ESTABLISHES 1875. The Manawatu Daily Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, MAY 30, 1905. THE BATTLE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 403, 30 May 1905, Page 2

ESTABLISHES 1875. The Manawatu Daily Times. The Oldest Manawatu Journal. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, MAY 30, 1905. THE BATTLE.

Rozhdestvensky, recognising the fruitlessness of endeavoring to draw bis enemy south, and feeling satisfied that his preparations were complete enough to warrant all risks being taken has evidently pushed on to Vladivostock and has met Togo half-way. The latter, persevering in his determination to •< sit tight " at any cost has engaged the enemy on his own terms. The battle (the first new 3 of which was reported yesterday) is perhaps the most momentous event of the war; so much depends on the issue. If Togo has inflicted defeat on Rassia it will probably prove the coup de grace for that unfortunate country so far as her ambitions in Man churia are concerned. But, on the other hand, if Rozhdestvensky has come out on top Japan will find her operations so hampered (for on Togo depends the task of maintaining communication betweeu the land forces and headquarters) that a continuation of hostilities will be almost impossible. These aro the probabilities. The mattor has no doubt been decided ere this, though owing to the ngidness of the Japanese censorship wo are still in the dark as to the real issue.

Apparently the battle was fought off the Island of Tsushima, in the Straits of Korea, through which, the Russians would have to pass to reach their objective. From the later cables it geenis that three armoured cruisers end several colliers were sent by Rozhdesfcveusky jto make a demonstration off Shanghai to create the impression that his main strength had gone thither, while the bulk of the fleet sailed northwards on its main course. A little distance through the Straits of Korea, in the locality ejated, the two fleets met. At this point $hp Straits are less than 150 miles wide, and the Island off which the fight took place is situated about midway. On the western side of the Island, which is only 35 miles long, is a magnificent inlet, nearly land-locked, with several other minor inlets each capable of sheltering whole fleets close to shore, Jn all probability it is here that Togo has been hiding for some weeks. Tp this lair from time to time, have come scouts carefully informing their chief of the movements of the enemy. Fully aware of the coming of Rozhdestvensky he has made ready and dashed out upon the invaders and struck his blow. Togo would be fully aware of the necessity of that blow meaning as nearly the annihilation of the Bussiftrjgi as pos-

aible, with the smallest damage being effected to himself. It would not be a battle fought on ordinary termp, for the defeat of the enemy would be of little use to him if he had insufficient ships left to hold his own against any of the Russians who might be left remaining out; of their superior numbers. Hence his carefulness to strike only under conditions most favourable to himself. The world will now await with the keenest interest, for this reason, the details of the respective losses. In the matter of effecting repairs Japan ha 3 greatly the advantage, for Nagasaki is only 60 miles from the reported scone of the battle while Vladivostock is 600 miles away. Apparently Eozhdostvensky sailed to battle fully prepared. Tho latest newa states ho was accompanied by his main lighting strength and that the ships had coaled just previous to sailing. As to tho issue of the fight, the fates have evidently fivoured Togo—though the intelligence comos from Japanese source?. The Russian Admiral is said to be fleeing northward after havins: had certain of his fleet sunk, notably the Borodino, tho Orel and three cruisers. Earlier reports gave one battleship and five other ship 3. These losse3 will hardly be serious to Russia if Japan has lostprorata. Russia's boats a few weeks ago, correspondents state, were in splendid fighting trim, therefore it 13 unlikely Japan has come lightly out of action. It is, however, possible that mine 3 have played an important part in tho work'- of destruction, particularly a9 the engagement took place in a narrow channel, and if so the Russian losses must preponderate.

The latest cabled report ig that Rozhdestvensky has been annihilated but this seems more likely to be an extreme alarmist rumour.