NOTES ON THE WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12699, 31 October 1904, Page 5

NOTES ON THE WAR.

Tlie armies in Manchuria seem to have halted when on the brink of battle to watch events in Europe. They were, apparently, not willing to perform while the audience looked the other way. We were told last; wnel; that General Kuropatkin had crossed the Shaho in front of General Kuroki, and that he was advancing to the attack. The Russian general seemed to have his arm raised to strike, and it has not yet fallen. Nothing more lias been heard of interest beyond the Tsar's expression of opinion that Gensral Kuropatkin will be able to break down the obstinacy of the Japanese. If the Russian army were composed of Kuropatkins the Tsar would have some ground for his confidence. It is composed of a mixed lot of troops, some good and some indi:rterent, and few of them very eager to fight.

There seems to have been some progress made at Port Arthur by General Nogi. lie is in full possession of Erhlungshan, and has seized the fort on Sungshushan. The impression was that these positions had been seized some weeks ago. Sungshushan is right alongside the. railway, and it is probably the position referred t< in a recent cablegram as having been captured. From this position the Japanese will look immediately down upon the old town of Port Arthur, which is said to be now on fire. They are also now within easy range of the harbour. They are, however, still overlooked by the forts on the Table Heights. The.;o positions may now be attacked at the rear from Sungshmnan and at the front from Pigeon Bay. The efforts of the Japanese are likely, however, to be- now directed against Wangtai, Ant&shau and Etseshan foria.