The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-28
Departure of the Shikishima Made the
Basis of Sensational Rumors
in the London Press.
FRANCE GROWING ALARMED
FEARS GREAT BRITAIN HAS DESIGNS
ON MADAGASCAR.
More Troops to BE Dispatched to the
Island-Cardinal Richard and the
AssumptiOnist Fathers.

LONDON, Jan. 27.-Some of the afternoon
newspapers associate the departure to-day
of the new Japanese battleship Shikishma
with possible complications in relation to
the far Eastern situation and especially
as 1t is announced that the Shikishma
will endeavor to traverse the Suez canal
by divesting herself of her armament. Up
to the present no ship of such size has
traversed the canal. 1t was learned, how
ever, that the date set for the sailing of
the war ship was decided on many weeks
ago and farewell party was had ON board
of her previous to the deposition of the
Emperor of China. But though this incl
dent was given exaggerated Importance N
the afternoon newspapers, the Associated
Press is able to say that those in England
most cogniZant of the secret aims of Japan,
especially those who are fulfilling her avail
contracts, have for some time past thor
oughly believed she meditated striking
blow at Russia. If lnis impression is cor
rect, and there is the highest and most
conservative authority on which to base
1t, it is not unlikely that Japans hands
may be forced and that her intended coup
will be attempted before her plans are
completed.
1t may be that Japan only meditates for
the present a demonstration to prevent
Russia from accomplishing the designs
which various correspondents have cred
tied her with since the change in China =
Emperor. The powerful war vessels built
for Japan on the Clyde will soon be ready
to sail, while others are under course of
rapid construction. Their strength has not
attracted much attention, but their i'm
portance as international factors can be
judged from statement made to a repre-
sentative of the Associated Press by one
of Englands greatest shipbuilders, who
declared the vessels building for Japan
were the most powerful in the world and
could destroy the best British ships i'm
fifteen minutes. Several of Japans vessels
in course of construction would have been
completed before now had not Japan en-
countered financial difficulties. The British
builders would not let the vessels sail un-
til everything was paid for in cash. To
accomplish this Japan induced a syndicate
Of English bankers to advance the money
and their action has been the subject of
good deal Of private criticism in the
inner Admiralty circles, when it was re-
allied what tremendous naval power Japan
was accommodating and, though Great Brit
aims strength was not impaired, it was
thought inadvisable for British capitalists
to so materially assist Japan to become
a dangerous rival.
A well-known naval expert tells a repre-
sentative of the Associated Press that If
Japan puts in commission the ships sched-
uled for service in the near future she will
be ready for war within six months and
can then defy Russia, and, as the Japa-
nese and Russian ships at present in the
far East compare, Japan's fleet would have
an excellent chance Of controlling the sit
uation.