The sun., 1903-12-20
DRIFTING NEARER TO WAR.
Japan DECLINES THE TERMS
OFFERED ny RUSSIA.
uumor OF an Ultimatum Dcnied-London
Looks for IIostiiities Next Month
I'njess the Cars known Love OF
peace Oyercomes Other Considerations.

manor OF an C1timatum Decentralization
Looks for IIostiiities Next Month
InIess the Cars known Love OF
Peace OyercOmes Other Considerations.
speeta, Gable Despotehy 10 TIE SUN.
LONDON, Dec. I9.-Ihe danger Of war in
IN. Far East has been greatly increased
during the week. That is all We really
know Of the situation. Russia's reply is
unsatisfactory to Japan and the negotia-
lions have been resumed.
The irreducibls minimum Of the Japanese
dsmands has been pretty clearly indi-
o-,.o IN the week dispatches. There is
virtually nothing asked which Russia has
not promised over and over again. Japan
oosition appears unassailable from every
point of view save that OF brute force. The
present Russian policy seems 10 be de-
siened to drive her opponent into the atti-
,ude of physical aggressor. There is
only too good reason to fear that she will
succeed il she persists little longer.
Japans patience until the present mo-
nent has compelled the astonishment and
admiration Of Europe. II is not believed
that any Western nation would have shown
such qualities OF self-rest raint under similar
circumstance. All Japanese advices agree,
howe YER, that the limit of popular patience
has almost been reached. The wise states-
manshp which controls the Japanese policy
will, in the opinion OF most observers. be
compelled before long to make some con-
cesson to the will OF the people.
HOPE or PEACE IN THE czAR.
Tho British Government is, Of course,
better informed as to the true situation than
any one else outside Of st. Petersburg and
Toxic. High authorities in London pri-
vately express their belief that war will
begin in the latter part Of January. All
thes. grave forebodings take no account,
apparently, OF one Of the chief factors in
the situation. namely, the Car and his
unvarying and doubtlt IS sincere protesta-
tions Of peace. 1t Is admitted that he has
taken personal charge OF the negotiations.
II may be conceded that he falls short OF
those qualities Of character and capacity
necessary In the ruler of vast empire,
but no one has even questioned the sincerity
Of his devotion to the one cause with which
ne has always conspicuoUsly identified him.
self. 1t does not seem possible that he
can be ignorant OF the fact that his country
ia on the verge OF war and that persistence
in the pres ant cours, will certainly pre-
cipitate it within few days or weeks He
must know also that the only demands
made upon him are that he shall fulfill the
promises made in his name.
1t appears reasonable, therefore, to
entertain the hope that II he s q true friend
OF peace. the Emperor Of Russia will speedily
devise means to save situation which Is
not yet beyond remedy.
-r~rov ~ . ~ ~, TIM TIM DpNrEn
A despatch from Tientsin to-day said 1t
was autho ritatively reported that Japan
has sent an ultimatum to Russia. Baron
Hayashi. the japanese Minister to Great
Britain, says there is no truth In the report.
Baron Hayashi asserted that 1t was not
likely any such thing would happen with
out the legation at London being informed
OF II, enabling them to communicate the
Intelligence to the British Foreign Once.
The stock market to-day was generally
fat, owing to the serious outlook In the
Far East. .Consols fell y end Chinese se-
curities u. but Japanese bonds improved
'lrhe rates Of insurance on vessels bound
for Japan have risen shillings Per cent.
at Lloyds during the last twenty-four
hours. The rate is now ~.
According to Lhvd's Weekly inquiries
in official circles confirm the report that
the British Admiralty ID preparing for con-
tngenoies in the Far East. Leading naval
officers have received provisional orders
and secret instructions have been forwarded
to the China station, which. it is stated,
will be Immediately reinforced. The Brit
ish Foreign Office Is busy in connection
with the crisis and important communica-
tions have been passing between it and the
British legation at Toxic for the past few
days.
WHERE THE NEGOTIATIONS HALT.
COLOGNE. Dec. l9.-The well informed
St. Petersburg correspondent OF the Cologne
Ga.ette, telegraphing in regard to the
Japanese proposals to Russia, says that
Japan fatty refused to consent to the equip
ment OF any military fulcrum In Masampho,
Corea Japan made counter proposals re.
garding commercial freedom which com.
pletely dispose of the question of fortifica-
lions.
Russias reply, nevertheless, insists on
full. Unrestricted commercial freedom in
Corea and the cession Of Masampho for the
protection OF the naval line between Vlad-
ivostok and Port Arthur.
Japan, on the othe. hand, demands an
absolutely free hand in Corea, 10th politi-
cally and commercially and desi 'es Russia
to lie regarded by Corea as foreign Power.
1t is underst God that the Grand Duke
Alexander is emphatically opposed to a
war with Japan in view of the unprepared-.
ness Of the navy. The Car is also opposed
TO hostilities, provided the crisis can be
settled with honor in q manner compatible
with Russ an prestige.
JAPANESE OFFICERS RECALLED FROM CHINA.
T1gNrsIN. Dec. Is.-Gen. Yamane. the
Japanese military attache, who has Leen
recalled to join the general staff at Toxic.
left Pekin to-day. The ranking Japanese
Colonel, who has been recognizing pro-
rincill troops at Paoting-fu, has also been
recalled.
Col Aoki, the assistant military attache
Of the Japanese Legation. will succeed Gen.
Yamane. Col. Aoki exerts large influence
with Yuan Shih Kai, the Viceroy of the
province of Chill, and high Chinese officers.
Although the influence Of the Japanese
in China ia ipcrea sin o. fhev q re not an n q, ,ipe