26 AUGUST 1905, Page 13

Sta.,—In your issue of August 19th you remark in the

" News of the Week," re Russia and Japan, that the chiefs of the Russian Court "still think that Japan is approach- ing exhaustion," &c. This idea, it would appear, exists also in the Russian Army. I have just returned from Montenegro. A month ago a letter arrived at the village where I was staying from one of the small band of Monte- negrins who volunteered for service in Manchuria. He wrote :—" Thanks to God,. I am well ; so are — and — [mentioning all his comrades]. X. was wounded, but is now almost well again. I wish I were home and with you all, and hope now to see you very soon. With the help of God, we believe now that we shall beat the Japanese completely in a few weeks' time, and bring this terrible war to a successful finish." He was in Lineviteh's army. This letter arrived after the news of the destruction of Rozhdestvensky's fleet, and filled all the village with excitement and amazement, some maintaining that it told "the real truth," and that the papers lied ; others expressing astonishment that one in the thick of affairs should so little realise the actual position of

events.—' am, Sir, &c., M. E. DURHAM. 20 Ellerd ale Road, Fits john's Avenue, N. W.