The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1905-03-17
letting Go OF the War. Even il
Desired, Isn't Exactly
an Easy Thing.
DOUBT IF 1T CAN BE DONE
aany Even CT the War Party Think
the Country Will Not Send Troops
or Raise Money to Continue
the Hopeless War.

ST. Petersburg, March 5.-Thc immcdi-
ate answer of The Russian government to
the defeat at Mukden is the announce
ment tha, another army will he raised and
the forces in the far east reoraanizcd, thai
Vice Admiral Roiest ensky will be ordered
to sail ON and try conclusions with Togo.
and the war VIII he prosecuted to the
bitter end. This is the present temper OF
Emperor Mich olas and his dominant ad-
visers Voiccd II firm official announce
ment that the position of Russia is un-
changed and tina, the initiative for peace
can only come from Japan. Should the
island empire choose to tender moderate
terms and recognize its adversary as the
power in the far east peace could be cas-
lily arranged but the voice of her diplo-
macy n various parts of the world indi
Gates tina, She is not ready to do this. and
the Russian government. with the full
magnitude of the disaster at Mukden stlll
undetermined, but with the 1905 campaign
seemingly already hopelessly compro-
missed. retreat to Hardin inevitable and
Nladivostok practically lost, declares that
the time has not come when Russia can
be forced TO humble herself.
Two Corps at Once.
1t is reported that the dispatch OF two
new army corps, including the Fourteenth
from Poland and the several smaller units,
has already been determined upon, and
that plans fer further mohiliZat ton are un-
der discussion. But while this Is the Off
cial attitude, nothing but peace talk Is
heard IN St. Petersburg. The difficulties
Of another mobilization on large scale
will be enormous: in fact 1t is stated in
some quarters that It will be impossible.
Nevertheless 1t might be accomplished.
The real hope, however. for anything like
successful termination OF the war is
admitted m the of
the financial exhaustion of Japan. Rus
sian resources, 1t is figured, can stand the
drain better than those Of Japan, and
protracted campaign. ii Is hoped, will
bring about Japan's financial ruin. Finan-
cial Minister IIokovosofr, at the conclu-
sion of conference of the national finan-
cers a few days ago, is said TO have
tapped the table before him and ex-
laimcd:
I'VE can win the war at this desk"
Capital Still in the Dark.
The Russian capital is st!ll in ignorance
of the nature aud extent of the reverse in
Manchurla. The only information of its
magnitude is that which has been derived
from the few Toxic kilograms that have
been allowed to be published here. To
the censor at Tie Pass the word "prison-
ers'' does not exist, and not the slightest
lntima ton Of what, If any, units and or
ganizat.ons have been cut OFF and cap
tured has reached this city either in Cen
eral kuropatkin's official dispatches or
In reports from correspondents at the
front. Aside from the reports given out
by the war office there Is practically no
further Information of the progress of
events, the newspaper dispatches received
yesterday being principally those filed be-
fore the retreat began and transported to
Tie Pass among the papers OF the tele-
graph office.
kuropatkin Was Too Late.
1t is declared that at the moment that
General Kuroki's wedge. aided by the
dust storm, and taking advantage of the
failure of several Russian organizatio
to occupy positions. drove itself deep into
the Russian flank and disarranged all the
plans of General Kuropatkin. who was on
the point of launching momentous coun-
ter stroke. but where or how 1t was to be
accomplished is not stated.
General kuropatkin has telegraphed to
Emperor Nicholas, assuming himself nll
the responsibility for his defeat. making
no excuses except that the strength of the
Japanese was E,iscalclilated and refusing
to place any blame on the council of gen
erals on whose advice he determined to
give battle. This manly course and the
generals personal exertlons in directing
the retreat will, however. hardly save him
His reputation as an offensive strategist
gone.