The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1905-05-12
BIG SEA BATTLE IS NOT FAR OFF
Two Divisions Of the Russian Squad
ron Have Effected Junction.

Two Divisions Of the Russian Squad
ron Have Effected junction.
There are indications that French
hospitality will not be taxed much
longer by the Russian warships which
have been lowering about the coast
of Indo-China for nearly a month.
Official advices have reached st.
Petersburg which are believed to in
dicate that the division under Vice
Admiral Nebogatoff has effected a
junction with the more powerful
squadron commanded by Vice Admi-
raj Rojestvensky, and at the Russian
capital it is expected that the COM
bined squadrons will lose no time in
steaming northward to encounter the
Japanese. Confirmation of st. Peters
burg's expectation is afforded by an
official dispatch to the French naval
Office announcing that the Russian
squadron
Has Left Kong Hal Bay,
its destination being unknown. The
bay named is probably what is shown
on some maps as Kanh Hoa, or Mia
Trang. which is few miles south OF
Hon Kobe bay, where the Russian
ships We're recently reported to be.
simultaneously Japanese warships are
reported to be concentrating in the
Straits of Formosa. the scouting line
being much extended.
There has been increasing feeling
in Japanese official quarters regard
ing the way in which France has con-
strued neutrality, and Great Britain's
sympathy for her ally has been evil
denced in communications that have
passed between the British foreign
secretary and the French ambassador
in London as we'll as between the
British ambassador in Paris and
Foreign Minister Delcasse.
Jap Fleet Concentrating.
London, May 10.-The correspond
ent at Singapore of the Daily Mail tel
esraphs: "A private letter from in
fluential friends at Toxic states that
Vice Admiral Togcs feet is concen-
trating in the Korean channel and
that a portion of the Japanese navy is
watching Vladivostok."
Jap Flagship Sunk.
The Paris correspondent of the
Times telegraphs:
1T is runored in official circles
here that the Japanese flagship MI
kashi was lost in the straits of Korea
a week ago.
British Are Anxious.
The editorial articles in this morn
ing's newspapers reflect a lively anx-
iety as to the outcome Of the delicate
situation involved in the dispute be-
tween Japan and France on the neu-
trality question. Every allowance is
made for the difficulty France has to
face and it is fully believed the
French government is doing its ut
most to observe neutrality according
to her Interpretation of the principles
thereof.
Whether the French colonial au-
thorities ere equally anxious to obey
instructions from Paris is greatly
question ed. The belief here is that
they have a strong prediction in ia
yor of Russia and act accordingly.
Serious Menace to Japs.
London newspapers DO not conceal
their opinions that the facilities Ro-
jestvensky has obtained in French
to Japans ability to retain command
of the sea, and although it is not ap-
pretended that Japan will force the
situation in manner calculated to
draw other powers into the struggle,
since such developments would suit
Russia's plans. Strong appeals will
be made to the French government to
avoid the possibility Of such compll-
cations.