Russians Avoiding an Engagement.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11637, 15 August 1905, Page 5

Russians Avoiding an Engagement.

Received August 15, 8.42 a.m. LONDON, August 14. Ah unconfirmed rumour at Tokio states that the Russians are retiring across the Tumen. to avoid a fight in NoTthern Korea.

A SIDE-LIGHT ON THE PRESENT

' WAR.

A London correspondent writing on June 23, states: "A lurid light has just been thrown on the antecedents of the present war by a remarkable paper which has somehow got itself printed and published at Vladivostock, and copies of which are now being distributed broadcast through Russia, where they are creating a most profound sensation. The revelations show how the notorious State Secretary, M. Bezobrazoff, aided by a gang of adventurers, and supported by the all-powerful Plehve, who was in favour of war as a cure for internal troubles, obtained complete control of Russia's policy in the Far East; how he defied the counsels of moderation offered by M. de Witte, Count Lamsdor'ff, and General Kuropatkin, and prevented the evaucation of Manchuria, although M. Lessar, Baron Rosen, and M. Pavloff unanimously urged the observance of Russia's pledges; how Admiral Alexieff at first opposed and then seconded him, and was rewarded with the appointment of "Viceroy, involving the fall of M. de Witte, who dared- to disapprove; how twice in 1903 M. Bezobrazoff visited Port Arthur, travelling in state, each trip costing .£20,000, and squandered untold millions, which camo from the Imperial Treasury, in founding specious commercial enterprises, including tho famous forest concession .on the. Talu, all patently directed to extending Russia's political influence; how, on the occasion of his last visit in June,, 1903, M. Bezobrazoff distributed loans and gratuities among his henchmen at Port Arthur amounting to J200,000, while tho military authorities were unablo to get money to complete the defences. A council was held at Port Arthur in June, at which the Ministers at Pekin, Seoul, and Tokio were present. M. Bezobrazoff violently advocated a policy of frank aggression toward Japan. This resulted in a severe altercation with General Kuropatkin, but- thanks to Admiral Alexieff 's influence it was agreed to compromise, and to let Japan know that Russia had no designs upon Korea. Mean; while, it was decided, upon the advice of General ■ Wogak, now Military Attache inLondon, to carry^out an extensive programme" of military preparations, involving an' immediate outlay of