THE WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1481, 15 June 1905, Page 2

THE WAR.

GENERAL NEWS. ' RUSSIANS BURNING FOR FIGHT.” By Telegraph—Preßs Association—Copyright London, Juno 13-

M. Cassini confesses that the peace party is in the ascendant. President Roosevelt is described as tho most popular man in Russia. A strong poaco sentiment exists in Russia. The persistent reverses have predisposed tho Tsarskoe Selo party to peace, but President Roosevelt’s insight gaugod the proper moment to offer advice ; nevertheless, tbo poople are intensely scoptical regarding the future, and are beginning to understand that the reactionaries will bo strengthened if peace comes without the help of the counsel of tho nation. Hence it is predicted in many enlightened quarters that a National Assembly will be convoked if the war continues, but sholvod if the Government make peace. There is somo danger lest fear of tbe latter eventuality will induce the intelligent classes to agitate against acceptance of Japan’s terms with a hope of hastening a oonvocation of the As-

sembly. The Bourse at St. Petersburg is livelier than at any time since the beginning of the war. There -is a considerable rise in stocks all round, Russian fours attaining It is expected in pursuance with President Roosevelt’s, suggestion that Marshal Oyama and General Linevitch will conduct negotiations, and that an armistice will thus automatically ensue. The issue will also be removed from tho sphere of direct international interference. Russian attacks on Kingecheng, Ershihlipas, and Shufangtai were repulsed on Sunday. All the generals at the front declare that tbo Russian army is in fine condition, and burning for fight. It occupies an admirable fortified position, and has been reinforced by fresh European army corps. General Linevitch states : “ I feel myself more than able to hold my owd, and hope shortly to completely ohango the complexion of the situation.”

LINEVITCH GETTING A LIVELY TIME.

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 10.51 p.m., June Id. London, June 14. Russian advices state there has been severe fighting on General Linevitch’s left, which was compelled to yield to the Japanese advance. The Times’ St. Petersburg correspondent states that the Russian War Office considers a general engagement has begun, but perhaps Marshal Oyama is merely emphasising his position before peace negotiations. There is profound misgiving on account of orders being given to accelerate the mobilisation of two army corps and field batteries.

Washington, June 14. It is announced at Washington that Russia’s reply of acceptance of President Roosevelt’s suggestion is in the usual diplomatic form. The plenipotentiaries will probably meet at Hague. Received 10.13 p.m., June 14. •St. Petersburg, June 14.

A summary communication between Count Lamsdorff and Mr Meyer, published to-day, declares that the Czar instructed Count Lamsdorff to intimate regarding the eventual meeting of plenipotentiaries the charge of ascertaining how far it is possible for the two powers to elaborate conditions of peace. Russia did not object in principle to such attempt if Japan expressed a desire therefor. Correspondents emphasise that Russia’s definition of' a plenipotentiary is thus undisclosed, also the fact that it is seeking to impress Russians that Japan is seeking peace. Received 9.56 p.m., Juno 14.

The Supreme Prize Court decided that the Calchas cotton and timber are condemned, because destined for warlike purposes. The principle of conditional contraband of cotton is thus admitted.

A BRITISH STEAMER SUNK LINEVITCH THREATENED ON BOTH SIDES.

By Telegraph—Press Assooiation —Copyright Received 10.58 p.m., June 14. London, Jane 14. On the ground of carrying contraband the Russian cruiser Dneiper captured and sank the British steamer St. Hilda between Hongkong and Yokohama. She retained the European officers and engineer's, and transferred 41 of the Chinese crew and mails to a Dutch steamer.

The Japanese form a vast semi-circle of two columns, advancing .and threatening both sides of General Linevitoh’s strategic centre.