PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 106, 1 November 1904, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

There was fierce fighting before Port Arthur on Sunday, heavy forces of Japanese trying to secure commanding positions near the main forts, but with what result is unknown. Looking back upon the frequent and tremendous assaults that have been made upon the Russian stronghold, and the comparatively few points of vantage gained, it must be admitted that not only have the predictions of the pro-Japanese military experts as to capture of the place been greatly falsified, but the losses of the besiegers have been extraordinary both in numbers and quality, for it is understood that the pick and flower of the Japanese army are among the fallen. How long the fortress can hold out none can say, for the opinions of those who profess to speak with knowledge or by authority are commonly at variance, and all the evidence is conflicting. As to the alleged approach of starvation, we find in The Times of 21st September, to hand this morning, the letter of a Dane who is one of the besieged residents of Port Arthur, who says : —"Flour, tea, and munitions are superabundant, but preserves nnd cigarettes are scarce. Once a week we get Norwegian preserves, and each man rficeives daily three drinks of schnapps. The military band plays almost daily. Up to to-day we have had 1100 killed, while in thf hospitals there are scarcely 3000 sick and wounded. The garrison numbers 34,000, not counting sailors." ' The date of this letter was 30lh August, at which time English readers were ,under the impression that more essential things were scarce in Port Arthur than cigarettes. In the same issue of The Times it is stated thit General Stoessol declared that the present temper of the Japanese made resistance to the last drop of blood a necessity, as if the fortress were entered the Japanese officers would undoubtedly be unable to restrain their men from massacre. A telegram from Chefoo of 20th September gives it as the opinion of Prince Radziwill, just escaped from Porb Arthur, that the place would never be taken, but a brother officer, who accompanied him, 6aid : — "I wager my head that it will not be taken within a month. I will not prophesy for later." From Tokio on 15th September it was reported: — "Private accounts suggest that Port Arthur is being gradually reduced tc- extremities." Nearly seven weeks have passed, and the garrison are fighting like full fed men. We remember the dreadful accounts with -which the public was "stuffed" about the awful haidships of Baden-Powell and his men in Ma f eking, and when the place was relieved no one Was very hungry. Anyway, Stoesseland his gallant garrison are still full of fight, and we hope they may have a full ration until the fight is finished.