The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-12
RUSSIA IS BECOMING
DECIDEDLY Aggressive.
STRAINED RELATIONS WITH BRIT
IsH OVER ACT OF CONSUL.
Japan Preparing for War, and
EquippinE Her Army for Cam
paiEn in Russia-Believes Her
Navy IL Ample-Has Confidence.

VANCOUVER, B. c.. Jan. l1.--A digest
of the opinions of the principal Chinese
and Japanese papers. as received today
by the steamer Empress of Japan. .hir-
teen days from Yokohama, indicates that
Russia is unmistakably revealing her in
tentions In the far East.
An Old Claim Raised.
The China Gazette says that, taking ad-
vantage Of England's pressing engage
ments in South Africa, the Russian gov
ernment, through its consul at Hankow.
has revived its claim to the Jardine-
Matheson land, making demand for the
property in the most peremptory fashion.
The Russian consul claims that the
question of the disputed ownership OF the
land has been absolutely decided in favor
of his government, and he has announced
his intention to take forcible possession of
the property, without further negotiations.
His actions are said to have been ex-
tremely high-handed, and relations be-
tween British and Russian residents are
strained to the breaking point.
Japan Preparing for War.
There is abundant evidence in the jap
anese press of the probability that Japan
Japanese apparently do not shrink from
the dangers of such a conflict, their gov
ernment recently having given an order
in England for 100000 suits of warm win
ter clothing for Japanese soldiers. in
preparation for campaign in Russia. The
Kobe Chronicle asserts that a Japanese
cruiser, with a large force of soldiers
on board, recently sailed from a Japanese
oIod ordor nd hat
transports have been chartered to carry
troops to Korea.
Thinks She Can Win.
The following is a specimen of Japan
ese journalistic opinion:
1.-THE Japanese are convinced that to
permit Russia to acquire Korea, or to es-
tablish Russian ascendency in Northern
China, would be, strategically, politically
and commercially. a deadly menace to
Japan's rapidly developing strength. ia
pan believes her navy is strong enough to
attack Russia, and the general opinion Is
that the interests Of the two nations are
so conflicting that 1t Is impossible to avoid
a rupture in the near future"
Russian Railroad Completed.
Since December trains have been rum
ming regularly on the Russian railway,
connecting Newchang. Port Arthur and
Talienwan. The whole time occupied in
the construction of this difficult line was
less than two years. and the Russians are
being congratulated upon the rapid COM
pletion of a railroad of not less strategic
than commercial Importance to Russia. 1t
is said. however, that the line shows
signs of having been hastily built so that
a high rate of speed cannot be attained by
trains. If Russia's declared intention of
keeping Talienwan open as a Tree port Is
maintained. the connection of Talienwan
with Newchang is expected to defect from
Tientsin considerable share of the In
portant trade of Manchuria and Northern
China.
Port Hamilton to Re Opened.
The latest news from Korea is that the
island kingdom purposes throwing open
Port Hamilton to trade. Three little is
lands constitute the group known as
Kyobuto The central islet was occupied
in 1856 by Great Britain. while the eastern
island served for exercising troops. The
Korean government now intends TO make
a harbor of the central island and to APP
propriate land for a foreign settlement on
the western. AS the place offers no extra
ordinary opportunities for trade It y SUP,