THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 27 February 1904, Page 2

THE WAR.

A RUSSIAN GUNBOAT IN A FIX.

FORCING CHINA’S HAND

In connection with the Mandjur incident the Japanese Consul has warned the Chinese authorities that if they are unable to enforce neutrality Japan would take steps to render it effective. It is expected two Chinese cruisers will eject the Mandjur fr un Shanghai. Note'. —The Russian gunboat Mandjur took refuge in the Shanghai harbour, and when ordered to leave by the Chinese Governor the commander refused, alleging that the Russian Minister ai Pekin had obtained authority for her to remain there as a non-combatant. BANKRUPT FINANCIERS.

The banking firm of Fritz Meyer, of Berlin, has suspended payment owing to heavy Bourse losses resulting from the war.

THE JAPANESE LOAN OVERSUBSCRIBED. ALLEGED JAPANESE OFFICERS HANGED.

Count Muravieff (who is Minister for Justice in the Russian Ministry) the President, in delivering the Hague Venezuelan judgment, made a veiled attack on Japan. All the mechanics at Port Arthur, Dalny, and Vladivostok, who are Chinese, are escaping, making it difficult for the Russians to repair their warships,

The Russian transport Kital, war stores, which touched at bo, has been recalled to Odessa. The Japanese loan has been covered four-fold.

The Czar has issued a proclamation asking all political prisoners to assist the army in the Far East in expiation of their offences. • According to the Russians three supposed coolies have been hanged at Sungaria bridge, which they attempted to explode. It is alleged that they admitted they were a Japanese colonel and two lieutenants belonging to the general staff.

RUSSIAN SECURITIES. Russia is buying her own securities in order to support the London and Paris markets.

The newspaper Lo Temps’ St. Petersburg correspondent says Germany is overwhelming Russia with protestations of friendship, and is striving to prove that her neutrality is more valuable than that of Prance. BRITISH AND FRENCH TO THE

RESCUE. When the Russian warship Varyag and Coreetz were destroyed, the Pascal (a French cruiser), and Talbot (a British cruiser) rescued the crews. The former ia going to Saigon while the Talbot, with 335 aboard, is going, to Ceylon. A WAIL PROM RUSSIA. Count Lamsdorff, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, has addressed a circular Note to the Powers in which he complains that since the rupture Japan’s conduct has been an open violation of the laws of civilised nations. He especially draws attention to the acts of violence in Korea, whose independence and integrity all the Powers had recognised, and complains that three days prior to tha declaration of war a dastardly attack was made on warships in the neutral port of Chemulpho, after stopping a telegram warning the commanders of the rupture of friendly relations; and, also, captured merchantmen in neutral porta prior to hostilities. Count Lamsdorff farther says Japan illegally usurped administration in Korea and directed Count Pavioff, the Russian Minister, to leava Seoul. Russia has protested against such flagrant breaches of international law. REPORT PROM THE RUSSIAN COMMANDER. Admiral Alexieff now mentions that four steamers were destroyed. He reports that Port Arthur harbour channel is clear. Also, that tb Jtob Japanese saved themselves in and that there are many torpedoes afloat in the roadstead.

Japan has seized the steamer Korea, which was carrying mess beef to Vladivostock.

The Russian naval opinion is that the Japanese intended to scatter the floating torpedoes. The railway across the ice on Lake Baikal is now completed, and obviates the necessity for derailing the troops. The Japanese are raising the sunken Russian cruiser Yaryag. The Russian squadron, under 'dmiral Wirenius, has been recalled from Jibutil on the representation of Franca that she is desirous of preserving neutrality.'' RUSSIA. SCOFFED AT BY GERMANS.

The German press scoffs at Russia’s complaints as to Japan’s breaches of international law. They say Japan’s action in Korea was equally justifiable with Russia’s use of false signal lights in the Turkish war.

GERMAN STE AMER FIRED ON BY RUSSIANS.

Four destroyers have been despatched to reinforce the French fleet in the Far East. The German steamer Pronto has arrived at Gbefoo with fifteen boles in her, after undergoing 26 minutes’ fire from a Russian cruiser at Port' Arthur.

The Russians are concentrating at Possiet Bay.

Twelve hundred men ate now south of the Anju. Russian destroyers overhauled the British steamer Luriston, in the Bed Ssa, and informed the captain that Russia had captured three British colliers which were proceeding to Japan.