SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR.

Thames Star, Volume XXXXI, Issue 10453, 31 October 1904, Page 4

SIEGE OF PORT ARTHUR.

IA'PANESE DESPERATE ATTACK. LITTLE FOOD AND WATER FOR ) RUSSIANS. ' , (Per United Press Association.) LOIMDON, October 28A desperate general attack ou the 26th. inst. silenced the Russian batteries. The easfenn and Kikiven fort were simultaneously stormed, and the Japanese occupied the forts of Eiiung shani and SungehowchouA merchant at Shanghai has re-. ceived 1 a letter dated the 21st inst., which states that the Japanese shells are causing great damage* to the fleet s and harbour works- I Others are falling over the arsenal, and muich ainmiumition and large numbers of small arms have been destroyed. Preparations have been made for the last struggle at close quarters. The water supply has been out, and only tinned meats'and meal are left in the way of food- 'Smite have to eat offal, while horses' are regarded as a banquet. The Polish and Jewish: soldiers are . Watched lest they should desert or commit treachery- | The hospitals are in a deplorable condition. Over half the original garrison is dead, or wounded, or sick. The besiegers: are now pressing closer, and that when the end comes there will ,ha a desperate fightAll the defences of the town are mined.