THE WAR. GENERAL ITEMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1357, 18 January 1905, Page 2

THE WAR.

GENERAL ITEMS.

DRUNKEN RUSSIANS. 1 By Telegraph—Prosa Association —Copyright Xsondoa* Jan- 16. Tho Russians claim to have ambushed 1 a ropimont at Tassadiafu, inflicting heavy loss, and compelling a precipitate rctroat Hundreds of fishermen have boon sent to Fort Arthur to help cloar the mines. A Japunoso naval officer reports that tho condition of tho Russian warships is bettor than was oxpected. General Nogi held a pathetic memorial sorvico at Fort Arthur in honor of the dead who sworo to havo death or victory. Ho said ho had received tho Imponal thanks, but did not desire to monopoliso tho glory, and invited the dead to sli3ro it. The Times’ correspondent at Fort Arthur states that tho new town shows few signs of tho bombardment. Many Russian officers proved useless, and applied for loavo when the attacks wore proceeding, leaving tho sergeants to command. Tho naval officers wore useless during tho siege, being generally in a state of drunkeDnees. Admiral Makarofi’s death domoralised tho navy, rendering it markedly apathetic. Some commanders of forts at a conferonce hold before tho capitulation voted for further resistance, but were overruled by General Stoessol. When tho decision to capitulate became known, the soldiers looted a storo containing 5600 bottles of vodka. A terrible orgio followed. Troops sent to quell them joined the revellers. Three months’ food remained, but the only meat was horses and mules. _ , French advices -from St. Petersburg state that it is thought possible that the raidß on Chinese territory will cause the Powers to intervene and impose peace.

RUSSIAN RAIDERS REGAIN THE LINES. THE MIKADO'S SPEECH. By Telegraph — Preßs Association —Copyright Received 9.2 p.m , Jan. 17. London, Jan 17. Goneral Mitcheneko’s raiders have regained the lines. They sustained 300 casualties. General Kuropatkin claims that they captured a convoy of 500 carte, besides burning stores a? Kingkow. Tokio, Jan 17. The Mikado, in opening the Diet, stated that tho armies were steadily achieving progress. It was expected the ultimate obiects would be attained.