The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-13
JAPAN
PREPARES
FOR FIGHT
ArsenaIs Working Night and
Day While War Material Of
Every Sort Is Being Gathered

Victoria, Il. c., May 13-According 10
advices received by the steamer Empress
Of India. japanese arsenals are being
worked day and night at the time of her
sailing; provisions were being concentrat-
ed. coal stored on Tsmia Island. and on
all sides Il was evident that Japan,
doubling the extent of Russia's with
drawal from Manchuria, was preparing
for war.
The Hon Sydney Fisher. Canadian
minister OF agriculture. was one of the
passengers by the steamer and had been
in close touch with Japanese royalty and
offcialdom. He says the war feeling In
Japan is very strong and war-like prepa-
rations were In view. The massing of
Russian troops on the banks OF the Yalu,
on the pretence that protection is being
accorded 10 timber concessioares, was
causing feeling in japan. this being re-
garded particularly as menace to
Japan
The destruction by fire of the powder
factory at Tokiofu has led 10 sinister ru-
mors that Russian spies were connected
with the disaster.
Russia continues making tANtHSiNc
military preparations
The North China Daily News reports
that there has been CONTINUOUS now pl
Russian troops travelling by train from
Harbn TO Port Arthur. while other large
bodies have been moving TO the eastern
borders of Manchuria, camping IN the
vicinity OF the Yalu river. which DIVIDES
the country from Corea. The warlike
movements are causing great alarm 10
Chinese officials, and one of these, whose
name is not given, is quoted as saying
/ that the Russians are preparing Tor tne
/ inevitable struggle with Japan.
! one report that has caused great ex-
element in Japan is to the effect that
| Russia is endeavoring to make an agree
ment with China regarding Manchuria.
| The Niroku says the secret treaty pro-
vides for the ensuing 60 Russia OF rights
! In Manchuria, Russians alone 10 be en-
ployed in government offices and that
under no circumstances shall any one OF
/ the eastern provinces be alienated 10 any
other power In case Of any future emer-
gency necessitating military measures.
! China and Russia are TO cooperate and
4 no other power allowed TO interfere.
II was reported that Wan Chue was
/ heavily bribed TO endeavor to secure this
! concession for Russia. The British and
| American ministers are making strong
objections.
The Niroku states that the United
| States minister with Prince Ching praised
his courage in rejecting Russian de-
/ mands.
The Asap reports several battles as hav-
! ing taken place along the Yalu river be-
tween the Chinese mercenaries levied by
Russia and Chinese troops, In which
heavy losses have occurred on both sides.
The same paper says that mounted Chi
nese bandits are being used by Russia
To foment trouble TO give them further
| excuse for non-evacuation OF Manchuria.
The attitude of Japanese papers shows
that the japanese are keenly alive TO the
situation .and the majority of the papers
STA does not evacuate Manchuria
|. The Hong Kong Telegraph reports that
the Japanese government has Instructed
its representatives at Hong Kong and
Shanhai and in the straits settlements 10
purchase quantities OF provisions and
supplies for the japanese troops.