22 OCTOBER 1904, Page 1

There is scarcely any intelligence from Port Arthur beyond a

statement, said to rest on good authority, but, we should say, obviously exaggerated, that the siege has cost the Japanese fifty thousand men. The Japanese, however, are every week mounting more guns, and as they feel that they must take the fortress before the Baltic Fleet is near enough to promise assistance, it is probable that another tremendous assault will take place before the end of the month. It is said that munitions are becoming scanty, and that General Stossel contemplates retreat into forts on a neighbouring hill which he thinks can be held for months ; but no intelligence from Port Arthur can be trusted. All that is certain is that General StOssel will not surrender, but will abide a final assault.