Port Arthur

a seaport at the southern extremity of Manchuria. The port is situated at the end of a peninsula, and is guarded by fortified heights that command the entrance from the Yellow Sea to the Gulf of Pe-chi-li. Outside ships, bound for Tien-tsin, the port of Peking, must pass under the guns of Port Arthur. The Japanese captured Port Arthur from the Chinese during the War of 1894. The Russians prevailed on their allies, German and French, to force Japan to return the port to China. Four years later Russia leased Port Arthur from the Chinese. The Russians proceeded to improve the fort and strengthen its fortifications. During the war with Russia, the Japanese blockaded the fort and proceeded to reduce the fortifications. The siege is one of the most memorable in history. It began in May, 1904. The fort surrendered in January, 1905. A fleet blockaded the fort and a force of 60,000 Japanese invaded the fortifications by land. The Russians surrendered 50 forts, 48,000 men, including 8 generals, 4 battleships, 2 cruisers, 14 torpedo boats, and 546 large guns. The total Russian loss included 50,000 lives and $300,000,000 worth of property. The Japanese loss of life was as great. The siege cost the Japanese about $25,000,000. The town and port were little injured. Port Arthur remains in possession of the Japanese. See Manchuria