The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-03

London. January 2.-The eapitulation of
Port Arthur is the sensation of London
today. 1t was the one topic of discussion
in the streets, where groups were shell
tered from the driving snow at the COM
Portable service clubs. the legations and
the residences and offices of cabinet min
listers. Everywhere the utmost admira-
tion was expressed for the defenders and
the attacking army, and the probability
that General Nogi has made concessions
TO General Stoessel is received with sat-
! sfaction.
| The announcement of the fall of the
Russian stronghold created little furry
in official and diplomatic circles where
it has been discounted by recent events.
| 1t was known early as last October
that, Notwithstanding the bravado of tho
official dispatches. stoessels resources
were nearly at an end.
Not even at the Russian embassy was
there a doubt concerning the generosity
! of the japanese in determining terms.
| The main question was that of the effect
of the surrender. The consensus of opin-
ion was that 1t might tend In the drec-
| ton of peace, but none dared venture to
say that peace is in sight. 1t will do
no more than to bring out suggestions
| from foreign governments. At the For
| eign Office II was stated that the British
| governments policy was unchanged, but
a peace is most desirable.
To the Bitter End.
! At the Russian embassy the same spirit
| to prosecute the war to the bitter end
was expressed. In fact 1t was confidently
stated that Russia would only regard the
surrender of Port Arthur in the light of
| fresh incident and would spare no
| effort for its recapture. First Secretary
| Poklewsly- Koziel in the absence of Ann
| bassador Benekendorll from the embassy
| gave voice TO this sentiment when ne
| said to the Associated Press that he felt
| satisfied that the surrender of the fort
| ress would only serve to unite all Rus
! sia in the determination to put forth her
whole strength In the spring with view
! to retrieving the situation.
The general tone at the Russian ems
! bassy formed striking contrac. to that
| o. the cheerfulness and activity prevail
| ing at the Japanese legation. Minister
| Hayashi was the recipient during the
| day of hundreds of kilograms of con-
| graduation from all parts of Great Brit
| air and other countries and dispatches
| confirming the Associated Press news
| from Toxic. were received at frequent in
| teTNdlS. MlIllsleT f1dSdS0l WAS illterAltW-
| &c but declined to discuss the probability
| OF peace negotiation II sad. however:
Minister Hayashi Talks.
The fall of Port Arthur Will at any
rate, end the horrible slaughter in one
part of the theatre of war and ! sincere
| ly hope that in some way it will fac:li-
tate final peace. This depends upon Rus
sia and not upon us. 1t may strengthen
the determination of Russia to continue
the war al all costs. Its effect on Japan,
however. cannot be doubted Our fleet is
free and the release of the besieging
army gives us increased forces available
for service elsewhere. Our base becomes
more secure than ever.
Speaking of General Stoessel, Minister
Hayashi said:
1.-The surrender will in no way effect
the glory belonging to him and his men
nor admiration for their splendid de-
fence"
Baron Suyematsu. son-in-law Of Mar
quis Ito and former Japanese minister
of the Interior said:
Now that we have again got Port Ar
thur will not allow any other power
to hold 1t after we have beaten Russia;
and | am more than confident that
the Japanese will be victorious. I do
not expect the fall of Port Arthur will
make much difference with the progress
of the war, though Japan will undoubted-
ly be in a better position"
In British naval circles the prevailing
opinion is that the recall of the Russian
second Pacific squadron has now become
an absolute necessity.
Causes Tremendous Sensation.
Paris January 1.-The news OF the sur
render of Port Arthur created a tremen-
dous impression here and was the univer-
sal theme of conversation in official and
diplomatic quarters and with the pub
lie generally. The newspapers discuss the
matter at much length and in tone of
great interest.
The Russian officials here learned of
the capture from Associated Press dis
patches from Toxic while the Japanese
legation received brief official sum-
mary of the progress Of negotiations.
The prevailing French view is summed
UP by the Temps, which says:
1.-The historic defenses Of Sebastopol has
now been surpassed, Port Arthur add
ing a glorious page to military annals.
which will long remain unequalled." Con-
t;nuing the Temps said that the surrender
will exert tremendous moral influences
favorable to Japan. The Japanese. the pa
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