Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1907-02-02

We're made soon after the fall of Port
| Arthur that its defense had not been
| conducted in an efficient manner and
| that Gen. Stoesse had committed a
number of grave indlscretions and mis-
| takes in the course of his contest with
| the japanese. These accusations were
supplemented by far more terrible ac-
cusations of cowardice and treachery.
Stoesse was accused of handing over
| the fortress to the japanese In spite of
| the fact that he stlll possessed suff1-
cient troops. stores and ammunition to
hold out for n further period of many
months. Both Gen. Stoessel and those
of his friends who were In the Far East
when these accusations were first made
| telegraphed indignant denials OF all the
| charges. but the statements once spread
| could not easily he suppressed. Conse-
quently the soldier, instead of carry
| ing his desire OF remaining in the Far
East. resolved to return to Russia In
order to face his aqcuserR and TO tepu-
date the charges ltveled against him.
From that moment until now the de-
fender OF Port Arthur has experienced
nothing but n succession of insults and
humiliations. He returned from the Far
East on board a steamship of one of the
German lines and his unpleasant exper-
fences began during the voyage back TO
Europe. His fellow passengers includ-
ed number of Russian officers who
had been invaded home from the war
or who were returning to Europe after
having been released from captivity
In Japan ON their word of honor not to
take any more part In the hostilities,
At Shanghai a number of German Off
GERS from Kiaochao came on board and
We're first cabin passengers as far as
Hamburg The Russian officers prac-
tical!y .boycotted the unfortunate
Stoessel and the German officers, fol-
lowing their example. stunned him os
tentatiously at all times and at all
places.
OPEN INSULTS.
The officers, both Russian and Ger
man, refused to sit at the same table
turned their backs to him when he
happened TO be In their vicinity. When
he made his mornings promenade on
deck the others made no attempt to
conceal their desire 10 avoid that part
of the ship on which he was taking
his exercise. This condition of affairs
was indescribably humiliating for
man who had commanded great for
tress in great war and who, immedi-
ately after the capture OF Port Arthur
had received the highest decoration
which the German emperor has power
to confer. Mime. Stoessel, who accom-
panied her husband home from the war,
was overwhelmed with shame and
chagrin at this treatment and suffered
a nervous prostration which threatened
to have serious consequences. For
time she aud her husband left their
cabin as little as possible in order to
avoid being Stunned and boycotted by
their fellow passengers.
After the long weary voyage had ter
minated Gen. Stoessel met with the
sans hostile reception on landing once
more IN his native country. A success
full general returning from campaign
In which he has gained honor Is usual
ly received with public marks OF appro
baton, but Gen. Stoessel came ashore
without aven those marks OF respect
being manifested which IT Is customary
To show high officer ON his return
from foreign service. Dressed In a
SLOUGH hat. 4 gray suit aud n long.
shabby oyercoat instead OF his brilliant
military uniform, the hero came ashore,
carrying his own bag and supported
only by his trembling wife. lie seemed
DESTROYS TO avoid publicity. Tor lie an
ticipated aud dreaded an openly hostile
reception from his fellow countrymen.
But his efforts 10 escape notice were un-
successful and when he had been per-
ceived by the crowd many bitter cries
were raised. such as There goes the
traitorv" THE traitor has dared To
landl" "Death TO all traitorsn' and
other cruel insults OF tho same charac-
ter.
DurIng tho terrible period when he
commanded the garrson OF Port Arr
thur and directed with skill aud bray-
cry the defense OF that fortress, when
day after day he faced death and saw
sisrvation staring him IN the face.
Gen. stoessel used 10 encourage himself
and 10 strengthen his own resolve by
picturing the triumphs which would
fan 10 his lot II he succeeded In making
am honorable fight for the good name
OF Russia. The Japanese acknowledged
that no had made such a fight. and Inn
pnrtial observers of the struggle were
OF the same opinion yet his own ooun-
trymon regarded him as IA coward ana
a traitor aud treated him accordingly.
Consequently. Instead Of re-enter-
ing Russia IN that ceremonial style
suitable for hero coming back from
tho wars. Gen. stoessel crept into
his native land like "a criminal being
hunted down by the police. Al the
flrst sound If the hostile cries on
The quay he hastaned 10 seclude him
seif and his wife in closed cab and
drove thus 20 the dwelling of a near
relative Here he found welcome
and shelter bui his slay in 81. Peters
burg became q more severe test OF his
manhood and courage than all the