The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-03
Is Maintained But Important Devel-
opmeuts are Looked For
RUSSIAN FLEET AT PORT ARTHUR
IL Is Thought That Russia Will TAKE
Advantage of the Franco-Engiish
Troubles 10 Push Her Eastern
Plans and Seize New Chwang
The Eashoda Question Re-
mains in Statu Quo

WEI-HAI-wEI, Nov. 2.-All the British
warships here-the first-class battleshiD
Centurion, the frst-class cruiser Narcis-
sus the second-class cruiser Hermione
the torpedo-boat destroyer Whiting the
torpedo-boat destroyer Fame the tor
pedo-boat destroyer Handy, and the first
class gunboat Peacock-hsve cleared for
action and are ready for sea at an hours
notice
SECRECY MAINTAINED.
The frst-class battleship Victorious and
the nrst-class cruiser Undaunted, at Che
Foo. are coaling to their fun capacity.
The greatest secrecy is maintained as
TO the meaning Of these war-like prepara-
tions, but there is no doubt important in'
structions expected at any moment.
A large Russian fleet is assembled at
Port Arthur.
A GRAVE CONDITION.
LONDON. Nov. 2.-The despatch from
Wei-Hai-Wci announcing the war prepa-
rations OF the British naval authorities
there. IS regarded here as being OF grave
Importance. coupled with the Anglo
French war preparations It is surmlsed
that Russia. prodting by the present
strained relations between Great Brltlan
and France has decided TO push Forward
her aims in the far east by forcibly seiz-
ing the valuable treaty port OF New
Chwang. which Great Britain cannot per-
nit. il is said.
FASHODA QUESTION UNSETTLED.
LONDON. November "A sem-oficial
note issued this evening relative 10 the
roports OF "a settlement Of the fashoda
question, says:
"The matter Is substantially In the
Same position as il was when the Blue
book and Yellow book were published.
IL Is not anticipated that France VIII
take further action until Major Mar
chand's arrival at Cairo on Thursday.
when explanations will be forthcoming
as TO his reason for leaving Fashoda.'
A Frenchman has been arrested at
Dover for attempting to enter the big
gun turret on the Admiralty pier there.
SITUATION UNCHANGED.
LONDON. Nov. 5.-The situation re-
garding Fashoda is practically unchanged.
Baron De Courcell the French ambassa-
dor. who on Tuesday saw Sir Thomas
sanderson, permanent under Secretary Of
state for Foreign Affairs, was absent
from Lord Salisbury's reception yester-
day
The special dispatches from Paris this
morning repeat the Eemi-Oiacial statement
that the evacuation Of Fashoda is ac-
cepted I'm principle. but other stations in
the Bahr El Ghazel region will be MAIN
talned.
Various rumors are afloat as 70 Abyssi-
mans pushing toward tho Nile 20 assist
the French but nothing definite is known.
NJ Delcassc. the French Foreign Minis
ter is expected to announce his policy in
the Chamber Of Deputies tomorrow.
II IS admitted on all sides that Fashoda
itself offers no difficulty provided way
can be made 10 save French amour
propre.
MORE PREPARATIONS.
SYDNEY. b. c.. November 2.-The
British warships Cordelia and Pelican
arrived to-day from Halifax This visit
Is extraordinary, as both were expected
10 leave for home 10 go out Of commits
sion. The ships have submarine mines
and heavy guns aboard. specially shipped
at Halifax. and it is reported they VIII
mino the entrance 10 sydney and ST.
Johns ~. F. harbOrs
HALIFAX. y. s.. November 2-The
British warshlp Renown is in full fight
ing trim and tonight the ship tested her
electric searchnghts This week the Re
nown has taken aboard large quantities
n. ammunition and naval stores.
A AIENACING SIGN.
The fact that the coast-guard men
throughout the United Kingdom have
been warned 10 be In readiness for mo-
bfllzation is regarded as a menacing
sign. Many OF them have already Joined
their ships.