is a possibility that some Japanese ship* will bo funk, and it is thought probable that the Russian policy will be to reduce the, fighting strength of the Jnpaiwc even at the co&t of the Port Ailhur squadron. Tho idoa, of course, would be to ensure tho safe arrival of Russia's Emopeaii tleet, and also to fcecuro the pio.specb of the two fleets being approximately equal. Thon a decisive battlu will b» fought.

SUCCESS OF THE JAPANESE