The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-01-13
LONDON REJolcEs WITH TOXIC
Great Victory of Britain's Ally Causes
Nation Much Satisfaction.


London, Jan. 3.-rhc capitulation of Port
Arthur WAS the sensation of London. 1t
was the one topic from the street corners,
where groups were sheltered from the
driving snow, to comfortable service clubs,
the legations and the residences and offices
of cabinet ministers Everywhere the ut
most admiration was expressed for the de-
tenders and the attacking army and the
probability that Gcncral Noci has made
concessions to the gallant General Stoesscl
is received with much satisfaction The
announcement of the fall of the Russian
stronghold created little surprise in official
and diplomatic circles, where it had been
discounted by recent events. 1t was known
as early as last October that notwithstanCl-
ing the brave showing in the official dis
patches. General StocsSel'S resources were
nearly at an end. Nowhere. even at the
Russian embassy, was there a doubt as to
the generosity of the japanese in ar
ranging terms.
Not Time for Mediation.
II was stated that The British govern
ment's attitude was unchanged, that while
peace was most desirable, affairs have not
reached a stage where any foreign power
could hope to offer its good offices with the
assurance that it would be considered "A
friendly act by either of the bcligercnts
of determination to prosecute the war TO
the bitter end was expressed IN fact it
was confidently stated that Russia would
only regard the surrender of Port Arthur
in the light of fresh incentive and would
spare no efforts for its recapturc First
secretary poklewski- Iozcl. in the absence
of Count Benkcndorm from the embassy
gave voice TO this sentiment when he said
| to the Associated Press that he felt sa It's
fled that the surrender of the fortress
would only serve to unite all Russia In tho
determination to put forth her whole
strength in the sprin. with Il view to re-
trcVing the situation.
Congratulations for Japanese.
The general tone at the Russian embassy
formed Il striking contrast to the cheerful
and activity prevalent at the Japanese lc-
cation Minister llayashi was the rccip-
ent during the day of hundreds of tcie-
\ grams of consrat ulation from all parts of
| Great Britain and other countries, and Of
| fetal dispatches CONFIRMING the Assoca ed
| Press news from Toxic We're received at
| frequent intervals Minister Hayashi was
interviewed, but declined to discuss the
probability Of peace negotiations. He said
| however,:
The fall Of Port Arthur will at any rate
end the horrible slaughter in one part OF
| the thcatcr of war, ana | sincerely hope
| that in some way it will facilitate final
/ ucacc. This depends upon Russia and not
| on us. 1t may strengthen the dctermna-
| ton of Russia to continue the war at all
| costs. It's effect on Japan cannot be
| doubted. Our fleet is free and the release
| Of the bcSclginG army gives us increased
forces available for service elsewhere
| Our base becomes more secure than ever
Speaking OF General Stoesscl Minister
/ liayashi said:
| The sun cndcr Will in no way affect tho
in1, l,i, md IL
our admiration for their splendid defense
Baron SuNcmatsu, son-in-law OF Marquis
TO- former japanese minister of the in
terror, said
Now that we have again got Port
Arthur we will allow no power to hold /,
after we beat Russia, and am more than
ever confident that Japan will be victori-
Gus. ! do not expect the fail of Port Ar
thur will make much difference with the
progress of the war. though Japan viii
undoubtedly be In a better position"
In British naval circles the opinion Is
that the recall of the Russian second
Pacific squadron has now become an abso.
lutte necessity.