THE WAR IN THE EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12522, 15 March 1904, Page 5

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

THE REGENT NAVAL ENGAGEMENT. | A JAPANESE VERSION. RUSSIANS SUFFER SEVERELY. DESTRUCTION OF FORTS. '■ "V ■'■ '- p.—,, —n.n—- '"■■ ———- -*»■'. ' CHEAT DAMAGE AT PORT ARTHUR. ' ' s WIJU SACKED AND BURNED. KUROPATKIN'S BOASTFUL PREDICTION,,

Thu Japanese version of the fighting which took place on March 10 has now come to hand. It differs from that of Admiral Makaroff in several important particulars. Nothing is said of the sinking of a Japanese torpedo-boat, and the Japin»se claim to have actually captured the Russian torpedo-boat mentioned by Admiral Makaroff as having damaged her engines. The vessel, however, - eventually Bank. The Japanese also state that several of the Russian vessels seriously damaged, and that the forts on an island in the vmirnty of Tahenwan Bavnvere attacked and destroyed. ■ . A sensational rumour is afloat to the effect that the Russians have exploded their warships and abandoned Port Arthur. This report lacks confirmation. Great Image has, however, been done to the docks, arsenal and forts by the Japanese bombardments," and a considerable portion .of the town has been de-

The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian army, General Kuropatkm, who lias iust left for the Far East, appears, to be very confident of victory He inormed an interviewer that he would be done with Japan by the end of July after marching his troops into Tokio. If the General is not haying joke at the expense of the interviewer he must be a very optimistic man indeed. Judging by his recent utterances, the Tsar does not share Kuropatkin's hopeful view of the situation. :f ."''".■' , r , „. ~„ , It is stated that the Russian troops, after crossing the Yalu River, de- • stroy dWju, a town at the mouth of the river. The state of affairs m Mancburia ivery gloomy. All the food has been seized by the Russians, and he na veil certain districts are starving. Russia is said to bo growing ess dStful of Great Britain, and a more friendly feeling prevails Acless dihtiastnu j amuwse official now in America, the much-talked- ?%£ peS mSt K Japan simply wants to enter the rank and file of Christendom. .... ? ■*'"*"■.-■■.. '.;;"' By Tcleffraph.—rreu Association.— _,