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Show H CHANCES FOR BIG H SEA FIGHT SLIM TOKIO, Feb. 2S As- the campaign progresses it seems that the chances are growing slimmer for a great pitched battle on the open sea between the fleets of modern battleships -which the world has long awaited. It is believed here that the Russians 'nek the strength to assume the often-. H" sive, and that they will probably stick" H'! to Port Arthur doggedly to await a sea and land investment. B- Whoever wins the war, Port Arthur will undoubtedly cease to be an lrnport-ant lrnport-ant base. The fortifications will prob-"t prob-"t ably be dismantled, as they are small and cramped, and however many guns ro :lre defending, it is thought they are in-v in-v capable of Insuring protection. It Is V intimated that the Russians have 200 H. guns mounted at Port Arthur, making it, theoretically, one of the strongest forts in the world. In regard to the opening of Wiju, for 1 which United States Minister Allen has long been pressing, it 'has been decided H to await the formal announcement of H r the Japanese, whose Influence Is now . " dominant in Korea, Japan undoubtedly approved, and the incident has a slg-; slg-; 'T nificant bearing on the future of Korea, i assuming that Japan Is triumphant. |