RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7780, 2 March 1904, Page 5

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Bombardment of Port Arthur

Instruction to the Japanese

The Fortress to be Stormed and

Taken at all Costs

(Per Press Association —Copyright} LONDON, Fob 29.

According to statements by foreigners at Ivihchau, the Japanese have been ordered to storm and take Port Arthur immediately, and at all costs.

A telegram from Ivinchiau, dated Monday, states that fifteen warships appeared at Port Arttiiir at ten, this morning -a'tKl op.ened! • 'a! furious bombardment of the town, which tasted two hours.

The Novik, Askold and Bayan and four torpo:loers steamed out to meet the attacking fleet, but as the result of a fierce fight were forced to put back in a sinking condition. A torpedoer was sunk. The Novik was badly damaged: The Ketvisan, was figain damaged. The .Japanese withdrew in perfect order.

The Paris newspaper Matin states that the ordinary train service to Vort Arthur has been discontinued.

Tlie inference is that Port Arthur has been isolated.

The bombardment is interpreted as a movement to cover the landing- of a large body o i Japanese troops.

The Times states that an announcement has been made in Ottafva that Great' Britain toas effected a new contract with the CanadiannPacilic railway for the transport of 'troops "to the Far IDast in case of emergency.

Russia has declared /coal and foodstuffs contraband of war.

Mr Hay's views is that foodstuffs arc contraband only if intended itor either army, "but if for civilians, except in besieged towns, is not liable to seizure unless a belligerent pays for them.

The -Aurora and other Russian warships brought to Suez three British colliers seized "mi the Red Sea. The Czar ordered their re-

lease

The Russians affirm that a body of Cossack's, with quickfirers, has arrived from Ussuri, advancing along the east coast *t>f tho Japanese Sea.

A Russian advance guard of riflemen is already at Tanchion.

The Japanese are building a line of blockhouses between Wonson and Chinampho.

The Times' Tokio corresponclgnt states that sunken steamers near Retvisan. partially obstruct the envtrance to Port Arthur harbour.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fob 29. The .newspaper Svict mentioning that Jewish agents are" buying at Russian fairs three thousand- (horses —remounts for the British arm.y— insinuates that they ar e meant for •Japan.