Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1905-03-29

Paris, BY Cable.-The prospects OF
peace between Russia and Japan as
sumed more definite and almost a
tangible aspect as the result OF the an
nouncement of the resum ption OF ne
gotiations for Russian loan. The
postponement of the loan occurred
through the stand taken by the fl
nancial element against proceedings
while the uncertainties of war con-
tlnued, whilst willingness to resume
negotiations was construed as meaning
that their influence finally has prevail
ed with the authorities at st. Peters
burg. 1t seems to DO the accented
view of financiers that the proceed
ings of the loan will not be applied to
the further continuance of the war.
1t is understood that Of the chief
inducements to n resumption of the
negotiations was that a considerable
portion OF the proceeds shall remain
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
tilities.
Coupled with the announcement OF
resumption OF the loan negotiations
came a strong intimation from Off
cial and diplomatic quarters that steps
looking towards peace had been def
nitely taken by Russia. The Foreign
Office declined tn confirm a report that
France was likely to be intermed-
fary; but diplomats, who are actively
interested. for the first time gave cred
1T 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
Russia's 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 1-2 miles a day. On
both tanks the Japanese are operat-
ing wide turning movement, but the
strength of the thanking forces has not
been definitely ascertained. num-
ber of places along the railroad be-
tween Santoupu and Gunshu Pass
there are broken hills with steep sides
and gorgeS at 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.
Unless he is able t. hold the line 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
t-,all lgls l.
the danger of severance of the sole
line OF communication constantly
greater. The prospect OF the isolation
of Vladivostock must also be met, and
1t is urgently necessary to supply the
garrison with provisions and ammuni-
tion, not for few months, but for two
years.
Two hundred thousand reinforce
ments from Russia are now necessary
to make it possible for the Russians
To 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
churia and the Russian maritime
Amur Siberian provinces, as well 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 back
northward, is made clear by Gun
shu dispatch, in which it is pointed
out that unless Chunchiatsu and the
Sungari lines, a scant hundred miles
below Harbin, can be held, it will be
difficult to maintain a position farther
back before Harbin, where, with the
front of the army paralleling the rail
road, the practicability of a turning
movement TO completely sever com
munications and isolate the army
six thousand miles from home
is too serious for Russian consdera-
tion. That such n dispatch should
have been permitted to pass the cen
sor at the front is significant and, if
General Linevitch has communicated
similar estimate OF the situation di-
rect to Empero. Nicholas, it may ac-
count for his Majestys increased dis
position to listen to peace counsels
and open negotiations before the Jap
anese establish themselves on Rus
sian soil.
1t can now be definitely stated that
the decision To appoint Grand Duke
Nicholas NicholaiVitch to the supreme
command in the Far East vas recon.
sidered, because of the opinion that
the outlook at the front does not war
rant the risk of compromising the
prestige OF a member OF the imperial