The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-04-18
FEvERISH ACTIVITY.
Japan in Rush to Prepare For
Clash With Russia.

Correspondence of Associated Press.)
Yokohama, March 80, via San Fran
cisco, April 1S.=Whether the feverish
activity at the arsenals and navy yards,
or the unanimous voice of the native
press or the corroborative reports of a
decided stand being resolved upon by
the government, are taken into conSld-
Grafton there remains little or no doubt
that Japan has made up it's mind to
face Russia alone if necessary
There is no mistaking the patriotic
fervor of the people. 1t surpasses in in
tensity all that was exhibited at the out
break Of the Chinese war in 1894, and a
dissenting voice is nowhere heard
throughou the length and breadth of
the land. Even the most -cOnSerV atlVe
and moderate of the journals are pro-
nounced in their advocacy of the frmest
kind of a stand on the part OF the gov
ernment. The Yorodzu has the follow
ing in today's issue:
although it has been reported by
Reuter- and others that China has re-
jected the Manchurian convention, we
must not congratulate ourselves there
upon. We must be on the alert as ever,
all the more so because there has been
received in Toxic later reports to the ef
feet that China has at last been cOnpel-
ed to sign the contention. Even though
these later reports may turn false. we
must not think that the ManchuriAn
question has satisfactorily been settled.
I'VE need to scarcely say that Russia
will never abandon her pretenSlOn on
Manchuria unless forced to do so by
some high-handed measure. In connec-
ton with this we are glad to hear that
our government has decided to adopt de-
cisive measures with regard to the Man
churian and Korean questions. Japan
will, we are told, move independently Of
other powers. and in a most vigorous
manner Let us hope that all this is
true 1t is high time for this country to
see whether or not it can drive back the
great disturber of the peace Of the far
east Were we to remain idle, Man
churia and then Korea will irrevocably
pass into Russia's grip, no matter
whether the Manchuria convention is
signed or not"
An outward evidence of the feverisl
activity. every vessel of Japans i'm
mense feet is in commission and in a
state of perfect preparedness. The
standing squadron is manOeuvering -
the vicinity of the Korean coast. The
time of relieving the Korean garriso1S
has been shortened and the main bat
talon dispatched thither with three staff
officers. The arSenalS are working night
and day, and the hospital ships are be
ing refitted with all possible dispatch.
The most intense interest is manifest
ed in all reports which may furnish a
clue to the possible attitude of England
and Amerira in the event of a. struggle,
and the opinion of representative Amer
leans and Englishmen here is that pop
ular sentiment in both countries will find
it hard to resist the sight OF Japan put
ting itself alone into the field against its
colossal neighbOr.
The curious strike of the judges is
gathering force and promises to entail
serious delay in the workings of the
machinery Of the courts. While the
public is strongly in sympathy with
their grievances. there is a general dis
shown in the methods adopted for re-
dress.