THE WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1437, 25 April 1905, Page 2

THE WAR.

GENERAL NEWS.

FRANCE AND THE BALTIC FLEET. RUSSIA AND NEUTRALITY. By Telegraph—Prase Ab&uciation—Copyright London, April 21. M. Motono, Japannso Minister at Paris, in calling attention to the prolonged stay at Kamranh Bay of the Russian fleet, asked for a formal assurance of the continuance of strict neutrality. M. Delcasso replied that special instructions had already been sent. The Daily Telegraph's Paris correspondent reporta that M. , Delcasso dilated on tho difficulty of enforcing strict neutrality in remote regions, and promised M. Motono that he would do what he could to remove the grievance. Ono Manchurian correspondent reportß that a a'rong Japanese column, with 22 guns, is 100 miles north-west of Changchuniff. Another Japanese army, headod by General Skiama, with a body of cavalry, is advancing north. Tho Chinese population on tho Rnßsian right flank of the district are fleeing. The Daily Telegraph’s Paris correspondent reports that Admiral Roßhdeetvensky, after coaling at Kamraoh Bay, Bailed northwards on Sunday.

Le Matin’s St. Petersburg correspondent announces that Admiral Dobogatoff’s squadron is at Sunday Straits. London experts consider this report premature. When General Kuropatkin accepted the command of the First Army under General Linevitch his salary was reduced by 36,000 roubles. He now receives 100,000 roubles. It is announced that Prince Aloxieff retains his salary of 104,000 roubles as Viceroy of Manchuria until the Russian re-occupation of the KAangtung Peninsula.

Received 4.13 p.m., April 23. London, April 22.

A St. Petersburg telegram states that the Russian Admiralty has warned Admiral Roshdestvensky that there ia serious danger to peace if hie sojourn near the coast of Annam is prolonged contrary to the laws of neutrality. Chinese officials report that part of the Baltic fleet are now ooaling at Hainan. The Daily Telegraph now eays that it is tolerably clear that Admiral Roshdestvensky is still at Kamranh Bay,’ Other advices concnr.

Paris, April 22. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Ronvier, replying to M. Deloncte, said that formal and precise repeated orders had been given to French agents in Indo-China to assure France’s absolute neutrality. Le Temps says that M. Beau, Governor of Indo-China, was instructed to aseertain Admiral Roshdestvensky’s exact position. If he Btcpped outside the three miles limit France had nothing to do iu the matter. Kamranh Bay, which does not possess even a Customs port, is far from aDy administrative centre, and means of rapid official information of happenings there are lacking.

M. Harmand, French Minister at Tokio, has informed Admiral Komura that steps have been taken to relieve tha French. Government of responsibility. Advices have been received from Saigon that orders have been given for the disarmament of the Russian cruiser Diana, whioh refuged at a coast port in 1904, She has been undergoing repairs. Parts of the engine will be handed to the French authorities. Tokio, April 22. The Japanese bitterness over the Earnranh Bay incident is growing. Meetings have been held strongly denouncing France’s attitude. Tne Nishini Chihimtan asserts the evidence that Admiral Roshdestvensky- is □sing Kamranh Bay as a base is conclusive. The Jiji says that the use of the bay enhances the Baltic fleet’s fighting capacity, offering facilities for warlike preparations. A former Cabinet Minister declares that Japan is keenly ansiona to avoid involving others, but is bound to proteot her rights. If France gives Russia Kamranh Bay, why cannot Britain allow Japan the use of Hongkong ?

CONFLICTING REPORTS.

By Telegraph—Presß Association—Gopyrigb Received 8.57 a.m., April 24, London, April 23.

The Japanese Minister of Marine advised yesterday that two Russian cruisers were seen cruising outside Kamranh Bay. Two merchantmen were anchored at the northern entrance. Seven vessels resembling battleships were anchored inside, two flying admirals’ flags. Six warships were anchored in single file outside the southern entrance.

Reuter’s Paris correspondent reports that Franae haß been officially informed that the Baltic fleet left Kamranh yesterday. Its destination is unknown.

THE LAND FORCES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Oopyrigh

Received 8.57 a.m., April 24. London, April 23. There are manifold reports at Tokio that. the Russians are concentrating at Possiet Bay, preparatory to crossing the Tumen river and moving into Northeastern Korea, or possibly preparing to bar the advance to Vladivostok. Women and children at the Pescadores have been sent to Formosa.

Japan retains time-expired veterans with the colors while they are needed.

MEAN RUSSIAN TRICK.

BRITISH FLEET READY. re By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright * e 11 Received 9.8 a.m., April 24. a London, April 23. Japan is especially exasperated at the report that the Orel, when at Saigon, S substituted the Diana’s sailors lor invalids *• which were landed. S Activity is noticoable amongst the British China squadron at Hongkong. The !' cruiser Hogue has been ordered to hold herself in readiness to start full steam at ! > an hour’s notice. B

SUPPOSED ENGAGEMENT.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Received 9.8 a.m., April 24. \ London, April 23. The Japanese Consul at Manila announces that Admiral Togo’s main squadron will rendezvous south of Formosa. The Governor General at Saigon refused to permit four Russian steamers to embark coal consigned to them. He allowed sufficient for the voyage. 1 It is Bemi-offioially reported at St. ] Petersburg that Admiral Roshdestvonsky J has been informed of the Japanese protest, £ and has been notified of the necessity of ® not violating Frenoh neutrality and not * remaining in territorial waters if he has ’ actually used them. ° It is reported at Tokio that the cruiser * Askold, after the manner of the Grosovoi, P will be painted when ready to escape from " Shanghai, where she took refuge. ® Received 9.4 p.m., April 24. is London, April 24. o\ The reply of France to Japan’s repre- ar sentations, promising expulsion of the to Baltic fleet from Kamranh, and affirming wi the determination/ to maintain neutrality, pa has relieved the tension of popular feeling se: in Tokio, alihough it is believed that if sti Admiral Roshdestvensky entered the bay pn dually to prepare for a dash north, the eil jurpose was accomplished before he was pol irdered to leave. ena It is officially announced at Tokio that a? rrance, on receipt of tbo report that the vot Saltic fleet had arrived at Kamranh, mi istructed Governor Beau to striotly en- wei jrce neutrality. Subsequently Japan lutt >dgod a protest, and France issued new go eecial instructions to Governor Beau for poli ■anemissisn to the Russians, ordering mai lem to leave territorial waters at the 1240 irliest moment. Governor Beau replied bein iat he had taken the necessary measures J tree accordance with instructions, France Cou

■ ' —: ; simultaneously addressed a note to Russia''?; SBkmg the Government to iußtruot the 1 admiral to quit. Count Lamsdorff replied f that such instructions had already Bent. ; J ’’HE Receivod 10.2 p.m., April 24. ‘ jt The Baltic fleet proceeded northwards!!® after leaving Kamranh Bay. i I.J Le Tomps’ Saigon correspondent roportsfc that after Admiral Roshdestvensky sailed 4 a heavy cannonade was heard off the bay, J supposed to bo ao engogeixient with Jap a- 3 nose scouts. Admiral Roshdestvensky- ft momentarily expected Admiral Dieboga*V toff. - .