New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-31
FEARS OF WAR INCREASE
JzPAN1S NOTE TO POWERS.
French Neutrality Asserted-No
Hitch OOer Manckuria.

London. Dec. So-In response 70 an inquiry
whether Il was true, as asserted by the 'Lokal-
Anzesger" OF Berlin. that Japan had informed the
powers that the Russian-Japanese situation was
desperate and that immediate reply would be
required from Russia under penalty OF war the fol-
lowing statement was made by the japanese Lega-
zion tonight:
Japan has communicated &c. the powers conf
ient!Sly the circumstances under which the nego-
tistions have been carried on hitherto: lqstfytng
query indicates
Baron Eayashi. the Japanese Minister has de-
olhrea that in OF war he has the best author
fly for saying that France would not Join forces
with Russia, should China cooperate with
Japan. and that the Triple Alliance would preserye
Etrict neutrality For the former statement Baron
HaySshis authority is not known and mis- belief
in Frances neutrality in OF China Joining
ia The ssaf1s creates some doubt and astonish-
sas-f
Baron EsyxSnl when asked regarding NJ. Del
ossses hopefu. attitude said he was aware the
French Foreign Minister making strenuous ef-
:orts FOR peace. So far Baron Hayashi knew to-
might these had not yet been crowned with sue
cess: He said.
The French government must be 81 a better po-
suoa man thst OF any other power 10 know the
nature of the Russian reply. If they are honest in
least 10 lie sririt ~ he IL nToIsY " n1L a
% nov We saw 5s, no i1s3fio1P f Si up
unless Russia does agree There scarcely seems any
way OF averung war. I only trust NJ Delcasse
win be successful
Minister Eayash definitely said that the Russian
eacUation Of Manchuria Is not one Of the japanese
cardinal demands.
Lord Lansdowne's diplomatic reception to-day
centred the Far Eastern crisis The Russia n
Ambassador. Count Benckendorn was unable to
Eiye the British Foreign Secretary any dennite in
formation regarding the tenor Of the Russian reply
70 Japan, as he had received no advices on the
subject from St Petersburg
The Foreign Secretary adopted a slightly more
hopeful tone the other ambassadors than has
prevailed ~ TIE Foreign Office for the last few
days It IS learned that this is chiefly due 10 the
persistent belief OF the French Foreign Minister
n Delcasse that he win be able 10 prevail on
Russia 10 make compromises which viii avert
Ambassador Choate. after conference with Lord
Lzasdowne expressed his continued conviction that
= pacific solution would be found. and said the
indications were not wsrlike This belief was not
shared by some Of Lord Lansdowne's ether callers
notably the German Ambassador, Count Wolff
Metternich.
At the Foreign Ofice and at the Japanese, Amer
lean and other legations and embassies the ''Novoe
Vremys's" editorial Of to-day is regarded war
like, but the suggestion was made at one embassy
that the remarks might really be intended for home
consumption in order 10 make possible compro-
mise more palatable to the Russian war party.
Great Britain appears to be confung her diPlo-
matte efforts TO preserve peace solely Paris and
Toxic. She has not attempted il is asserted here.
70 bring pressure 10 bear St. Petersburg. leav-
ing that phase Of the negotiations 10 France
Keen sympathy and cooperation prevail at
Downing Street in II. Delcasses efforts, but there
~ same doubt that their efficacy VIII be felt until
the Russian reply is actually presented 10 Japan
AT the Russian Embassy late this evening il was
f~zfd that tfte srsls of Eu<sia Rad rot yet been
presented, and that no indication or its probable
7ons had been received.
The news Of Japan's purchase Of the Argentine
cruisers building al Genoa was received at the
Russian Embassy with a smile, and the remark:
They are not very formida hle, after all
In German diplomatic circles here the crisis is
regarded almost entirely a trial OF strength
between the Foreign Minister. Count l4amsdorff
snd Niceroy Alexien. the former. with the Car s
support being notoriously opposed TO war and the
latter being believed 10 favor <. IN 10 now the
Viceroy is thought in this quarter TO have had the
hest of ii. and to have committed Russia TO such
an extent that compromise. in spite Of the Cars 8
personal feeling, is impossible.