The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-11-25

Conflicting Stories About Their Politi-
cal Relations.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-In view OF
the reported imminence of war be
tween Russia and Japan concerning
rights in Corea statements made today
by Alexander Pavloff, the Russian Min
lister to Corea, who happens to be in
Washington as the guest of Count Cas-
SIri, the Russian En- basSador here, are
most opportune and important Paw
left is an accomplished diplomatist
with an extended experience in the
Far East, and was on the staff of
Count Cassini at Peking when Russia
acquired Port Arthur and Talien Wan,
and later was advanced to the post OF
Minister to COrea. Pavloff was seen at
the Russian Embassy today and spoke
quite frankly of the recent war rumors.
He said:
4 left Corea only four months ago,
coming to st. Petersburg, so that my
Information is quite direct and | as
sure you there is no basis whatever for
reports of conflict between Russia and
Japan over Corea. On the contrary,
the two countries have entered into
two formal compacts by which it is
agreed that independence in Corea
shall be maintained. These compacts
were concluded at ST. Petersburg and
Toxic and they are so explicit that the
reports of conflict as to sovereignty
over Corean territory show an entire
ignorance of the written agreement
which Russia and Japan are maintain
ing toward Corea
The war rumors appear to be based
on an alleged conflict over the port Of
Masampo. 1t happens that | am per-
sOnaily familiar with this affair, as it
developed before | left Corea. Masam-
pc is one of the new treaty ports on
the southern coast of Corea. There has
been no question as to freedom Of the
port to all nations alike and no ques-
tons of favor or determinations be-
tween Russian and Japan have oc
Cured as to this port. But a purely
personal and private difference arose
some months ago as TO the ownership
of certain lots at Masampo. Russian
residents had secured a right to pur-
haze tle o.s and Wee waiting the
assent of the Corean Government.
Pending this consent Japanese citi-
Zens purchased the same rights. This,
however, was purely private differ
ence in which the Governments of Rus
STA and Japan had no part"
THE OTHER SIDE.
YOKOHAMA, Nov. 15.-On the Con-
tinent Russia is now showing ner
hand without reserve. Liatung PENN
sula, which Japan was forced to cede
back to China, is now Russian terri
tory. It's government is administered
by the commandant of the Russian Ma
val and military forces under order Of
the Minister of the Treasury at St.
II. ers Ourg. Port Arthur is the seat of
the Government A Russian diplo-
matte agent and a financial commits
sioner are appointed and judicial pro-
cedure of the reign of Alexander IL is
enforced throughout the whole terri
tory.
The story is now told Of almost a
breach on an occasion when two Jap
anese cruisers in the Gulf of Pechili
unexpectedly appeared before Port AT
thur. The Russian signal officer at the
outer station signaled that the port
was closed to foreign ships of war Dis
regarding or misunderstanding this
signal, however, the two Japanese
cruisers steamed straight into the har-
bor They were intercepted, however,
| by Russian steam launch, having on
board an official, who warned the Jap
anese captains that the forts would
| fire On the cruisers if they were not i'm
mediately withdrawn. This advice
| was taken, it is said, by the Japanese
commander. but with very bad grace.