Los Angeles herald., 1905-01-03
LONDON MOI SURPRISED
Everywhere Admiration Is Expressed
for Victors and Vanqushed


BY Associated Press
LONDON, Jan. 2.--The capitula-
ton of Port Arthur was the sensation
of London today. 1t was the one topic
of discussion from the street corners,
where groups were sheltered from the
driving snow, to the comfortable serv-
ice clubs, the legations, and the resi-
dences and offices of cabinet minis
ters. Everywhere the utmost admira-
ton was expressed for the defenders
and the attacking army and the prob
ability that General Nogi has made
concessions to the gallant General
Stoessel is received with much salts
faction. The announcement of the fall
of the Russian stronghold created lit
tie surprise in official and diplomatic
circles, where lit has been discounted
by recent events. 1t was known as
early as October that, notwithstand-
ing the brave showing in the official
dispatches, Stoessel's resources were
nearly at an end.
embassy, was there a doubt concern
ing the generosity of the Japanese in
arrangement of the final terms.
At the Russian embassy the same
spirit of determination to prosecute
the war to the bitter end was expressed.
In fact, it was confidently stated that
Russia would only regard the surren-
der of Port Arthur in the light of
flesh incentive and would spare nc
efforts for its recapture. First Secre-
tery Poklewsky-Koziel, in the absence
of Ambassadors Benkendorff from the
embassy, gave voice to the sentiment
when he said that he felt satisfied that
the surrender of the fortress would
only serve to unite all Russia in the
determination to put forth her whole
strength in the spring with view to
retrieving the situation.
The general tone at the Russian en-
bessy formed striking contrast to the
cheerful conditions and activity pre-
yelling at the Japanese legation. Min
lister Hayashi was the recipient during
the day of hundreds of kilograms Of
congratulation from all parts of Great
Fritain and other countries and official
dispatches confirming the Associated
Press news from Toxic were 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 theater of war and l sim
facilitate final peace. This depends
upon Russia and not upon us. 1t may
strengthen the determination OF Russia
to continue the war at 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, Min
lister Hayashi SAID:
''The surrender will in no way effect
lne glory DelOnSlllS 10 MIN ana MS
splendid defense"
Baron Suyematsu, son-in-law Of Mar
quis Ito and former Japanese min
ister of the interior, said:
Nov that we have again got Port
Arthur we will not allow any other
power to hold it after we have beaten
Russia, and l am now more than ever
confident that Japan will be victorious.
do not expect the fall of Port Arthur
will make much difference with the
progress of the war, though Japan
will undoubtedly be in a better posi-
ton"
In British naval circles the prevailing
opinion is that the recall OF the Rus
sian second Pacific squadron has now
become an absolute necessity.