On land nothing of moment has as yet been done
by either side, but the statements as to Russia's intended movements are most ominous. It is reported, for example, that Admiral Alexeieff intends to leave Port Arthur, and to establish him- self at Harbin, the place where the Siberian Railway forks, one branch running to Vladivostok, and the other to Port Arthur. He states, of course, that he has the fullest confi- dence in Port Arthur being able to sustain a long siege ; but there are sinister rumours that Port Arthur, instead of being provisioned for 'two years, has only food enough for a few months. The stores have, it is said, been sold by the officials, and the flour-bags filled up with sand. The supplies of ammunition are also short. An official communiqug or pro- clamation issued by the Russian Government seems to give considerable colour to these stories. " Much time," it says, "is now necessary in order to strike at Japan. blows worthy of the dignity and might of Russia." This curious document goes on to predict the ultimate victory of Russia, who will avenge the provocation she has received a hundredfold. Possibly that will be the end ; but if it took us, who are certainly a stronger and more efficient Power than Russia, three years to wear down a people numbering half-a-million, how long will it take Russia to do the same for a, people of foity millions P It is dangerous, however, to make too much
of the analogy of the Boer War. We may note, in addition, a rather touching speech by the Czar to soldiers leaving for the front. He calls them " brothers " again and again, which is noted as an innovation. He emphasises also the courage and craftiness of the enemy they have to face. The Czar, at any rate, does not make the mistake of underrating Japan.
