Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1905-01-20
RUssO-JAPANEsE WAR

and that ample resources are ut hand
for continuing the war.
Admiral Skrydloff said there were
likely to be important developments
soon in the region of Vladivostok,
and he hoped that in case the town
should be called upon to stand q
siege the garrison would emulate the
devotion and heroism of Port Arthur.
Russia addressed note to the
powers declaring that China has vio-
lated neutrality. 1t is not believed
this means that China will be drawn
into the war at once, though it is
ominous for the future as a protest
to Russia.
The Japs have lost but one bat
tleship, three protected cruisers, one
gunboat and number of destroyers
all sunk by mines or collision.
These losses have been repaired in
part by raising the cruisers Variag
and Boyarin. The fact that the
harbor of Port Arthur is shallow in
creases the probability that the
victors will be able to save number
of the large ships partially sunk
there. So far the Russians have lost
it is stated, about so vessels of all
types, the Japs z.
INTERPRETATION OF PORT ARTHUR.
The Port Arthur garrison included
10000 Poles, who were Indifferent
lighters.
According to stories by prisoners
the real defender Of the fortress was
Major General Kondrstenko, COM
mander of the Seventh East Siberian
Rifle Brigade (who wss killed on
December 15), and that had he lived
it is probable the fortress would not
have been surrendered. General
Stoessel, the soldiers say, was inclined
to surrender as early as last August.
Without warning seven mines, con-
tanning two tons of dynamite, were
exploded one morning in one of the
forts. The spectacle was magnificent.
The entire front walls of the fort
seemed to be lifted into the air in a
tremendous opaque curtain of earth,
fire and smoke.
The Japanese with about 100, 900
men at the outset had only half that
number left at the surrender. The
original Russian strength was about
$4,000, of which 10000 were killed,
10000 wounded and 10000 unhurt.
Fully 10000, all told were surren-
dered. In addition there were turned
over to Nogi, the conqueror: Per-
manent forts, so; guns, SAC, Of which
"a are of large caliber, 14q Of medium
caliber and 343 of small caliber; can
non balls, S2,670; ammunition, 3d.
600 kilos; rifles, $3.50; horses, ], 800;
battleships, 4, except Sevastopol.
which is entirely sunk; cruisers, 3;
gunboats and destroyers, IA; steamers,
10, besides small steamers, IS of
which will be serviceable after little
repairs.
The war Office explains that the
reason for Lieutenant-General Stoes-
sci giving his parole aud returning
to Russia, instead of remaining
at the head Of the heroic troops who
formed the garrison of Port Arthur
and sharing their fate rs prisoner of
war in Japan, is that it is incumbent
upon him to bring a detailed report
of the defense of the fortress to the
Emperor. Rear Admiral Dochinsky,
who is senior naval officer, will bring
the naval report. General Stoessel's
route home will be one of fitting re-
ception.
The captive garrison at Port Ar
thur presented picture of humilia-
ton as it marched out on the way to
Japan. The faces of the officers
showed deep suffering at their plight.
The men bore many traces of their
terrible strain. The procession of
the remnants of the gallant Russian
garrison was pathetic spectacle.
The first arrivals at Changlingtzu
were four droskies, drawn by sorry
looking horses. They contained the
staff officers, who had refused to give
their parole. All wore their swords,
as they were allowed to do under the
terms of the capitulation compact.
A few minutes later the first detach-
ment arrived. The regimental Off
GERS marched with their men, their
heads bowed and their faces scanned
with lines, showing the result of the
mental and physical strain they had
undergone during the long defense.
As the Japanese soldiers crowded
about them with evident curiosity,
the faces of the Russian officers were
an interesting study. All of them
appeared to feel their humiliating
position keenly and though some
seemed to be resigned to their situa-
ton, others were resentful at being
regarded with curiosity. The men
looked to be we'll fed but their faces,
like those of the officers, indicated
the awful physical strain they had
undergone. The officers were clean
and well clothed, but the men were
clad in dirty-looking sheepskin coats
and appeared to be resigned and glad
, that the end had come.
In the procession were, many lean
+. looking pet dogs belonging to the
officers. In many cases officers re-
, fused to wear their swords, but had
them carried behind them by order.
lies. The officers saluted the Euro
: pean and American correspondent.
with the Japanese army, and sp.
peared to be both pleased and aston.
ished at seeing the Europeans and
Americans there. The prisoners
were treated with the greatest respect
and kindness, though they were re.
garded with much natural curiosity
: The soldiers were given food, cigar.
cites and beer, and the correspondent
. of the Associated Press even saw Jap.
, anese soldiers voluntarily carry the
: effects of the prisoners, when they
were overcome by fatigue.
IN THE NORTH.