THE FEELING IN RUSSIA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5603, 1 June 1905, Page 5

THE FEELING IN RUSSIA.

ATTITUDE OF THE OZAR. KRONSTADT IN MOURNING. SHALL THE WAR BE CARRIED ON? (Received May 31, 11.7 p.m.) LONDON, May 31. On hearing of the naval disaster, the Czar declared; “All is pver I’t

His Majesty afterwards relapsed into bis state of unshaken superstition that Russians cannot h e beaten. Tho news of tho defeat is being gradually divulged at St. Petersburg. Hie Bourse is convulsed. Tlio defeat of tho Russian fleet has plunged Kronstadt into mourning. Hundreds of families are affected. Router's Agency reports that tho public of St. Petersburg is apathetic, listless, and resigned. , Opinions on all sides show that the Government will continue tho war as doggedly as ever. Supporters of tlio war spirit manifest no-' sign of flinching. A high official assured tho St. Petersburg correspondent of “ Tlio Times ” that the Czar will fight while a singlo soldier or a single ship is available. There is wild talk in military circles at St. Petersburg of abandoning Manchuria, and sending a million troops later to retrieve tlio position. Jibe “ Daily Telegraph’s ” correspondent at St. Petersburg reports that a deep impression has boon created amongst tho public, mingled with grief at the frightful loss of life, and thankfulness that the end is within sight, but in higher spheres there is no evident sign of abandoning tho frivolous indifference that has sent so many brave men to their fate. The Russian defeat is largely attributed to Admiral Rozhdestvensky’s defective strategy. It is stated in Russian naval circles that Admiral Rozhdestvensky’s officers included many military men who had been pressed into naval service—bravo, but incapable of defending ships. The St. Petersburg newspaper “ Birsliewija Wiedomosty ” says:— The battle of Tsushima has decided the issue of tho war, and opened new ways for tho currents of history. Tho Ozar, after consulting tho Imperial Council, has decided to await tho complete Russian account of the 'battle before issuing a communique. Some of the journals vaguely foreshadow the death of thousands of Russian sailors, hut most of them aro either silent or optimistic. Tlio newsboys in St. Petersburg on Monday proclaimed a great Russian naval victory. JAPAN’S DEMANDS. AN ENORMOUS INDEMNITY. (Received May 31, 9.21 p.m.) LONDON, May 31. It is reported at Washington that Japan wants an indemnity from Russia of two hundred millions sterling.