News of an international event of no little pathos comes from
Port Arthur. Around the great fortress were buried thousands
of Russians who fell in the siege, and whose graves were
unmarked. The Russian Government asked permission to gather
these remains in one place and erect a tomb for them which
should be a suitable monument to their heroism. The Japanese
Government replied by asking for permission to engage in this
sad duty as a token of honor to the Russian dead. In this
Russia readily acquiesced, and the tomb, which is of noble
proportions and Etruscan in design, was recently dedicated. At
these solemn services the old foes met once more. General Nogi,
the hero of Port Arthur, was by special order of the Emperor
the representative of Japan. Russia sent two generals and an
admiral, who were supported by many Russian officers who had
fought over that very ground. Regiments of Japanese troops
stood on guard, as did also representatives of the Japanese
navy. These latter, at the moment of unveiling, bore a worn and
battle-torn flag to the tomb, and reverently lowered it as a
tribute of respect. The religious ceremonies were in charge of
the Bishop of Peking, of the Russian Church. (Text.)
(87)