THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, 14 January 1905, Page 2

THE WAR.

THE RIVAL FLEETS

JAPS LOOKING FOR FIGHT,

RUSSIA’S DETERMINATION TO PROCEED,

LONDON, Jan. 11

It is reported at Mauritius that the Japanese fleet is at the Maldives (a chain of islands to the south-west of Ceylon). Admiral Rozhdestvensky, in command of the Russian fleet, has since been informed a fleet is coming to meet him. Two of Admiral Rozhdestvensky’s colliers are at Cabuan (an island off the coast of Borneo). Two Japanese transports are in the vicinity. General Kuropatkin urges the Government to send him prompt reinforcements, pleading that he expects a general attack in February. The Daily Telegraph says that General Stoessel is sharply criticised in St. Petersburg for sending inaccurate reports, and not mentioning General Smirnoff, to whom Port Arthur OtfeS its strength and the soldiers their enthusiasm. The Times’ Tokio correspondent 'says the press, while applauding the bravery of General StoesseTs defence, are unanimous in condemning his unsoldierlike taking of an oath “and his returning home without the army. Dlibassoff, on being interviewed, stated Admiral Rozfhdesvensky cannot hope to succeed. He also stated that in the event of peace being established on the basis of Japan retaining Port Arthur and all she occupied of Manchuria, then, later, when Russia organised an invincible navy, the war would be resumed. ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 11.

Count Tolstoi's son Leo, in writing to the Novoe Vremya, says Britain is a model ally as she is snying Admiral Roshdeztvensky. The alliance with yellow skins will ensure her (Britain’s) downfall since a contact with savages is demoralising*