T HE news of the week from the Far East is
the circum- stantial report that on Thursday the Japanese stormed Kinchau, on the west of the Kwangtung Peninsula,—a-placo regarded as the key of Port Arthur. Although this report, as we go to press, still lacks official confirmation, it is clear that the Japanese are drawing their net closer round Port Arthur; they were reported to have commenced a new bombardment on the 24th inst. It is believed that they intend to storm, but the fortifications are so strong, the garrison is so numerous, and the loss of life will be so great that this is not altogether probable. It must be remembered, however, that the Japanese know the strength of their opponents to a man, and their resources in food to a pound, and are so well aware of weak places that they may have grounds for hope- fulness of which their critics are wholly unaware. So also, on the mainland, they may be certain that General Kuropatkin is unable to take advantage of the daring manceuvres, and the tedious, persevering marehes through mud, by which they are endeavouring to surround him. Those marches hate been impeded by rains ; but according to the latest intelligence they have been resumed, and we should receive news of the result within a fortnight at latest.
