p. 7 | THE WAR IN THE EAST

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 5, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 14.

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

THERE have been only minor engagements between the great armies operating in Northern Manchuria during the past week. The Russian rear-guard has been resisting the advance of the Japanese; but the latter seem not to have been pressing the pursuit with great vigor. Railroad bridges, and others as well, have been destroyed by the Russians for the purpose of impeding the progress of the Japanese. It is reported that the latter are engaged in extensive flanking movements on both sides of the Russian line of retreat. The Russian rear-guard has fortified a position about seventy-miles north of Tie Pass. The Russians are also strengthening the defenses of Kirin and Harbin; but, with the great losses which they have suffered in men and provisions and munitions of war, it is not thought they will be able to make a successful resistance to the Japanese advance even at the latter-named places.

There is much talk in Europe of peace propositions; but there is yet nothing to indicate that the czar has determined to abandon the war and sue for peace. The immense indemnity which Japan will demand is the principal obstacle to peace negotiations at the present time. With that indemnity, Japan could build a mighty navy that would make her mistress of oriental waters; but with the sum she would have to pay, Russia could rehabilitate her own navy.

The Russian War Office has given out figures which show that more than 700,000 men have been sent to the front by the Russian Government; but she is compelled to admit that more than 400,000 of these are now lost to her through deaths, sickness, wounds, and capture by the Japanese. The railroad is at the present time handling all the freight and soldiers it can carry, and therefore Russia's purpose to send to the front another 400,000 men looks like an impossible undertaking. The talk of another mobilization is causing very strong opposition to be manifest on the part of the Russian people, and disorders are increasing.