New-York tribune., 1905-01-03
NO SURPRISE IN LONDON
Little Hope That Surrender VIII
Bring Peace Felt There.

London, Jan. 2.-The capitulstion Of Port Ar
thur was the sensation of London to-day. 1t
was the one topic of discussion from the street
corners. where groups were sheltered from the
driving snow. TO the comfortable service clubs.
the legations and the residences and offices of
cabinet ministers. Everywhere the utmost ad
miration expressed for the defenders and
the attacking army, and the report that General
Nogi has made concessions to the gallant Gen
eral Stoessel is received with much satisfaction.
The announcement of the fall of the Russian
stronghold created a little surprise in official
and diplomatic circles, where ii had been dis
counted by recent events 1t known
early as last October that, Notwithstanding the
brave showing in the official dispatches. stoes-
sells resources nearly at end.
Nowhere, not even at the Russian Embassy.
was there doubt concerning the generosity OF
the Japanese in arrangement of the final terms.
In diplomatic circles the main question was that
Of the effect Of the surrender. The consensus
Of opinion was that IL might tend in the direc-
ton of peace but none dared venture to say
that peace is in sight. 1t IS believed 1t will
do more than to bring out suggestions from
foreign governments. At the Foreign Office 1t
was stated that the British governments atti-
tude unchanged; that, while peace was most
desirable affairs had not reached state where
any foreign power could hope to offer its good
OfflCeS Win the assurance lndI II WCul0 De con-
sidered a friendly act by either of the bel
igerents.
At the Russian Embassy the spirit OF deter
mination to prosecute the to the bitter end
was expressed. In fact, it confidently
stated that Russia would only regard the sur
render of Port Arthur in the light of fresh
incentive and would spare no efforts for its
apture. First Secretary Poklewsky- Kozel,
in the absence of Ambassador Benkendorff from
the embassy gave voice to this sentiment when
he said that he felt satisfied the surrender of
the fortress would only serve to unite all Rus
sia in the determination to put forth her whole
strength in the spring with 4 view to retrieving
the situation.
The tone at the Russian Embassy formed
striking contrast to the cheerfulness and ac-
tvity prevailing at the Japanese Legation. Min
lister Hayashi was the recipient in the day Of
hundreds of kilograms of congratulation from
all parts Of Great Britain and other countries,
and official dispatches confirming the news
from Toxic received at frequent intervals.
Minister Hayashi declined to discuss the prob
ability OF peace negotiations. He said, how
ever:
The fall Of Port Arthur will at any rate end
the horrible slaughter in one part OF the theatre
OF war, and ] sincerely hope that In some way
IL will facilitate final peace. This depends upon
Russia and not upon II may strengthen the
determination of Russia to continue the war at
all costs Its effect japan, however, cannot
be doubted. Our feet is free, and the release
of the besieging army gives US increased forces
available for service elsewhere. Our base be-
comes more secure than ever
Speaking of General Stoessel Minister Haya-
shi said: THE surrender will in way affect
the glory belonging to him and his men. nor our
admiration for their splendid defence"