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THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 19, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 16.

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THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR.

RUSSIA'S official figures of her great losses in the battle of Mukden have at last been published. It proves to have been one of the most sanguinary conflicts of the world. The total number of Russians killed, wounded, and taken prisoners is given as 107,000. The official statement of the Japanese losses throughout the long battle have not been given; but are declared to have been considerably less than those of the Russians, altho they were the attacking party.
The concentration of the Russian army is said now to be complete, with the advance line at a place called Sipinghai, while the movements of the Japanese indicate that they are marching in the form of a crescent, with the wings far in advance of the main body. The evident intention is to encircle the Russian position in such a manner as to prevent the escape of the army when defeated in frontal attack.
Both belligerents reassert their intentions to continue the war. Russia is placing great hope in the success of her fleet under Admiral Rojestvensky, which on April 8 was reported steaming through the Malacca Straits. A portion of the Japanese fleet was in its rear, and the remainder was waiting in the China Sea through which the Russian fleet must pass. Admiral Rojestvensky has a large fleet, but it is not believed to be an efficient one, because of foul bottoms and obsolete construction. Its crews have had little or no experience, while the Japanese have had experience and exhaustive training.
The eyes of Europe are now fixed upon Morocco and the three powers interested therein, namely, Germany, France, and England. England has recognized the preponderating influence of France in Morocco; but Germany, by the declaration of the emperor, refuses any such recognition, and has encouraged the ruler of Morocco to consider himself entirely independent of any foreign influence. France had influenced the Moroccan ruler to institute a number of reforms along European lines. Germany has advised that ruler not to comply with the wishes of France in the matter of reforms. The newspapers of these two European powers have indulged in some vigorous talk over the matter and the attitudes of the two nations. Right at this time King Edward visits the president of France, and this is taken in Europe as an indication that England stands with France on the Morocco question. There is some uneasiness throughout the world over the situation.
The recent great earthquake in India, in addition to doing great damage to buildings, is reported to have resulted in a great loss of life. At the hill station of Dharmsala, near Simla, eighty per cent. of the inhabitants are reported to have been killed. The earthquake was quite general, and numerous deaths are reported from other localities. Great buildings that have become historic were cracked or shattered or completely ruined.
Several great railroad companies are planning now to come under one management, making a much greater trust than that which was known as the Northern Securities Company. They will comprise one line of road from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The combination is being accomplished under the direction of J. P. Morgan and Kuhn, Loeb & Co., of New York City.
Cerebro-spinal meningitis has assumed the proportions of a plague in New York City. It is said to have caused not less than one thousand deaths in that city since the beginning of the year. The death of a Chicago teacher, who had recently returned from New York City, has given rise to the fear that an outbreak in that city would occur soon.
Only one serious conflict is reported to have occurred in Russia during the week between the police and the people. This took place at Warsaw, in the Jewish quarter. A large gathering of people, said to be Jewish Socialists, was fired upon by the troops and police, as a result of which four were killed and about forty wounded.
On March 26 a bomb was thrown into a police station at Warsaw, Russia, wounding seven persons. The chief of police, Baron von Nolken, started at once for the station in his carriage, and a bomb was thrown at his carriage. Its explosion wrecked the carriage, and seriously wounded the baron.
Hon. Seth Low and a large number of ministers are planning an extensive revival campaign in Greater New York. Ten large tents will be employed, each with its corps of religious and musical workers. The aim is to reach street children and crowds of idle men.
The great Simplon Tunnel through the mountains between Switzerland and Italy is now complete, and trains are in operation. This is the longest tunnel in the world, and difficulties of gigantic proportions were overcome in its construction.
The municipal election of Chicago has resulted in the carrying of a ticket which stands for the city ownership of all the great public franchises. Judge Edward F. Dunne was the successful candidate for mayor.
The coal-mine explosion at Zeigler, Ill., on April 3, resulted in the death of 43 of the miners. The disaster was caused by an explosion of powder and the afterdamp following.
Suicides are increasing at a rapid rate in Berlin. Last year the ratio was 34 to every 100,000 inhabitants, or more than twice as great as the ratio for London.
Seven men recently named by the President, will constitute a commission to have the immediate oversight of the construction of the great Panama Canal.
President Roosevelt has accepted the San Domingan Government's proposition to take control of the finances of that government.