In contradiction to the common iden that Port Arthur will fall very shortly, it is whispered in well-informed circles that the march on the stronghold will not be s0 easy. 'The rear defences are stronger at every stage. The first position where the Russians are likely to offer resistance is at Shuangtai-Kao, where the mountains on both sides of the' read leading to Port Arthur form gorge. A distance of nine miles beyond the latter is a stretch of flat surface, which is surrounded with forts, he Opposing Generals, It is stated here that General Stoossel was in command at the Kinchou engagement and that the prompt transfer of quick-firing guns to the Nenkuanling position, o as to inter-the Japanese advance, appears to have by his direction. On the other it is noted that among the victims of engagement was Lieut. Nogi, son of General Nogi, who recently left to take up an important command, 'The sad occurrence has been compared here to the death of Lieutenant Roberts, Lord Roberts' son, in the Boer war.
Prisoners of War Though somewhat an old story now, it has hitherto been undivulged that two Russian prisoners, who arrived at Takahams, Shikoku, on the 16th May, attempted to commit, suicide by throwing themselves into the Inland Sea, but were rescued. The reason of their rash act was that they feared all Russian is would be massacred by the Jepanese. On the contrary, as has been noted before, all the prisoners have been exceedingly well treated, and these two men themselves are now heartily ashamed of what they have done. It is announced that the officer prisoners will shortly be allowed to visit the famous Doge hot springs, near Matsuyama, and will wear new Japanese clothes now being prepared for them.
The Seoul-Fusan Railway.
Interviewed by a Japanese correspondent, Mr. Morgan, U. 8. Consul-designate for Dalny, who recently went up to Seoul by rail from Fusan, says that he, being the first foreigner who has ever inspected the line, was enthusiastically received everywhere by the Japanese engaged in the construction, and was able to make a minute inspection. All the work he witnessed was satisfactorily in progress, and he reported the results of his inspection to the home government. From Taikoo the Consul took his course to Seoul following the telegraph Toe, and, under the cordial protection of the Japanese gendar-ork, the Ameciean vislioe enjoyed pleasant journey. The fields on the way were comparatively well-cultivated, all showing the fertility of the land. The population is poor there and accordingly the Uiiiote are seltable for dapencee immmigretion. Regarding the situation, Mr. Morgan states that though he desires to proceed to as soon as possible, his departure will not take place unless Lisotung is restored to peace,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.