THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 26 July 1904, Page 2

THE WAR.

THE CAPTURED MALACCA,

The Daily Express reports that the Russian Consul at Antwerp watched the loading of the Malacca and' gave a formal declaration that there was no contraband aboard. He objected to a few consignments, which the Peninsular Company’s agent left. be hind. It is reported that a spy informed Russia that the Malacca carried a quantity of ingredients for explosives, consigned to Yokohama. The Times suggests that the status of the Russian volunteer fleet might possibly bo referred to the Hague Tribunal if Russia undertook no further seizures pending the decision; and the Malacca released.

A claim for damages for the seizure of the P. -and 0. Company’s steamer Malacca by Russia, may be presented through the British Embassy at St. Petersburg. The Moscow newspaper Russy Listok reports that General Kuroki’s array is marching on Mukden, after driving in the Russian left flank. It is reported upon the authority of a high Japanese official in London that some time ago, believing the Russians intended to try to pass the Black Sea fleet through the Dardanelles, under a commercial flag, Japan asked and received an assurance from Britain, France, and Germany that, if necessary, they would bring pressure to bear* upon Turkey to prevent it. 1 ‘ ' If is officially announced that Russia has promised that the Malacca will not be brought before the Prize Court, and undertakes that there will be no recurrence of similar incidents. The cargo will be examined, probably in Suda Bay, in the presence of the British Consul, The Mediterranean fleet has arrived at Alexandria. A fisherman reports that the Vladivostok squadron is starting towards Yokohama. A BRITISH STEAMER TORPEDOED. A Niuchwang letter, received at Tientsin, states the commander of a Russian torpedoer reports having accidentally torpedoed a British steamer in the Gulf of Peohili; ■ ; " It is surmised this refers to -the ludo-Obina Steam Navigation Company’s Hipsang, with Port Arthur refugees, at Chifoo. The Russians torpedoed the steamer in Pigeon Bay, mistaking her, in a fog, for a Japanese ship. A warship tried to rescue; her< crew and passengers. Forty Chinese and one wounded passenger were brought ashore.' v " r A

The Latest.

THE MALACCA INCIDENT. The Telegraph's St ■ Petersburg correspondent asserts that the Grand Dukes Alexander and Alexis and Admiral iAvellan-,', without Count Lamsdorff's knowledge, ordered the volunteer fleet to’ molest British shipping. ; They, apparently, did not consider the question of status. Count Lamsdorff (Minister for Foreign Affairs) - was powerfully impressed by the despatch of warships to Alexandria. . . - -. The Czar has hurriedly returned to St. Petersburg. Professor Martens, of the Hague Tribunal, was consulted. Finally Count Lamsdorff insisted on the Malacca’s release! Ultimately Russia decided.: to examine the cargo at Suda Bay, leaving the question of status undecided. , ANOTHER STEAMER SBIZED # The Hamburg-American ; liner Scandia has arrived at Suez. ’ She entered the canal flying the Russian flag, with naval officers and a Russian crew aboard. : ' ' The Scandia left Suez oirthe 14tb bound for Japan. A Russian transport seized her in the Red Sea. r She had a consignment of ammunition aboard consigned to Singapore for the use of the German Government in the South Seas. Another shipment was consigned to Shanghai for the Chinese Government, Otherwise there was nothing conPROtf buNfe TRRITAtIO& IN GERMANY. The seizure of the Scandia has created profound irritation in official circles since there was an absence of contraband for. Japan and a perfectly clean ship’s papers, Russia thus ill-requiting Germany’s benevolent neutrality. Count yon Bulow immediately telegraphed to the’German Ambassador in St. Petersburg instructing earnest representations. GERMANY TO CO-QPERATE WIT tl BRITAIN. . It is rumoured in diplomatic circles that Germany is anxious to co-ope-rate with Britain in settling the status of the volunteer fleet, CREMATING THE DEAD. The Japanese are cremating the Russian dead, as those killed in the Motienling battle on Sunday are so numerous that it is impossible to bury the bodies. 1

The Vlaclivostock squadron, ab noon on Friday, was reported to 80 miles from Cfcpe, Yokohama, steering-