Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1903-04-03
Port Arthur
Falls.

Port Arthur has surrendered. Ex-
hausted by the months of almost con-
slant fighting, decimated by disease
and casualties and hopelessly sealed in
its rocky fortress, the gallant garrison
has yielded to its gallant beseigers and
the end is now written of one of the
most dramatic war incidents of modern
times.
At 9 O'Clock Sunday night General
Nogi, commanding the Japanese army
of invasion, received from the Russian
general, Stoessel, II note saying that he
found resistance useless and asking for
a meeting to arrange terms of capitu-
lation.
The note was simple and direct and
the Japanese general Immediately
named commissioners to confer with
representatives of the Russian COM
mander. They met at noon Monday to
arrange the conditions of surrender.
The nature of the terms agreed upon
is not yet known, but dispatches from
Toxic indicate that they will be of the
most magnanimous character. The
emperor of Japan himself, through the
chief of staff, has given buplic his ex-
preston that General StOessel has
rendered commendable service to his
country in the midst of difficulties, "
and that it is his wish that military
honors be shown him.
A dispatch from Toxic quotes mill
tary opinion as believing that the en-
tire garrison will be allowed to march
out under arms and may be sent to
Russia on parole. Late dispatches
from Japan have shown that the gal
liant defense OF Stoessel and his men
has nowhere been given finer appre-
citation than in the land Of his foes,
and it is more than likely that Japan
will embrace the opportunity to show
her magnanimity and admiration Of
the gallautry of Port Arthurs' defend.
ers by allowing them all the honors
which war permits a victorious army
to bestow upon the vanquished.
The following is the letter received
by Nogi from Stoessel:
Juggling by the general condition
Of the whole line of hostile position
held by you, find further resistance
at Port Arthur usless, and for the pur-
pose of preventing needless sacrifice of
lives propose to hold negotiations
with reference to capitulation. Should
yen consent to the same you will please
Al point commissioners for discussing
the order and conditi ,ns regarding
oapitulatioy, and also appoint place
for such cOmmioners to meet the same
appointed by me.
81 take this opportunity to convey
to your excellency assurance Of my re.
spect. STOESSEL"
The following reply was addressed
10 the Russian general:
II have the honor to reply to your
proposal to hold negotiations regarding
the conditions and order Of capitula-
ton. For this purpose have appoint
cd as commissioner Major General
Ijichi, chief of staff of our army. He
will be accompanied by some staff off.
GERS and civil officials. They will
meet your commissioners January .,
noon, at Shuishiying. Abe commits
sioners of both parties will be empow-
cred to sign convention for the capit-
ulAtion without waiting for ratifioa-
ton, and cause the same to take i'm.
mediate effect. Authorizatio for such
plenary powers shall be signed by the
highest officer of both the negotiating
parties, and the same shall be exchang-
ed by the respective commissioners.
II avail myself of this opportunity
to convey to your exoellency assurances
Of my respect. NOGI."
1t is believed that the Port Arthur
garrison has receied liberal terms
There is general disposition to be
magnanimous, in view of the garrison's
marvellous defense.
In military circles, the opinion was
expressed that the discussion covered
olny few questions, including allow
ing the garrison to march out, carry
ing their arms, permitting the garrison
to return to Russia with or without
their officers and requiring their parole
not to take any further part in the war.
1t is possible that Japan will permit
the entire garrison to return to Russia
with arms, upon giving their parole.