The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1905-03-30


Paris BY Cable.-The prospects of
peaee between Russia and Japan as
ImcI q more definite and almost 4
taaghi" aspect as the result of the an
ngan rment of the resum option of ne
gOuatiHus for Russian loan. The
pos'pon"ment of the loan occurred
through the stand taken by the fl
nanrial clement against proceedings
while the uncertainties of war con-
tnuei whilst a willingness to resume
negotiations was construed as meaning
that their Influence finally has prevail
ell Wirh the authorities at st. Peters
burg |! seems to bo the accepted
yicw of Gnanciers that the proceed
iuss II the loan will not be applied to
the further continuance of the war.
1t is understood that of the chief
inducements to a resumption uf the
negotiations was that a considerable
portion Of the proceeds shall 'cmain
in France for the purpose of meeting
the interest coupons of other loans,
and that the placing OF contracts for
government supplies will be required
even after the conclusion OF the hos
tililics.
Coupled with the announcement OF
resumption of the loan negotiations
came strong intimation from Off
caI and diplomatic quarters that steps
looking towards peace had been def
nitely taken by Russia. The Foreign
Office declined TO confirm a report that
France was likely to be intermed-
iary; but diplomats, who are actively
Interested. for the first time gave cred
it TO the statement that Russia had
decided to seek peace. 1t was said
in these quarters that Russia would
deal directly with Toxic through the
French minister. who has charge of
RussiaS interests there.
Needs 100000 More Men.
Gushu, BY Cable.-The Japanese are
following the Russian rear guard,
which is moving north from SantOupu
at the rate of IL miles a day. On
both tianks the Japanese are Operat-
Ing wide turning movement. but the
strength Of the fianking forces has not
been definitely ascertained. A num-
Der Of places along the railroad be-
tween SantOupu and Gunshu Pass
there are broken hills with steep sides
and gorges ct the bottom, where stub
born resistance might be made, but
it is doubtful if General Linevitch
will make a stand before he reaches
the Sungari river and Chantchiatu.
I1nlnCC q iC oh r. ho1 of
the river. the Russian position will
be so weak stragetically that he may
be compelled to race back of Harbin
into Siberia, owing to the fact that as
they approach Harbin the Russian
front parallels the railroad, rendering
the danger Of a severance of the sole
line of communication constantly
greater. The prospect of the isolation
of FladiyOstOck must also be met, and
1t Is urgently necessary to supply the
garrison with provisions and ammuni-
tion, not fer few months, but for two
years.
Two hundred thousand reinforce,
ments from Russia are now necessary
10 make it possible for the Russians
10 meet the Japanese on anything like
equal terms.
st. Petersburg, By Cable.-The pos
sibility that if the Russian army
should be unable TO hold the lower
line of the Sungari river at Chaun
chiatsu, it may be compelled to retreat
not only to Harbin. but also farther
westward along the railroad, abandon
ing to the Japanese northern Man
Churid and the Russian maritime
Amur Siberian provinces, as we'll as
the vast territory already lost, is the
latest startling news from the front.
The strategic weakness of General
Linevitch's position, as he falls bach
northward, is made clear by q Gun
shu dispatch, in which it is pointed
out that unless Chunchiatsu and the
Sungari lines, seant hundred miles
below Harbin, can be held, it will be
difficult to maintain position farthel
back before Harbin. where, with the
front Of the army paralleling the rail
road, the practicability of a turning
movement to completely sever com
municatiCns and isolate the army
six thousand miles from home
is too serious for Russian considera
ton. That such q dispatch shcult
have been permitted to pass the cen
sor at the front is significant; and, i
General Linevitch has communicated
similar estimate of the situation di
rect to Emperor Nicholas, it may &C
count for his Maiesty's increased dis
position to listen to peace counsel:
and open negotiations before the Jap
anese establish themselves on Rus
sian soil.
It can now be definitely stated tina
the decision TO appoint Grand DUKE
Nicholas Nicholaiv to the suprem'
command in the FIR East was recon
sldered, because of the opinion tina
the outlook at the front does not wal
lant the risk of compromising th'
prestige of a member Of the imperia
family.
At the general staff, the view tha
General Linevitch may be compelle'
TO abandon Harbin and retire toward
Lake Baikal, leaving Vladivostock t
It's fate. is regarded as almost un
warranted by anything that is off1cia
ly known there. it being pointed ou
that Field Marshal Oyama may hav
long and laborious task to bring u
an army of 100000 or 100000 men.
Meanwhile, Russian reinforcement
are arriving at Hardin at the rate G
!,z00 nen per day. Nevertheless,
IS significant that there is now wei
marked peace party at the War Oflc'