THE WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1411, 23 March 1905, Page 2

THE WAR.

GENERAL NEWS. " ByTalograph —Press Association—Copyright London, March 21. The Japanese captured the British collier Harbarton, bouDd for Vladivostok. The Russian rearguard is now 25 miles north of Tieling. Tho Russians report thot tho pursuit is weakening. Chinese spies are desorting to tho Japanese. It iB reported that General Kamamura is approaching Kirin, whence he might threaten Changohuu or Kuutuleng, and intercept the retreators. Tho Milan newspaper Ilsocolo has collected thousands of signatures to a petition to tho Government to offer mediation with a viow to tho termination of tho war in tho Far Eaßt.

Tho Morning Post’s St. Petersburg correspondent says that Russia is prolonging ] tho war, in the hope that the Powers will intervene to obtain better terms than would be conceded in a straight deal between Japan and Russia. A Norwegian trader accompanying the Russians in their retreat relates that the Cossacks looted Tieling and sold champagne at a rouble a bottle. They burned and smashed everything they were unable to Bell. The authorities shot some of the riotore. . The announcement of an internal loan caused a slump on the St. Petersburg bourse. Russian fours fell to 87, the

lowest figure during the currency of the war.

The German banks are co-operating in

the issue of the new Japanese loan. The Russian Press violently attacks France for refusing to lend mors money.

REGENT RUSBIAN LOSSES ESTIMATED AT 176,000.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ' Received 9.32 p.m., March 22. | London, March 22. It is reported that a portion of the Vladivostok garrison has been removed to-' Harbin. Advice from Tokio states that the official estimate of the Russian losses from the beginning of the Mukden battle to the end of the Tieliug battle, including prisoners, is 175,000. Damaged bridges impede pursuit. There are indications that the Russians are concentrating andconstructiDgdefenoes at Changehuo. ' / v ; Parts of guns have been recovered from wells in the vicinity of Mukden.

SPLENDID BRAVERY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 12.2 a.m., March 23. London, March 22. A battery of artillery on the Japanese extreme left attacking Mukden fought with exceptional distinction. The guns were galloped in close proximity to the enemy. Though man after man was riddled with bullets, the service of the guns was not interrupted. Opportune reinforcements averted a disaster parallel to that whioh marked the battle of Colenso in the Boer war* Colonel Ujida, commander of tbe battery, a brilliant artillery expert, was killed. Twelve officers were seriously and two slightly wounded. Eight non-commissioned officers were wounded. Few of the men survived.