The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-03-27
Japanese General Predicts Armed
Conflict at no Distant Date Be
tween Japan and Russia.
The STRUGGLE WILL Be over KOREA
Island Nation Keeps Close Watch on
the Bear, and Is Ready and
Anxious to Fight.

PlTTSBURG. March 26-K. Yatsuma.
general of the japanese imperial army.
accompaniedby by Captains N Kayamoi and
L. Matusi, passed through Pittsburg to-
day, EN- route to California.
They have been in this country for the
past three weeks securing data for the
benefits of the imperial army, and in
tended remaining for three or more
months, but were called home.
Gen. Yatsuma said:
According to the communications I
nave received from my government, I
think that a conflict between my country
and Russia is inevitable. While I have
rot been officially notified 1 think the OBJ
ject of my superiors in calling me home
is for the purpose of making prepara-
tions for war with Russia.
Japan and Russia are bound to come
together sooner or later as result of
the contention over Korea. This fact
seems to nave become more evident since
the outbreak of hostilities in China and
if such an engagement must occur
Japan is better equipped at present and
will doubtless hasten a termination Of
this longstanding dispute. Russia's ulti-
mate intention is to seize Corea, but we
shall never give up the land without
struggle
ultimate intentio is to seize Korea. but
we shall ever give up the land without
a struggle
JAPANESE NAVY WATCHFUL.
NEW YORK. March M6.-The Rev. S.
L. Baldwin, recording secretary of the
Methodist Episcopal Missionary society
in this city, who was in Korea in the
early part OF 1898, while on a tour devoted
to the inspection of missions, said today
of the Korean situation:
when I was in Korea it was just at
the time relations between Russia and
Japan were very much strained as they
are today Russia's efforts then to oust
McLeavy Brown were the cause of the
where I was if there happened to be a
Russian man-of-war. there was sure to
be a Japanese war vessel also. If the
Russian left the port the Japanese YES
steamed away in the same direction
The Japanese evidently were keeping
very close watch upon the Russians
everywhere Several times also an
American gunboat dropped around and
seemed to be keeping very well posted.
IF the present situation should de
velop into war. Japan should certainly
have the moral support of the United
States, Great Britain and Germany. II
she does not have the moral support
which some times counts for something
it will be because the three govern
ments in question are blind to their own
interests and indifferent to the demands
of humanity. The United States in par
ticular should be willing to assume a
proper share of the responsibility We
have too often in the past let England
do the whole work, and then come in
ourselves for full share Of the bene-
fits afterwards"
LATEST SHANGHAI RUMOR.
IONDN, March 27.-The Shanghai cor
respondent of the Times, wiring yester-
day, said: ST am Informed on the best
authority that the Chinese court has in
structed Ii Hung Chang to inform the
ministers of the powers that China has
refused to sign the Manehurian conven-
tion and has also notified all viceroys to
the same effect It is further asserted
that the court seriously contemplates a
removal of the capital from Pekin.''