TO-DAY'S CABLES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 235, 19 November 1904, Page 3

TO-DAY'S CABLES.

THE ASSAULTS OX TORT ARTHUR. DESPERATE FIGHTING , HEAVY JAPANESE LOSSES. THE IMPENDING FALL. (.Received Nov. 19, 8.36 a.m.) LONDON, Yesterday. Tokio reports slate that the Japanese shells exploded another Russiaii arsenal at Port Arthur. Mr Bonnet Burleigh states that the Russians at Port Arthur daringly sortie nightly in bands of fifty throwing grenades into the trenches, and storming the outworks with bayonets. The daily mortality is 70, while the Japanese, loss is greater. Admiral Togo 'has received 02-ders to lose no ships, and all are kept out of range of the- land batteries hence the siege devolves on the army. The Japanese have carried only a few advanced field works and lunettes.. Their tunnels against the outworks alt East Keckwan and Erlungshan forts are two hundred and tnree metres into thei hill, an<d are progressing. The huge inner fortifications of Bordi and Keek wan are untouched, and own <tho 1 outer fort <at Panlung is untaken. The .Japanese after a 'blunder in which they had brought 30 feet ladders for 50-feet wide moats, found that their supports were unabla to advance. The defence of Port Arthur has greaitly changed, and its exact character is unknown to the Japan ese. General Stoessel's silence aJbout events since then is interpreted at Tokio to mean that his unpuibl'i.sihed despatches disclose shortage oi food and ammunition. Russian prisoners narrate increasing hunger among the besieged, and it is assert od that Russian commanders are divided on the Question of continuing the defence. (Received Nov. 19, 8.51 a.m.) LONDON, Yesterday. An, unconfirmed St. Petersburg message published .in Rome says that the Czar and a Council of the Grand Dukes, Generals, and , Admirals have authorised General Stoessel to destroy the forts, dock, magazine and vessels at Port Arthur, and retire with 5000 to Liaotishan. Mr Fowler the American ConsulOejieral at Chefoo, yesterday tdlegraphed to Cofonel Hay, U.S. State Secretary, that the situation at Port Arihur was extremely critical. The "Standard" says that a heavy bombardment and hard fif»hlinff occurred at Port Arthur on llic 3 2th inst. The Japanese had made slow progress, and their recent losses had been heavy. The "Daily Mail " states that the Japanese had numerous losses in the attack on Fort KWungshtan owing to the enfilading fire of the enemy and the reappearance of a strong force from the adjacent forts after failse reports of the. Russian retirement. The "Daily Telegraph" says that the outer forts mentioned *by Mr Fowler are probably Erlungsbang and Atzuchan, considering Liaotishan and Tiger's Tail as the inner 1 defences. I TJjo blockade oi Port Arthur h&s boon latoly much velaxod, and tho ingwss a«4 Qgvesß of merchantmen are not difficult. Part of Admiral Togio's fleet has h&on sent to Japan for repairs in readiness to meet the Baltic Fleet. The International Committee, at Shanghai is equipping a hospital ship for Port A(thur. 1