The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-07
Feeling That i Will be the Scene of Greatest Bat-
 ue of the War
PORT ARTHUR WILL FALL
 WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH
A Prominent Russian Just Returned From the Fortress Thinks laps Will Ultimately Be Success
 fuI In Their Attempts.

St. Petersburg, August 6-General ku- ropatkins report of small shifting move ments by the Japanese, with a single un- important skirn.ish. bringing the military situation to August 4, is just about what was expected by the authorities here It is believed, however, that the lull in fighting has lasted about as long as possi- ble and that the forces around Liao Yang are now on the eve of a desperate engagement The pause of the last few days is believed to have been long enough to enable the Japanese to assume their formation, bring up supplies and make ready for grand assault upon the pow erful positions girding Liao Yang, and great battle is hourly expected to occur.
 Al issue of such importance momenta- rily eclipses interest in the siege of Port Arthur. The fate of the latter place es not likely to influence the immediate 1es tinies of the campaign, but Liao Yang Is closely tied up with the fortunes of the whole war The loss of such a position with it's vast accumulation of stores, would immediately and perhaps irrepara- bly endanger the Russian position in Man cnuria
 Confidence In kuropatkin's Ability.
 The military authorities do not enter tain the slightest dou-- of General T<uro- patkins ability to repulse an attempt to capture or cut off Lao Yang. The de- fense there has an immense advantage operating within the small radius of twen- ty miles, thus enabling General Kuropat- Kin to reinforce promptly any weak point. The army at his disposal is estimated Tt a.J batttlons besides cavalry and ar- tillefy, altogether not far short of 20O00O men. Only one-third of this force was en- gaged in the fighting of July 30, a and August l.
 The pick of Kuropatlein's troops, the newly arrived European regiments are stationed at Anping and Anshanshan, where the hardest onset is expected Some of these regiments were raised 200 years | ago and have great war records. Of- ficers acquainted with the men, declare Ithat the dogged tenacity displayed at Yushum Pass and Manga Pass have be- tome only more fierce and unyielding un- her reverses met by the troops.
 Where Will the Japs Attack7
 Experts at the war office are discussing the probable course of the impending op- erations. They say that the Japanese will try to capture either Anping or Anshan- shan, whence they will be able to strike Liao Yang and think 1t more likely that Anshanshan will be selected, as that place is in the line of advance of General Oku and General Nodzu's armies and must be captured before fan attempt is made to flank Liao Yang from the westward.
 The Russian position at Anshanshan is as strong as that was at Kin Chou. It consists of a preeipitious barrier fifteen miles long, hanked on the east by the river and a marsh on the west by level plain, and is impossible of approach by infantry from either side.
 The only weak spot is to the east where the Japanese may mount heavy guns with a longer range than the Russian pieces, and pour in a flanking fire. It is thought more probable, however, that General Nodzu will try to cut in between Anshan- shan and Liandianzian and cut off the former place from Liao Yang, but an at- tempt to do this would be sure to entail a terrific fight with the support sent out by General KuropatlSin.
 The diminished interest in the Port Ar thur situation in view of the vaster im- portance of Liao Yang. is due in some measure to the complete absence of off, cial news from Lieutenenat General Stossel Commander at Port Arthur, and from Rear Admiral Withoft Gin command of the Port Arthur naval forces)
 Batteships Will Not Leave.
 The persistent reports from Che Foo that the Japanese have captured two commanding positions near Port Arthur does not receive general credence it be- ing pointed out that the batteship Retvi- zan's big guns would be able to shell a besieger's battery without danger to the ship, and that the Japanese guns are too far away. The naval guns of modern design are proving to be of the highest value and for this reason the squadron will probable not attempt to leave Port Arthur unless the fall of the fortress should become imminent. Another reason for it's remaining is that it's departure would have depressing effect on the garrison.
 Port --rthur Will Fall Soon.