THE WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1483, 17 June 1905, Page 2

THE WAR.

GENERAL NEWS. ' M. Du WITTE’S DECLARATION. * By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright London, June 15. The Russians are astr'do the railway, their position extending from Chongciatun, where they have a groat supply dspot, to Kirin.

General Nogi threatens Chongciatun, and General Kawamura the eastern flank, north-cast of Kirin.

Admiral Togo's report shows that the battle of Tsushima commenced at eight inutos past two, and was decided by 45 inubes pa-t. Range-finders placed in tho fighting tops of Japanese ships gave the guns accurate range considerably before the Russians \were able to locate Admiral Togo’s fleot. The British steamer St. Kilda, sunk by tho Russian cruiser Dnieper, was searched on the 4th inst. 60 miles north of Hong Kong, and was sunk by the Dnieper on the stb. The Dnieper is now in Malacca Straits, bringing officers to Fort Said. General Linevitch claims some Blight outpost successes near Changtufu.. Opinion at Washington is less hopeful for peace.

St. Petersburg, June 15.

A sensation has been caused by the interview with M. de Witte, published in the newspaper Slav, wherein he states that he is convinced Jadan will negotiate only 3t Tokio, and will not conclude peace except for the term of half a century. Russia might drag the war on for five years with the possibility of aohieving success but for her internal disorders, whereto tho Government remains obstinately deaf and blind. He added that every hour’s delay brings Russia lower and lower.

THE QUESTION OF PEACE. ALEXIS RE3IGNS AT LAST, A GERMAN BOAT SUNK.

By Telegraph—Press Assooiation—Copyright Received 9.40 p.m., June 16.

London, Juno 16. Japan objected to the peace conference being held in Europe. Russia acquiesced, and both accepted Washington. The Czar is considering the appointment of General Kuropatkin as an additional plenipotentiary. It is stated in authoritative circles at Washington that in consequence of pressure, certain European Powers are urging Japan to name the minimum indemnity. President Roosevelt advises Japan to have moderation in order to facilitate a settlement.

The Russian press is nervous, and expresses the fear that Japan, in the event of an armistice, will prepare a crushing blow in Manchuria and the Amur provinces. r

It is understood that Japan objeots to the cold terms of the Russian note, implying that Japan is a suitor for peace. Alexis has resigned the comman&ership-in-chief of tho Bussian navy.

The Russian converted cruiser Don sank the German steamer Tetaros, from Otaru to Tientsin with wooden sleepers. The crew were saved. ”

JAPAN AND THE ARMISTICE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.20 p.m. 5 June 16. London, June 16.

A strong detachment of General Mistchenko’s cavalry is active on General Nogi’s left front, but there is no suggestion of a raid against the Japanese flank. The Russian steamer Don, which sank the German steamer Tetaros, was formerly named the Fuerst Bismarck. The Tetaros had no contraband aboard. She had made one successful voyage to Vladivostok in the Russian interest.

Japan proposed that the Conference meet at Ohifu, Russia proposed Paris, and President Roosevelt suggested Hague. Japan and Russia then proposed Washington.

The Times’ St. Petersburg correspondent reports that arrangements for an armistice will be made only when the plenipotentiaries meet.