The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-07-22
THE COREAN |MBR0GL|O
Warlike Feeling Between
China and Japan.
A Rumor That War Has Been
Declared.
No Credence Placed in the Report
at Washington.
Fighting Strength OF BellIgerent Ma
tions - Corea Accepts Jspan's
Ultimatum-WHl China
Assent?

Aa6ontY
By the Associated Press.
LONDON, July 21.--A dispatch received
here this afternoon from Shanghai says
q rumor is in circulation that war has
been declared between China and Japan.
SHANGHAI, July 2l.-The report that
war had been declared between China
and Japan is not yet confirmed, but
China is preparing Tor war. The Chi
nese are blocking the north ern passage
of the Yang Tse Kiang, the great river
OF China. Incoming vessels are thus
compelled to pass nearer the Woo Sung
forts. Telegraphio communication with
Peking were stopped on account of floods.
japan has chartered all the Mitauti
Bussan company's ships, in addition to
the 16 already chartered from the Wusen
Kaisha company. Japan haH prohibited
the departure OF the Ysen.
NO CONFIRMATION AT WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, July 2l.-Mr. Tateno,
the Japanese minister, said today that
he did not credit the Shanghai report of
a declaration of war between China and
Japan. None Of his advices have indi-
Gated the probability of conflict, and
the latest cablegrams received from his
government date back week. Had the
report of a declaration of war emaHated
from Yokohama or Peking, at or near
the seat OF the respective governments,
it might have some foundation, but the
fact that the report comes from Shapg'
hai, long distance from either OF the
above named placee, and where there
are many foreigners end speculators, he
said, was almost convincing to him that
the rumor was incorrect.
The war rumor found no official con-
Grmation at the state department which
naturally would be quickly advised OF
event of this imoortence by Mg.
ation is very critical and it would not
surprise them if it appeared that the re-
port is only premature.
WHAT WOULD BE THE OUTCOME?
Consequently there is already some
speculation as to the outcome of a con-
fict between theae two populous nations.
Probably the war would begin at sea and
it is thought in naval circles that at the
gtart the Japanese would have the ad-
vantage, owing to the fact that their
vesEels are in condition for immediate
service. But as it stands the two ma.
tions are nearly even in their naval
strength.
The Chinese navy consists of 30 yes.
sells, but many of these aro small and
obsolete in type. There are five very
effective armored ships built within the
last II years. four being battle ships
Chen Yuen, King Yuen, Lai-Yuen and
Tong Yuen-and one, Ping Yuen, O coast
defense ship. There 10 also an armored
wooden gunboat-Tien Sing. These
vessels are armed with Krupp guns, the
Chen-Yuen of 1880 tons, carrying 12-
inch rifles. There are 10 cruisers carry.
ing Armstrong and Krupp guns, two
torpedo cruisers and several small qun-
ships.
The Japanese navy consists of 80 veg
sells OF oil kinds, including five armored
ships-the Few 500, Hi Yee, Kon Go.
Rio 10 snd Tschi Yoda. These range in
tonnage from 1900 to 300 and are armed
with Krupp guns, lighter than the Chi
aese battleships carry. There are IA
cruisers of good size, well armed with
krupp and Gauet guns; seven gun YES.
sells of small tonnage; three coast de-
fense ships, with 12.inch French rifles.
and half dozen corvettes and q few
training ships.
But this balance OF resources does not
extend to the army, in which China has
an enormous advantage in numbers.
In time of peace China's army numbers
800, 900 to Japan's 5000, but on a war
footing the Chinese strength is ], ,OOO. 600
men, while the Japanese forces under
like conditions are 100000, with 10000
police.
In view OF these figures, military ex.
perts hero believe that while Japan
might obtain temporary advantage in
the early stages of war with China.
she would be very likely to be ultimate.
ly overwhelmed be mere force OF num-
bers.
CoREA CONSENTS TO JAPAN's REFORMS.
YOKOHAMA, July 21.-The Ooresn gov
srnment has consented to the reforms
by Japan.
British and United States marines
have been landed at Seoul. the capital of
3eres, III order to protect the British
snd American legations.
China has requested that Japanese
Tarships not be allowed to enter tbe
Jhineee treaty ports.
Japan, replying to the request OF
jhina in regard to Japanese warships.
las replied that she maintsins the right
o enter these ports at any time. The
altitude OF the population generally is
varlike.
1t has been learned here that the H.
O0 Chineae troops have received orders |
Q proceed with all possible dispatch to
)orea.
WILL CHINA ABSENT?
WASHINGTON, July 21.-The anneunce-
aent that Corea had consented to the
eiorms proposed by Japan caused the
hcials of the Japanese legation here to
xpress the hope that this would end
he strained relations between Japan
nd China. That depends, it is said. on
'hether China lgave her consent in the
latter and allowed the proposed re-
,rms 10 be instituted,
China. 1t is said at the Japanese leos.