The sun., 1904-08-28
AWAIT PORT ARTHUR'S FALL.
EUROPEAN OBSERVERS THINK
HARD FIGHTING rs AHEAD.
Japs' Marvellous Work Reoognized-Prob-
ability OF kuroki Cutting on Retreat
of the Russian Army Disoussed-Inter-
national situation Beginning to Clear.
Special Gable Despatch to THE sun.

national situation Beginning to Clear.
.speefai Gable Despatch to THE sun.
LONDON, Aug. 27-The fate OF Port
Arthur Is for the moment the supreme
topic OF human interest in Europe The
conflict Of evidence regarding the situation
has served to whet the appetite for news
instead Of destroying It, Every one seems
to consider himself competent to discuss
the relative probability OF the contradictory
reports.
A Tientsn despatch to an evening paper
announcing the virtual fall OF the Russian
stronghold made more of an impression
than any previous rumors to the same ehect,
but the incredulity is strongest in quarters
best informed as to physical features OF the
situation. 1t is pointed out that the capt
ure of the Itshan and another fort half a
mile southeast with the driving Of the
Russians from the parade ground, were re-
ported on Wednesday from Chefoo. but
without the Interpretation put upon the
exploit in the Tientsin despatch 1t is also
affirmed that nearly dozen strong forts
remain and the capture OF these en- bloc
is simply military impossibility unless
the ammunition of the defenders has been
exhausted. which is extremely improbable.
Hence the best military opinion here con-
tinues to regard the Japanese task as in
volving much more heavy fighting. 1t
is still doubted in fact that these positions
can be carried by assault. but the Japanese
achievements have been 30 marvellous
that no military expert is willing to risk
a definite prophecy.
Attention was diverted late to-day to
the Russian reports of Il great battle OF
Gen. Kuropatkin's forces. His official ad-
mission of heavy casualties and that he was
driven back by the Japanese is interpreted
to mean signal Japanese success and not
improbably decisive victory. The vital
question is whether the Russian retreat
to the north is cut of. II it is, then the
fate Of the Russian army is sealed. 1t is
clear that the communications have not
been cut, but turning operations had been
proceeding for some time before this battle,
and it is confidently anticipated that Gen.
Kuroki will take advantage Of his present
success to get behind Gen. Kuropatkin's
force before he has an opportunity to retire.
The situation in regard to International
complications has distinctly improved dur
ing the week. 1t is a matter for congratu-
lation that Count Lamsdorff the Russian
Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is by no
means powerful in the present state OF
Russian politics, has succeeded in inducing
the Gear to consent to send instructions by
means of British cruisers to the volunteer
feet ordering them to discontinue inter-
ference with neutral ships. The point OF
dramatic interest is that British cruisers
are instructed to enforce obedience to these
instructions in case the commanders of the
Smolensk and other vessels question the
orders
More or less definite announcements
continue to be made Of the proposed sailing
Of the Baltic feet. These are received
with incredulity in naval circles Of other
countries. The Governor of Malta has
issued a proclamation which forbids abso-
lutely the supply Of coal to any belligerent
feet proceeding to the seat Of war or to
any position on the line Of the route with
the object Of intercepting neutral ships on
suspicion that they are carrying contra
band. The prohibition is absolute whether
the belligerent ships coal directly from shore
or from colliers accompanying them. This
order, of course, under instructions. was
sent to all officers in charge of British sta
tions. and will prove Of the greatest possible
embarrassment to vessels intended to
harass trade.
Such vessels are compelled either to rely
on coal from British ports or from COM
paratively slow colliers which will hamper
all their movements. The Russians are very
angry at this order which one of their jour
nails says is an act Of hostility, inasmuch
as Japanese ships can never want coal
except from their own ports But the
Russians must remember that they them
selves declared coal contraband Of war.
The news that three Russian cruisers
were seen coaling of Cape Judy from the
German steamer Yalesia discloses q whole
sale arrangement to secure English smoke
lees coal for Russian warships. The Valesia
left Barry on Aug. 10 for Las Palmas with
2, 600 tons OF Cardiff coal. Three weeks
previous to this from sixty to eighty thou
sand tons Of st cam coal was quietly acquired
by German merchants. The purchase
passed practically unnoticed and was not
marked by any effect on market prices
In view Of the announcement from Las
Palmas and the fact that other German
vessels left Cardiff for ports on the north
west coast Of Africa. 1t Is believed that the
coal is intended for Russian cruisers en-