The papers of Monday contain a summary from Reuter of
the indictment of Generals Stiissel, Reuss, Fock, and Smirnoff in connexion with the surrender of Port Arthur. Generals Stiissel and Fock are accused of sending de- liberately false reports of battles that never took place, of recommending for decorations their own friends who lost battles, and of surrendering fortresses in spite of having ample means of resistance. General StOssel is said to have disobeyed the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Manchurian Army to hand over the command of Port Arthur to General Smirnoff and to leave the Army. He remained at Port Arthur and interfered with General Smirnoff's functions. On June 14th, 1904, be reported in despatches that he had taken part in all the engagements, whereas it is alleged that from February 8th to June 14th the only engagement was the battle of Kin-chau, at which he was not present. That disastrous battle was conducted by General Fock, who is said to have shown gross incompetence, and to have been rewarded afterwards by General StOssel with the Order of St. George. These points will give an accurate idea of the painful character of the indictment. Any of the crimes with which the Generals are charged is punishable by death ; but General Smirnoff appears rather as the victim of the others, and the charge against him is chiefly one of supineness.
