PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 3 November 1904, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

Some weeks ago, it was reported, perhaps for a purpose, that the work of tunnelling an approach to Port Arthur had been abandoned by the Japanese because of the hardness of the ground. Now we have it, according to the Daily Express of yesterday, that "the two forks at the extremity of the tunnel under Port Arthur completing to-day will not be exploded until Stcessel has opportunity of surrendering." If this statement is to be relied upon, the work haa been carried out with the most remarkable expedition. So far as we can judge, the nearest point from which an adit chaitze, a fort of the inner section of ohaitse, a forb of the inner section of defence due north of the town. But from this point the length of the drive would be, if the plan before us be correctly scaled, about 140 chains, and in hard country" the work would necessarily be plow. If the tunnel is completed it is presumptive evidence that the formation passed through has been easily worked, and if so, there will be less resistance to the deadly work of the mine when it comes to be exploded. As to a further stummoD" to Stoessel to surrender, we fancy he will treat it with scant courtesy. It might demoralise his men were they told of a great mine ready to explode beneath their feet, but it is safe to say that the first they will know of it will be the consciousness of the upheaval. It will no doubt make a big hole in the ground. There will be a deafening concussion, but it will not induce Stoessel to hanl down the Russian flag. It may have a very disheartening effect upon the garrison, but the Russian soldier is as a child in the hands of his officer, and if the order be to fight to the last extremity it will be obeyed. Meanwhile the bombardment continues unceasingly from the north and east, 100 heavy guns being brought into play, while under cover of these constant assaults are being pressed. From the armies in Manchuria there is no word today.