THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 13 August 1904, Page 2

THE WAR.

RUSSIA’S VOLUNTEER FLEET.

German ships? are ao?v carrying to Japan continental cargoes of electric .cables, machinery, ■ iron, wire and nails which British ships refused. The German Debats Vosaischd Zsitung declares that the Teo Wfl.9 ft German ship and that the flag covers the cargo. Russian newspapers pointedly deny the creation of an international commission to relieve neutral ships from the obligation of submitting td a search by Russian cruisers. The Porte’s Notes insist that tbe volunteer fleet must not carry atms or ammunition and must fly the .commercial, flag througbont the voyage. They must go through the straits, separately and at intervals. The Times, ,in a'.deader, , urgetf prompt action. 1 It saysTJrikin must emphasise her distinction between conditional and absolute contraband and insist upon Russia respecting -the distinction in the case of all British ships. It was natural that the Germans and others, whose Governments were- able* to obtain for them the immunity denied us, should ’take the place we were compelled to vacate. JAPANESE REVERSES BE-

The Times’ Toklo correspondent is assured there is no truth in Russia!? reports regarding the alleged recent'Japanese reverses and heavy losses at Port Arthur.

Berlin advices from Constantinople allege that the Porte’ has Sanctioned the passage of the'volunteer fleet through the Dardanelles... Count Lamsdorff and M. Zioovieff gave the requisite assurances as to the retention of the commercial flag. 1 •

Firing outside Port Arthur has been heard at sea for the last three mornings. The Russians affirm that General Oyama is massing troops at Shanhaikwan, on the Kintow line, intending to advance on Simmingting, ORGANISING A RUSSIAN FORGE.

An American crew has arrived at St. Petersburg to navigate the submarine boat Fulton

It is stated at St. Petersburg that Lieut.-General Limeviteh is at Vladivostok organising a force to a diversion on General The Russians are renewing‘"oSair raids across Korea. ~, .. *

The Latest.

THE MOVEMENTS OF RUSSIAN .WARSHIPS. ,

Reuter's agent states there were several Russian warships.off Chefoo on Wi dnesday night. Late reports from Tokio leave it doubtful whether the Russians escaped. They,, Apparently, feared to force Admiral Togo’s line, ; - . The Japanese report the Russian warships Retvitzan and Pobieda are returning to harbour. ..</ ■?-<;.,> tjAdmiral Togo’s report is awaitrd with anxiety. The captain of the, destroyer Rechitelin, which has, arrived at Chefoo, states the small craft remained at Port Arthur. The warships hoped to join the Vladivostok squadron, which has been strengthened by the-- purchased. Argentine vessels. ' . • ,; 4 .

RUSSIA IRRITATED WITH CHINA. ,

Russia accuses China of allowing the Japanese to enrol Chuuehuses in neutral territory and insists that China must observe neutrality or declare hostilities. The Pekin Government, in repelling the ( renew the assurances f that the Japanese have not been 1 assisted.;! • v.>

The R&dhitelih’s’ ‘ passengers state THE JAPS’ SMBLL FIRJE. r the shells from Wolf’s Hill continued dropping in the ■ town for five days. 1 hey eventually fired an oil storehouse on Golden Hill apd injured many civilians, The crews of the Knight Commander, Teo, and four Japanese vessels have been released and have arrived in Japan. ?

RUSSIANS RETIRING ON ALL ' SIDES. '- 1 '

The Russians are 'retiring on -all sides, and will continue to retire on Tienling, 40 miles from Mukden. Tienling will become an important place. '