THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 12 April 1904, Page 2

THE WAR.

RUSSIAN OPPOSITION INEFFECTIVE. There is no sign that the Russians intend to vigorously oppose the crossing of the Yalu. The Cossacks and the outlying garrisons are apparently only screens. Most of the Korean garrison at Pingyang deserted, joining the Tonghok rebels. The Russians laid submarine mines along the Takushan coast and the Yalu estuary. Fearing a Japanese landing at Possiet Bay, the Russian garrisons and people retreated inland, occupying six of the largest towns on the Tumen river. The commanders of the British, Italian and French cruisers at Chemulpho, prior to the destruction of the Varyag and Korietz, protested ener getically to Admiral Urius that attacking a neutral port would be a breach of neutrality. The Times’ Ghemulpho correspondent asserts that the protest reached Urius only five minutes before the action commenced.

The Czar has decorated Admiral Stark for gallantry displayed during the first attacks on Port Arthur. REPORTED RUSSIAN RE- . VERSE. Unofficial advices from St. Petersburg indicate a Russian reverse on the Yalu, a brigade sustaining serious losses. The Naval Reservists at Sebastopol are mobilising. PROTECTING PORT ARTHUR. An official report published at Tokio states that in the various attacks on Port Arthur the Japanese lost fourteen killed and nine died of wounds. Of 91 others wounded 40 have already recovered. The Daily Chronicle’s Tokio correspondent reports that a moat has been constructed four miles long and covered and protected with barbed wire two miles north of Port Arthur. Japan has engaged 200 Canadians to serve with the medical attd bearer corps. They served similarly in the South African war. The Standard states that the Em press of Japan has presented the Russian wounded at the Ghemulpho fight with artificial eyes and limbs. RUSSIAN FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE. Reuter’s Agency at St. Petersburg reports that though General Kuropatkin’s first line of defence is near Fenghwanching, the Russians will hold Antung or Shabotae, commanding the Pekin road, as long as possible. The Yalu is one thousand yards wide at Yongampho. Russian sharpshooters occupy the River Islands. Admiral Uriu has not replied to the protests of the commanders of the Russian warships Varyag and Korietz as the Russians fought outside Ghemulpho harbour.