EAST AND WEST.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 425, 12 July 1905, Page 2

EAST AND WEST.

From the cables of the last two days, events in the East appear to be shaping more rapidly towards another general engagement. Linevitch has reported offensive movements against both of his flanks, that on his left causing a slow retirement. Here, however, the details end; the significance of the movement remains a -matter for conjecture. Is there implied the development of tactics that are compelling a general Kussian retreat ? The successful attack on the island of Saghahen is, we have read, a severe blow for Russia, mainly owing to the eye-opener it has proved of the imcompetence and ineffectiveness of the Government, and the hopelessness of the struggle. Saghahen was regarded as one of the possessions likely to be ceded to Japan in the event of a peaceful termination; now Russia will have to substitute something else. The island has fallen an'easy prey, for only twelve thousand Japanese troops have been engaged. With Saghalien in hand Japan will probably have another useful avenue open through which to launch a further attack upon the Russian flank or rear. Yet m spite ef all reverses the big game of bluff goes on ; Linevitch is reported to have asked for "half a year longer," and Russia announces that reinforcements are pouring into Manchuria!

Meanwhile events in Russia show small signs of development. Isolated uprisings are recorded, but news of their subsidence inevitably follow hot upon their trail. The outbreak in the naval barracks in St. Petersburg apparently signifies very little; while . the revolt at Warsaw of a Lithuanian regiment as a result of the execution of recruits who had refused to proceed to the front, will be easily crushed by that inquisitorial machine the Cossack. By the usual prompt action and the infliction of extreme penalties another little plot has also been nipped in the bud at Kronstadt. The only item of any significance is the vague rumour of a Reactionary plot to depose the Czar od accouut of his weakness, and to take any steps necessary to preserve autocracy—and corruption. Until something more definite is forthcoming, however, little credence can be given to such reports. In the south the naval revolt has ended, —but ended in a manner not very creditable to Russia, whose action from the start to the finish of the incident has been a tacit admission of the small reliance she can place on her seamen and troops in moments of great crisis.