THE BATTLE OF TSUSHIMA.

Waikato Argus, Volume XVIII, Issue 2908, 21 June 1905, Page 2

THE BATTLE OF TSUSHIMA.

London, June 19 Even in Japan nobody guessed the whereabouts of Admiral Togo and his fleet prior to the battle of Tsushima, Here the Japanese admiral created a new base, with a first-class anchorage for the whole of his fleet, and boom protections within which las ships could shelter in the event of defeat. Permanent forts, where first class artillery was mounted, were also constructed to hold off the Russian fleet, no precaution being neglected bv the Japanese. The admiral also semifortified and mined a number of places along the coast, even Talien-. wan and Dalny being thus protected. (Received June 20, 10.45 p.m,). Sydney', June 20 The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent forwards a lengthy account of the naval battle at Tsushima. He confirm the cabled description of the trap into which the Russians fell, and the inaccuracy of the latter’s marksmanship, 90 per cent, of the shots not taking effect, and those that did find the mark did practically little injury owing to the faulty construction of the shells. On the other hand the Japanese firing was most accurate, wrecking iron, wood works, and turning the decks into a veritable shambles. He states that at the close of the battle that while the Japanese squadron was in good fighting trim the majority of the Russian fleet were either hors do combat or sunk. He adds that during the thick of the fight a signal was received by one of the torpedo flotillas that a black object like a submarine was amongst the Russian vessels, and the flotilla was ordered to attack it, The flotilla set our on its mission and was surprised to find it was a huge yesael - floating upside'"down with a number of men clinging to the keel. Firing from the big Japanese ships was suspended at sunset, but tor-/ pedo attacks were made during the night, the flotillas forming two sec'ions. The enemy’s searchlights prevented the success of the two initial attacks, but a third expedition was successful, and the battleship Orel was put out of the fighting line. The Russians never attempted to send out their torpedo boats under cover of the darkness. The escape of some Russian vessels is attributed to darkness coming on, and the pall of smoke from the guns making vision impossible. The major portion of bis report is composed of amplifications of the details received by cable. LAND OPERATIONS. (Received June 21, 7.25 a.m.) London, June 20 General Linievitch reports that the Japanese are nearing Ivougcben and Mansan in Northern Korea. Phis is interpreted to mean that General Kasegawa’s army is estimated at 100,000, and will shortly attempt a passage of the river. (Received June 21, 8.44 a.m.) London, June, 20 French St. Petersburg advices state that General Linievitcli’s right wing has retired 25 miles, fighting seven miles of tho way. PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. (Received June 21, 7.25 a.m.) London, June 20 Prince Tumentakahira has informed President Roosevelt that the Japanese plenipotentiares will be able to reach Washington by the Ist of August.