The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1899-11-14
RUSSIA AND JAPAN.
Diplomats Know Nothing of Japan's
Alleged Aggressive Mood,
RUSSIA Is GROWING STRONGER.

err Japan Really Means TO strike a
BLOW at Russian Control" says a
British omclaI, "she Must DO It
Quickly"
London, Nov. 14.-Careful inquiry
reveals nothing extant in diplomatic
circles here TO justify the alarmist
view taken by a section OF the press
regarding the situation I'm the far
east That serious denouement is
80 close at hand as is indicated by
advices from Shanghai is regarded as
incredible. For a long time it has
been known here that China and Japan
were closely allied but neither British
nor American diplomatists in London
believe that this alliance is Of an Of
fensive nature.
At any rate it can be asserted posi-
lively that II Japan and China con
template aggressive action against
Russia, Lord Salisbury is not aware
OF their intention. and It is scarcely
probable that those powers would de-
eide upon any definite course without
at least consulting Great Britain, who.
in the nature of things, would be their
ally. whether active or passive.
However. while the foreign officials
have no information tending to con-
firm recent sensational reports they
have come to regard the eastern prob
lem as so difficult in respect OF getting
accurate information that they would
be surprised at nothing They have
endeavored to take precautions against
everything In the words of the Brit
ish official who discussed the situation
with a press representative:
while reports Of a rupture between
Russia and Japan are easy of creation.
and while they are liable to constant
reiteration, so long as the diplomats OF
the press continue to view the far east
with such serious attention, it is cey-
tainly palpable that II Japan really
means to strike a serious blow at Rus
sian control she must do it quickly,
for very soon Russia will be far
stronger than she is now"
Discussing the bearings of Russia's
new naval estimates upon this ques-
ton the official asserted that these
certainly indicated the intention OF the
cZar to increase the Russian feet in
Chinese waters. which, if done on the
scope outlined in the estimates, would
leave Japan but little chance
Another phase of these reports
which has astonished me-" said the
official 'is the suggestion of Chinese
cooperation. Thus far no nation has
been able to arouse the Chinese suf-
ficiently to get them to combine in
military enterprises. II Japan has
done this. or even believes she has.
then she has accomplished more than
Great Britain or Russia in a century
of effort"
The action of the United States gov
ernment in requesting assurances from
foreign governments regarding the
open door" policy in China has Gre
ated intense satisfaction in British
official circles.
Lord Salisbury" according to the
official quoted above, has gladly ac-
quiesced in this step on the part of
the United States. which is regarded
as most potent evidence that the Uni
ted States recognize the impossible
ity of conducting their foreign affairs
without the cooperation of other ma
tions, and as the first practical earnest
OF their desire to conduct eastern ne
gotiations in concert with European
governments"