THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 24

THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.

STHE FLEET STILL AT KAMRANH BAY. JAPANESE IRRITATION GROWING. A PERTINENT QUESTION.. FRENCH ASSURANCES. THE CRUISER DIANA. DEPARTURE OF THE BALTIC FLEET. THE TENSION RELIEVED. FRENCH ASSURANCE. ~ A HEAVY CANNONAI»Ji. PROBABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH SCOUTS.

ST. PETERSBURG, April 18. It is officially reported that out of 1,004,075 men liable to serve last year 21,489 had not joined the colours, although not exempted. Out of 57,440 Jews liable for service 21,164 deserted. The number

of deserters is greater in some provinces

than in others, ranging from 41 per cent. *in Vitebok to 63 in Volna and 84 in Kovno. Admiral Deponquieres Tejoined his cruiser at Kamranh Bay, Annam. A number of Russian vessels 'are still anchored in the vicinity. LONDON, April 18. The Times' St. Petersburg correspondent says that there axe indications that Admiral Rozhdestvensky is manoeuvring his fleet in two divisions in close mutual touch. The Daily Mail's Singapore correspondent reports that the Baltic fleet was seen coaling and provisioning. Japan has announced as defensive zones the Gensan and Tsugaru Straits. General Lineviteh reports that a Russian column is showing much daring. It cleverly executed a reconnaissance as far as Mei-an, 40 miles south-east of Tie-ling, and . captured several positions. .It also brought confirmation of a wide flanking movement by the Japanese in the direction of Kirin. The Prize Court at Nagasaki rejected the appeal made in the case of the steamer Jtfigretia. April 19. Renter's Agency at Manila reports that three warships of unknown nationality were sighted off Bobangas at dawn to-day. The Daily Mail's Manila correspondent reports that 16 Japanese cruisers and destroyers are scouting off Sampalok Point. Six Russian colliers were reported at Lingayen Gulf, on the west coast of Luzon. The Daily Mail's Singapore correspondent reports that the Russian agents cut the Foochow-Tamsui cable. The Paris paper Le Temps says that Admiral Rozhdestvensky >. while at Madagascar remained outside the limit of French territorial waters. There is no evidence that he showed less reserve in Indo-China. The Temps is convinced Japan will approach the inquiry regarding the stay at Kermanh in a reasonable and moderate spirit, knowing France has heretofore strictly fulfilled her dmties of neutrality. Important purchases were made at Saigon and delivered to portion of the Baltic fleet, now off the coast of IndoChina. Two hundred thousand Russians are at Chang-chau, on the Kirin line, and southwards. Admiral Togo's success in shrouding his movements creates great uneasiness in Kussia. It is reported in Hamburg that Admiral Rozhdestvensky has despatched several of the fastest Hamburg-American line of steamers, which have been converted into armoured! cruisers, to raid Japanese shipping, so as to cause a diversion, and so ■weaken Admiral Togo's strength in cruisers. The leading Japanese newspapers are indignant at Admiral Rozhdestvensky using Kafranh as a naval base at sea, and for coaling in Kamranh Bay on Saturday. The Tokio Jiji Shimpo declares that Prance is lending Russia efficient help, and! is ej longer neutral, and that Japan must invoke the aid of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance if protests are unavailing. The time for action, it says, has com?. The Haiphong Courier of March 12 mentions that two Japanese cruisers visited Kamranh and Honkohe Bays respectively to search for missing destroyers, and thatone was ordered to desist taking soundings in Honkohe. "^he paper addts that the Japanese possibly will explain that they were taking soundings in view of an anchorage, but some importance is attached to tha incident, as Vice-admiral Bayle, commander of i"he French fleet, Imrried to [Hanoi. Eleven seam-en were arraigned in Bombay for refusing to sail in the steamer Riversdale, because she was carrying to Kobe raw cotton, which had been declared contraband. They were acquitted. Thirty-six sailors on £ba colliers St.

Helena and Battlesea Bridge were sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment at Hongkong for refusing to proceed to Japan with contraband. A movement has been initiated in England to demand their instant release.

April 20.

It is understood at Tokio that the Baltic fleet is still occupying Kamranh Bay or another port on the Annam coast, and is expected to remain and await Admiral Nebogatoff.

Reports that Admiral Rozhdestvensky is overhauling neutral shipping off Kamranh has increased Japan's irritation.

Thirty representatives of newspapers in Tokio unanimously decided that France's conduct is inconsistent with neutrality. The Mikado's Government has made a formal protest to France.

Newspapers at Tokio declare that Japan will soon be unable to continue the recognition of the neutrality of Cochin China ports. Admiral Rozhdestvensky was ordered to quit Madagascar on France's pressing representations. He disregarded orders from Russia until ready, and proceeded east on the Czar's direct order, but, with a view to preserve secrecy, telegraphed misleading reports to headquarters.

A Saigon telegram to-day states that Admiral Rozhdestvensky is still at Kamranh. It is stated in Paris that he is unlikely to sojourn at Kamranh, as France will not fail to show Admiral Rozhdestvensky the momentous issues, which cannot be trifled with.

It is officially reported from Tokio that the Japanese occupied Tung-hwa-shin on the 15th. The enemy retreated north.

Vast stores have been accumulated alousf the Japanese lines of communication, and full supplies for the armies are assured even should transit by sea be interrupted.

A Russian patrol discovered no strong Japanese or Chunchuses forces engaged in turning General Linevitch's main front 80 miles north-west of Chang-chun-fu.

Russian colliers have sailed from the Gulf of Lingayen.

Submerged mines near Chu-san destroyed two junks.

The German steamer Juliette, at Port Louis (Mauritius), asked for coal, on the ground that she. was proceeding to Kiach.au. She was allowed 600 tons. After 100 tons had been taken aboard, the British members of the crew declared they had been deceived, as she was carrying stores to the Russian fleet, and they declined to proceed. Thereupon coaling stopped. It is reported that she has now been instructed to proceed to Saigon. April 21. The Juliette has been ordered to report herself to Admiral Rozhdestvensky at Kamranh Bay. The Times' Paris correspondent reports that information there represents Japan as in grim earnest. M. Delcasse communicated with St. Petersburg ; but there is always a possibility of Admiral Rozhdestvensky setting at nought St. Petersburginstructions. If so, and France is unable to overcome his obstinancy, the Japanese will not hesitate to attack the Russians at their moorings without hostile int-en-tions towards France. There is a con-s-ensus of opinion that in order to avoid complications Admiral Rozhdisstv.ensky must shortly go of his own accord, compelled by France, or expect to be attacked. Excitement at Tokio is growing rapidly. The pretext about the three-mile limit is not considered a serious excuse.

American newspapers declare that it is not, believable that France gives Admiral Kozhdestvensky the use of territorial waters as a naval base. If she does Japan will send her ships in and fight, as she is entitled.

The Daily • Express reports that M. Delcasse, in a conversation with deputies in the Chamber, stated tliat Admiral Rozhdestvensky quitted the Annam, coast yesterday.

Correspondents in Manchuria mention that Field-niai'sh'al Oyania is assuming the offensive.

Russia is utilising the funds of public instifcutiens for war purposes, paying 3 per cent, interest.

The Daily Telegraph's Paris correspondent reports that, Admiral Rozhdest-vensky, after coaling at Kamranh, sailed northward on Sunday.

The Matin's St. Petersburg correspondent announces that Admiral Dubo-gatofi's squadron is in Sunda Strait. London experts consider the statement to be premature.

When General Kourapatkin accepted thecommand! of the First Army under General Lineviteh his salary was reduced by 36,000 roubles, and he now receives 108,000 roubles (about £10,800). It is announced that Prince Alexeieff retains a salary of 104,000 roubles (£10,400) as Viceroy of Manchuria until the Russian reoccupation of the Kwang-tung Peninsula takes place.

The magistrates at Hongkong, after reconsidering the cases of the men who were imprisoned for refusing to sail in ships carrying contraband, released the Battlesea Bridge and St. Helena sailors.

A Manchurian' correspondent reports that a strong Japanese column, with 22 guns, is 100 miles north-west of Chang-chuff, and that another Japanese aimy, headed by General Sklama, and a body of cavahy are advancing north.

The Chinese population on the Russian right flank are fleeing

April 22. A St. Petersburg telegram states thnfc the Russian Admiralty has warned Admhal Rozhdestven&ky that there is a serious danger to peace if his sojourn near the

roast of Annam is prolonged contrary to the hvns of neutrality.

Chinese officials report that part of the Baltic fleet is now coaling at Hainan.

The Daily Telegiaph now says it is tolerably clear Admiial Rozhde&tvensky is still at Kamranh Bay. Other advices concur.

April 23. The Japanese Minister of Marine was advised yesterday that two Russian cruisers were s.een cruising outside Kamranh, that two merchantmen were anchored off the northern entrance, seven vessels resembling battleships weie anchored inside (two flying admirals' flags), and that six warships were anchored in single, file outside the southern entrance.

Keuter's Paris coirespondent reports that 'France had been officially iniornvxli that the Baltic fleet left Kamranh yesterday. Its destination is unknown.

The Japaness Consul at Manila announces that Admiral Togo's main squadron will rendezvous south of Formosa.

The Governor-general of Saigon refused to permit four Russian steam-ers to embark th.3 coal consigned to them, but allowed sufficient for their voyage.

It is semi-officially reported) in St. Petersburg that Admiral x\ozhdestvensky had been informed of Japan's protest, and notified of tb.e necessity of not violating French neutrality by not remaining in French territorial waters, if he had actually used them.

There are manifold reports in Tokio that the Russians are concentrating at Possiet Bay preparatory to crossing the Tumen River and moving into north-eastern Korea, or possibly preparing to bar an advance on Vladivostock.

The women and children on the Pescadores have been sent to Formosa.

Japan retains all time-expired veterans with the colours' while they are ne-eded. Japan is especially exasperated at a report that the Orel, when at Saigon, substituted the Diana's sailors for the invalids who were landed. f Activity is noticeable amongst the British China squadron at Hongkong. Tne first class cruiser Hogue, 1415 ions. 14 guns, has been ordered to bold herself in readiness to start under full steam at an hour's notice. It is reported in Tokio that th^ cruiser Askold, after the manner of the Grosovoi. will be painted when ready to escape fiom Shanghai, where she took refuse. "April 24. The reply of France to Japan's representations promising the expulsion of the Baltic fleet from Kamranh and affirming ± ranee's determination to maintain her neutrality has reliev.ecl the tension of popular feeling in Tokio, although it io believed that if Admiral Rozhdestvensky entered the bay to finally prepare for n dash north his purpose was accomplished before he was ordered to leave.

It is officially announced at Tokio that Franc.3 on ieceipt of the report that the Baltic fleet had' arrived at Kamranh instructed M. Beau to strictly enforce neutrality. Subsequently Japan lodged a protest, and France issued a new special instruction to M. Beau for transmission to the Russians ordering them to leave territorial water at the earliest moment. M. Beau replied that he had taken the necessary measures in accordance with instructions. France simultaneously addressed to Russia a note asking that the Admiral be instructed to quit. Count Lamsdorff replied that such instructions had already feeen sent.

The Baltic fleet proceeded northwaicK after leaving Kamranh Bay.

Le Temps's Saigon correspondent reports that after Admiral Rozhdestvensky sailed a heavy cannonade was heard oft* the bay. It is supposed to be an engagement with the Japanese scouts. Admiral Rozhdest-

Admiral

vensky momentarily expected Niebogatoff and his squadron.

Field-marshal Oyama reports that a small body of Russians is still north of Tung-hwa-sien.

One hundred Russian cavalry attempted to attack King-chang, but were repulsed.

PARIS, April 19

Le Temps declares that it has been the constant practice of France not to fix a time-limit to the sojourn of any belligerent vessels in French territorial waters, but it piohibits acts of hostility during their s^tay.

April 20.

In the Chamber of Deputies, M. Vailland emphasised the wish of the Socialistic party and of France to observe neutrality. Other Socialists spoke to the same effect. M. Rouvier .said: — "The

Government is not evading its duty of preserving neutrality, nor will it, and nothing will be done contrary to that policy. We shall continue to exercise constant vigilance, so that no incident may aiise to expose us to dangers and humiliations."

April 21

M. Motono, the Japanese Minister in Paris, in calling attention to the prolonged stay of the Baltic Beet in Ivamranh Bay, a&ked for a formal assurance of the continuance of France's strict neutrality.

M iJeloasso replied that special justiuctions had already been

Tiio Daily Telegraph's P.uis coucspondent reports that M. Delc.ii^e dilated on the d'fliculty of enforcing struct neutrality in remote regions. He promised M. Motono to do vihat he could to remove

Japan's giievam.es.

April 22.

In the Chamber of Deputies M. Rouvier, replj ing to M, Deloncle, said formal,

pi^eise, and repeated orders had been giv^n to Frenrli agents in Indo-Chma to assure Fiance's absolute neutrality.

Le Temps sa3 r s M. Beua, the Governor of Indo-China, via.s instructed to ascertain Admiral Rozhdestvensky's exact position. If he stopped outside the three-mile limit France had nothing to do in the matter. Kamranh Bay, which el'oes not possess even a Customs port, is far from any administrative centre. Means of rapid official information and happenings there are lacking.

M. Harmand, French Minister at Tokio, informed Baron Komura that steps had been taken to relieve the French of Government responsibility.

Advices from Saigon state that orders have been given fur the disarmament of the Russian cruiser Diana, which took reinge in a const poit in 1904. She is undergoing repairs. Paits of the engine will be handed) to the French authorities.

TOKO,

April 22.

Japane.se bitterness over the Kamranh incident is gio^ing. Meetings have been

held strongly denouncing France's attitude. The Nichmi Chihimbun asserts that the evidence that Admiral Rozhde&lvensky is using Kamranh as a base is conclusive. The Jiji says the use- of the bay enhances the Baltic fleet's fighting capacity by offering facilities for warlike preparations.

A former Cabinet Minister declares that Japau is keenly anxious to avoid involving others, but she is bound to protect her rights. If France gives Russia Kamranh why cannot Britain allow Jnpan to use Hongkong?