The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-03
STOESSEL AT PORT ARTHUR SUCCUMBS
 TO FIERCE TEE1ACITY OF JAPANESE NOGI
DISCUSSED IN LONDON
COMPUTATION OF PORT ARTHUR
 CAUSED A SENSATION.
Diplomatic Circles Believe Peace is Now in sight, But the Russian
 Embassy Scons at
 the Idea.

/ London, Jan 2.-The equalization of Port Arthur was the sensation of Lon don today. It was the one topic of dis cussion from the street sorEers, where groups were sheltered from the driv- ing snow, to the comfortable Service Clubs. the legations anc the residences and offices of Cabinet ministers.
 Everywhere the utmost admiration was expressed for the defenders and the attacking army and the probability that General Nogi has made concessions to General Stoessel is received with satisfaction.
 The announcement of the fall of the Russian stronghold created little furry in official and diplomatic circles, where 1t had been discounted by recent events. It was known as early as last October that notwithstanding the brave show ing of the official dispatches, stoessers resources were nearly at an end. < Nowhere, not even at the Russian Embassy was there a doubt concern ing 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 1t might tend in the direction of peace, but none dared venture to say that peace is in sight. It will do more than to bring out suggestions from foreign governments.
 At the Foreign ofice is was stated that the British Governments attitude was unchanged: but while peace is most desirable. affairs have not reached a stage where any foreign power could hope to offer its good offices with the assurance that 1t would be considered friendly act by either of the bellig- erents.
 Surrender a Fresh Incentive.
 At the Russian Embassy the same spirit of determination to prosecute the war to the bitter end was expressed. In fact 1t was confidently stated that Russia would only regard the snrren- der of Port Arthur in the light of a fresh incentive and would spare no ef- forts for it's recapture.
 First Secretary Poklewsky's- -Koziel, in the absence of Ambassador Benck- endorff from the Embassy, gave voice to this sentiment when he said to the Associated Press that he felt satisfied the surrender of the fortress would only serve to unite all Russia in the determination to put forth her whole strength Tn the spring with a view tG retrieving the situation.
 The general tone at the Russian em- bassy formed striking contrast to the cheerfulness and activity prevail ing at the Japanese lega ion. Mtnister the day of hundreds of telegrams of congratulations from all parts of Great Britain and other countries. and official dispatches concerning the As sociated Press news from Tokio were received at frequent intervals. Minis ter Hayashi was interviewed, but de- clined 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 theatre of war and sincerely hope that in some way 1t will facilitate final peace. This de- bends upon Russia and not upon us. It 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"
 A Tribute to StOesseI.
 Speaking of Stoessel, Minister Haya- shi said:
 The surrender will in no way affect the glory belonging to him and his men nor our admiration for their splendid defence"
 Baron Suyematsu, son-in-law of Mar quis Ito, and former Japanese Minister of the Interior, said:
 Now that we have again got Port Arthur we will not allow any other power to hold 1t after we have beaten Russia; and I am more than ever con fdent 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 better position"
 In British naval circles the prevail ing opinion is that the recall of the Russian second Pacific squadron has now become an absolute necessity.