THE WAR IN THE ORIENT by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 12, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 15.

THE WAR IN THE ORIENT.

By Editor

IN spite of all the peace talk that is heard in Europe, and is echoed in America, there seems to be no material indications that either of the warring nations are considering the immediate possibility of peace proposals. Japan insists that any peace negotiations must be conducted direct between the most interested parties; she insists that the desire for peace must be expressed by Russia. The Russian people are anxious for peace; but those who have the controlling influence in government circles, declare that the war must go on to the bitter end. Their hope is to wear Japan out, financially, and in the matter of men.

The Japanese armies have begun a forward movement, and seem to be executing a turning movement toward the east, with the purpose of conducting a campaign against Vladivostok. This will be another costly and tedious campaign, as it is reported that the Vladivostok fortifications are very strong.

Russian re-enforcements and supplies are going forward at the rate of ten trains a day from St. Petersburg, and rush orders are being placed with various European firms for war materials and other supplies.

Domestic discontent seems as deep-seated as ever. There are reported from time to time collisions between police and rioters, bombs are being used by the socialists and anarchists, and in various sections peasants are organizing into mobs, whose object is to divide up the large estates of the landholders. They burn and pillage openly. The outlook for an early peace, either in Russia herself or in the Orient, is not cheering.