Current Mention

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1905

— Two earthquake shocks were felt at Avellino, Italy, about thirty miles from Naples, April 9, 10. At Nyons, France, a shock occurred April 11. All were of considerable severity.

— Reports from the section of northern India visited by the recent earthquake, state that the loss of life by the catastrophe reaches the number of 20,000.

— According to news received at St. Petersburg, dispatches from Manchuria indicate that the belief prevails there that a revolt will soon occur against the Chinese dynasty, and that it is being promoted by Chinese liberals.

— Traffic in the Simplon Tunnel, the longest bore in the world, was inaugurated on April 2, when from the Swiss and Italian sides the first trains passed through, meeting at the center, where was an iron door, originally designed to prevent the overflow of a torrent of hot water, and which on the occasion of the celebration was opened for the first time. The Italian train was lighted part of the way by miners carrying lanterns. The door was finally knocked down amid frantic applause, and cries of “Long live Switzerland!” and “Long live Italy!” The Italian bishop, Noveara, embraced the Swiss bishop, Sion. The latter then preached a short sermon, and blessed the tunnel.

— The expected naval battle between the fleets of the Russian and Japanese admirals off the Chinese coast is not yet reported to have taken place, though the news of such an encounter is daily expected by the civilized powers, who are watching the outcome of the contest for the mastery on the sea with intense interest. It is believed the coming battle will be the greatest naval battle in the world’s history, and one of the most momentous in its results. The fleets are believed to be about evenly matched in point of strength, though the advantage appears to be with Admiral Togo on account of the superior speed of his ships, the Russian ships having been so long at sea as to be retarded by the accumulation of barnacles under the water-line. The Russian fleet preponderates in battle-ships, while the Japanese excels in armored cruisers, which are but little inferior to battle-ships in general efficiency. The personnel of the Japanese navy is no doubt considerably superior to that of the Russian navy. Should the Russian admiral win the battle and obtain command of the sea between Japan and the Asiatic mainland, the whole aspect of the war derived from the unbroken Japanese successes would be changed, and the prospect of ultimate victory in the struggle would shift to the Russian standard. Should Japan win, on the other hand, all prospect of Russian success would vanish, and peace, concluded on Japan’s terms, would probably not be long delayed. The Russian land forces are reported to have been heavily re-enforced, and in condition for another battle, which may occur soon. Vladivostock, the only remaining Russian fortress on the Asiatic coast, is being heavily garrisoned, fortified, and provisioned in preparation for a siege.