RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1412, 17 November 1904, Page 4

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

The Japanese are constructing important fortifications along the whole front, securing a solid base to attack the Russians.

The opinion in Mukdon is now against a winter campaign. The Trans-Siberian railway is unable to victual over three hundred thous-iud men, apart from the question of transporting fuel and horses. Moreover, wood and forage are scarce, and local resources insufficient for the winter.

Japanese vessels, with provisions and troops, are ascending the I.iao river with a view to getting the utmost reinforcements and stores to Liaoyang 'before the river freezes. Transports with troops, arms, and ammunition are daily arriving at Yingkow. It is officially reported that cwo .hundred Russian infantry and three hundred cavalry appeared near Tiosaiton, but were repulsed, 'osing sixty. The Japanese casualties numbered six.

Baron Sone informed the Japanese Diet that the delay in the capture of Port Arthur and the departure of the Baltic fleet compelled Japan to accept less advantageous terms for the present foreign loan than the first. Vice-Admiral Kuenc, belonging to the reserve, lecturing at Lubeek, said Germany was interested in the arrival of the Baltic fleet in the Far Fast, as the present war would decide Gcrmany'sfuturc at Kiaochau. A Japanese loan has been issued at !>O.J, with 2i per cent, discount for full payment on allotment. This, with other conditions, will yield the investor near,}- 8 per cent. The snip is quoted at from 2 to 21 per tent. premium.

The 'Echo De Paris' St. Petersburg correspondent says Russia has arranged with Germany and Dutch banks for a loan of fifty-three million sterling, whereof forty-five million is being issued in Berlin, the rest in Amsterdam. Tho bulk of the loan remains in Germany to guarantee orders for warships. 'Lo Temps' says Russia's reply to Mr Hay's overtures is that it is impossible for The Hague Peace Conference to reassemble during the var. The bombardment of Port Arthur continues.

Eighty-six thousand Russian wounded are in terribly overcrowded hospitals between Lake Baikal and Mukden. It is expected half will return to the ranks in two months.

German inspired newspapers comment on the Czar's desire to meet the Kaiser, and emphasise the German's Government's refraining from opposing the introduction of a Russian loan in Germany.

Alexieff, interviewed, said the reported serious dissensions between Kouropatkin and himself were lies. He never interfered with Kouropntkin's plans. Kouropatkin prepared the proclamation prior to the last battle : Alexieff scarcely approved of it. If •Japan were victorious she would ci;jranise China sufficiently to destroy Europe's influence in the Far East. The 'Daily Express' Chefu corrcsp jmdent states that five Chinese from Port Arthur who were captured declare that they have seen soldiers beaten for refusing to return to Ibo trenches without sufficient food, and that several others were executed for mutiny.

Kouropatkin accused a Japanese detachment of donning grey ;.oitts and Russian caps, the disguise enabling them to capture several guns at Shahopu on October M. A Japanese loan of twelve millions Was covered tenfold.

.Kouropatkin reports that Chass.'itrs on the 11th d slodged Japanese item two lines of entrenchments east of Bemaputzc. A counter-attack was delivered, ami the position turned, the Russians retiring with little loss. The Gromoboi, which has been repaired at Vladivostock, was undergoing a trial, when she struck the rocks, and had to be re-docked in a sinking condition. The 'Morning Post' says the Japanese at Port Arthur are operating to secure themselves against guns 'n the Russian works on the right and left of the central section of the line of defence prior to occupying the section. Madame Stoessel has appealed to Moscow millionaires to contribute generously on behalf of the wounded, who are in a pitiable condition. French newspapers state that Russia has purchased for sixty million roubles eight Argentine and Chilian warships, which' Admiral N'ierogstoff -ommands, and which join the Baltic fleet.

Enormous granaries have been established at Liuoyang. -Japanese cavalry on Monday repulsed a squadron of Russian cavalry at Likiatun with heavy loss. Public opinion in Japan favors widening the British-Japanese Alti.uieo sufficiently to deter Russia avenging Manchusia by meddling in Thibet. The newspaper 'Loknl Aiueiger' states that a German steamer under British captain was stopped oft' Saigon by a Russian torpedoer. compelling it to deliver fourteen tons <.f coal. The steamer returned to .-Vigon to replenish, and protested to the British Consul. Since January over a million tons of Welsh coal have been supplied to Japan and Russia.