OUTBREAK OF WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 11 February 1904, Page 2

OUTBREAK OF WAR.

Reuter announces that the Japanese torpedo boats have attacked the Russian warships at Port Arthur. The Daily Mail’s Chefoo _ correspondent states that the mobilisation of the Japanese army and navy has •been completed. Sixty transports have sailed to land troops at the southern anil western Korean ports, and as far north as Gheraulpho, with a view of the occupation of Pegul. The main body of the fleet baa sailed in the direction of Port Arthur. Firing was heard off Koje Island, near Masampho, on Saturday. Viscount Hayashi, Japanese Minister in London, states that Russia a reply was never delivered. The Austrian Legation at .Pekin states the Japanese guard regiments , and two army divisions embarked on the 7th aboard forty steamers, near Shimonoshei. It is also stated that the Russian cruiser squadron has left Port Arthur. Japan has seized a ship chartered by the Russian Government to convey cpal and stores to Port Arthur. Two other vessels were captured outside and taken to Sasebo. The Japanese are displaying great activity. KAISER POSTPONES A CRUISE. _____ The Kaiser has postponed hii?4ntended Mediterranean cruise owing to the trouble in the Far East. The reported Russian occupation of Ealyan has caused a panic' in Pekin, and the Court is preparing for flight. . . The Embassies and high Chinese officials are trying to calm the Dowager Duchess. A telegram from Brussels asserts that Russia is negotiating with French, Belgian, and Dutch bankers to borrow forty million sterling. PRANCE PROTECTS RUSSIANS IN JAPAN. France has assumed, at Tokio, protections of the Russians in Japan. Eleven Russian vessels which coaled.at Jibutil have their voyage to the Par East. It is believed they are intended to coal Russian warships at sea. English newspapers declare that the German press was deliberately inspired in consonance with Russia’s wishes. Russia is withdrawing her troops from the western frontiers, which is taken as an indication of her neighbour’s neutrality. THREE RUSSIAN WAR VESSELS INJURED. Admiral Alexieff reports that the battleships Retvitzan and Cesarewifcch,’ and the first-class cruiser Pallada, while lying in the outer roadstead of Port Arthur on Monda / night, were injured by torpedoes and mines. Several large Japanese steamers are between London and the Far East. It is stated on the Continent that there is a prospect of a British, French, and German collective Note being issued, in which it will be in- ■ timated that those nations will keep aloof from the conflict. It is hoped America will join in. RUSSIANS HAVE A BAD TIME. A private cable from Shanghai states that it is widely reported that Japan has captured two Russian transports and sunk two cruisers.

THE FIGHTING CONFIRMED. ATTACKED BY 17 CRUISERS. Colonel Hay, U.S.A. State Secretary, has asked the Powers to unite in warning the combatants that China’s neutrality and integrity must be recognised during the hostilities and afterwards. Immense crowds gathered and cheered before the Winter where the Czar and Czarina and au the high dignitaries were attending a service to pray for the success of their arms.

The dignitaries present state that the Japanese had attacked Port Arthur, and fighting was proceeding.

A Court ball at the Palace hag been abandoned.

St. Petersburg telegrams state that Vhe Japanese fl eet attending Port Arthur included seventeen armoured vessels. The Russian cruiser Pallada has been sunk and two battleships have been seriously injured.