RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1513, 15 July 1905, Page 6

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

St. Petersburg, July 12. Tliu captain of the St. Ivilda, sunk by the Russians, interviewed by a Marseilles journal, stated that the commander of the Dnieper intimated at I'ort Said that he was taking the St. Kilda's crew to Russia. One of the crew escaped, and appeared before the British Consul, and the captains of H.H.S. Lancaster and Suffolk. The Consul then went aboard .the Dnieper and demanded the release of the Britishers, but the commander refused. The Consul and British captains departed after warning the commander of the Dnieper that special measures would be taken unless .the Britishers were liberated in 75 minutes. An hour later the Lancaster weighed anchor, as if approaching the Dnieper, the commander of which thereupon permitted his prisoners to leave. A syndicate of St. Petersburg bankers decided that it was impossible at the present time to raise an internal fifteen million sterling loan. The newspaper 'Slovo' states that the Russian plenipotentiaries are empowered to discuss the cession ...of territory, but in nowise the question of indemnity. The Russians discovered a band of Chunchuses and 30 Japanese south of Jlinguta. London, July 13. M. Muravieli, ostensibly on the grounds of his health, does not proceed to the Washington Peace Conference. French advices from St. Petersburg state that his proposed instructions were vague, did not allow him any discretion or to discuss the dismantlement of Vladivostock, and restricted him in other directions. The, 'Daily Telegraph' St. Petersburg correspondent reports that peace prospects are decidedly better. 31. de Witte, who is persona grata, having been selected instead of 31. Muravieff, Japan will welcome the- appointment as a proof of a serious desire for peace. Count Muravielt was recently criticised for a remarkable outburst at The Hague Arbitration Tribunal when the Venezuelan decision was announced. It is now hinted at Oyster Bay, a popular New York watering place, that the executive is aware he is not in the best of health, an-d his not attending the conference is not surprising. Japan's-reply to the informal representation of China regarding Manchuria is courteous but firm. It declares that the reminder in nowise affects Japan's plan of action. M. Pokotiloff has warned the Chinese Government that they must, pay the Chinese Eastern Railway Company's indemnity in the event of Japan not restoring the railway. The Czar's rescript appointing Admiral Birileff Minister of Marine, remarked that the recent shocking event in the Black Sea proved the total laxness of discipline of crews and indifference to duties on the part of * oflicers. He declared that such exceptionally criminal acts required serious investigation and vigorous punishment. THE BATTLE OF TSUSHIMA. Writing of Admiral Togo's great Victory against the Baltic fleet, the Kobe Chronicle of June 4 says that when the message came for the Japanese to proceed it was still early morning of May' 27. Admiral Togo's .various divisions spent the time at their disposal in taking up most advantageous positions, well screened from most of the enemy's scouts. During this time Admiral Rozhdest.vensky, heading the procession slowly advancing up the east waterway, . , was apparently unaware of the presence ol such a large force of Japanese at the head of the Straits. On .the other hand, Admiral Togo was informed continually of the progress of the Russians. When with that fatal consistency that has marked their conduct of the war the Russians allowed themselves to be driven towards Kiushu coast, doubtless with the hope of forcing their way through the channel between Okushima and Nagato on the mainland, a running light was maintained until .the Russian line was broken by the impetuosity of the Japanese divisions, which from several points concentrated the whole weight of their broadsides with the object of breaking up the Russians. In this they were, successful. Before the battle had been in progress many hours, the Borodino became separated from its squadron and was afire. ' Then a torpedo attack was made on the Russians, and within half an hour two vessels had been sunk, and s others had been damaged. Dispirited and weakened, the enemy vainly endeavoured to get out of the trap by heading north-east., For tills move the Japanese were prepared, and one of their divisions appeared to the iSorth-east. Becoming more disorgani- iscd as the Japs pressed onward, the 'tail of the fleet turned due north to- - - i.l'

wards the Korean coast, which but added to their isolation, and ended fatally for several ships of Admiral Folkersahm's division, it being about this time that Admiral Folkersahm was killed. Before sunset is was clear that many vessels had been disabled in their most vital parts. Their machinery was shattered, their liulls were perforated, and their steering gear destroyed. As night advanced the dreaded torpedo became a deadly weapon in the hands of the fearless Japanese, who during these attacks occasionally approached so close to the Russian ships that voices could be heard on the doomed vessels. The Russians used searchlights vigorously, and kept up a continuous fire against low, black vessels, darting hither and thither, hut little damage was done. One .>apanese torpedo boat was struck' in the engine room, and a man was killecl and 15 wounded. The remainder, believing that the end had come, faced to the stern for a last look at the national flag. Irretrievable damage was indicted on the Russians on this terrible night. Scarcely had dawn on the following day (Sunday; broken than the battle was renewed between the larger vessels, but on the part of the Russians it was a despairing fight for life for those who would not surrender. The old ironclad Admiral Oushakoli made a gallant stand. The captain refused to surrender, and, in the words of the official report, 'two cruisers were, reluctantly compelled to sink her." The fight was a hopeless .one, but she held out, and showed a spirit not common to the itussian fleet.

One of the great incidents of the battle was the surrender of Admiral -Niebogatoli'. His squadron, the llagship lmperator Nicolai, Orel, the Admiral Seniavin, Admiral Apraxin, and Izuuirud becoming separated from the main body, were attacked by the main force of the Japanese. A tremendous duel between these forces proceeded for a space, but the Russians were unequal to encounter the fleetest of the squadron. The Izumrud made her escape, but the other vessels hauled down their flags and raised the Japanese colours to the signal yards. At this the Japanese tlagship signalled asking whether the Russians' wished to surrender, to which the reply was in-the affirmative. Admiral Togo despatched Capt. Yashiro, commanding the Asama, to the Russian flagship. While still on the way, Capt. Yashiro met Admiral Niebogatoli proceeding to Admiral Togo, and Capt. Yashiro accompanied the Russian admiral to the Mikasa, where arrangements were made formally to hand over the surrendered vessels. Ollicers were despatched to each ship. The Japanese flags were raised to each topmast, with the itussian ensign beneath. The Jinest ship, the Orel, was taken to Yokosuka, for the inspection of the Emperor. When tile Orel arrived at Alaizura it was learned that HUU of the 900 men aboard had been killed or ncunded. During the battle, I lie wounded lay groaning on the decks in sight of their fighting comrades, and it is stated on the authority of the second in command that no fewer than 110 men hopelessly wounded were thrown overboard. The commander of the Orel succumbed before the battleship arrived at Maizuru, and was buried at sea. The Orel was inspected at Maizuru. She bears terrible marks of battle, and has a very battered appearance. Thick weeds can be seen below the water. The fore l'unnc-l is broken at the middle, the masts and yards are damaged, and the torpedo nets are torn to pieces. On board the sight is equally desolate and depressing. The guns are demolished, the forward torpedo tubes are battered, and only three boats remain intact. The lenses of all the. searchlights are broken. The remains of men killed aboard were burned in the boiler fires b?fore the burned in the boiler fires before the surrender. The engines were damagviceable.