NEWS OF THE WEEK.
TT may be taken as almost certain that before our next issue, we shall have proof that Wei-hai-wei, the second great Chinese arsenal, is in Japanese possession. Up to January 30th, the reports all showed that Marshal Oyama, who commands the attack, was drawing both his divisions from the East and from the West towards the doomed fortress, intending to storm the low heights which command it, while the Fleet shells the harbour. The Chinese telegram announcing a " repulse " of the invaders, showed that a reconnoitring party had reached the hills ; and on January 31st repeated messages announced an attack in force. According to the latest of all, the attack was known at Chefoo to have been successful, no fort, except one on an island in the harbour, having remained uncaptured. The event, which is fright- fully disastrous for China, will incline her Envoys who have arrived in Japan to accept almost any terms ; but will Japan make peace ? The mob is wholly opposed to it, and at Kobe actually tried to lynch the Chinese Envoys, and we see signs that even the statesmen are disinclined to forego an entrance into Pekin. They have some card up their sleeves which they are most reluctant to place upon the table until some addition has been made to their Fleet.
