T HE only news of activity from the seat of war
concerns Port Arthur. A fire broke out there near the arsenal, caused by the Japanese naval guns, and continued for many hours. It is believed that large quantities of coal and stores were destroyed. As to the actual plight of the garrison there is little authentic information, but some of the reports declare that the fortress can hold out till the end of January. In that case it is just possible that the Baltic Fleet may arrive before Stossel and his brave soldiers are forced to surrender. But even if the Baltic Fleet does not arrive too late, we very much doubt its ability to fight and conquer Togo's squadron, and if it cannot do that it is of no more use to Port Arthur in the China seas than in the Atlantic. A part of the Baltic Fleet is as we write passing through the Suez Canal. It obtained water and provisions, but not coal, at Port Said.
