The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-24
Dismemberment of the Empire
Is Looked For
In Case of War Between Russia
and Japan.
LITTLE HOPE OF PEACE
Bullying Course of Russians
Aggravates Trouble.
They Think They Will Have an
Easy Victory.

Pekin,s Dec. 24.-The optimistic feel
ings in some quarters concerning war
between Japan and Russia are not
shared by the emperor and diplomats t
Pekin whose knowledge of the present
situation of affairs entities their opin-
ion to the highest consideration. 1t is
positively known that the Japanese
government has drawn the line for a
settlement beyond which it will not
make any material concessions, and
that she is determined to fight before
yielding what she considers to be her
vital interest. 1t is believed unless
Russia comedies important points an
other exchange of notes will precipitate
matters.
1t is also believed that Japan will
refuse any arrangement holding in
allegiance the question of the evacuation
of Manchuria, which was one of the
terms of the proposed arrangement re-
Gently announced from st. Petersburg
and which it is now supposed was in
tended by the Russian government as a
''feeler."
This would be a violation of ex-
press pledges given to Japan and
China.
Minister Uchida is reported to have
said he would be Obliged to resign his
post in the event of such an agree
ment.
The most dangerous factors in the
situation are the confidence of the
Russian officials in the far east that a
war would mean an easy victory for
Russia and the challenging tone of the
Russian officials and newspapers.
The intelligent Chinese officials await
developments with the deepest anxiety.
They foresee the many perils menacing
China in the event of war and the pos
sibility that a partition of the empire
may result from China's inability to
maintain the neutrality of her harbors
and subjects.
The younger officials and the news
papers discuss the possibilities OF an al
lance between China and Japan but
the only available Chinese troops are
the fifteen thousand trained men of
Yuan Shi Kai Cwho was recently ap-
pointed commander of the imperial
army and navy who might fight under
foreign leaders but whose present Off
GERS are incompetent and of doubtful
courage
LOOK FOR MORE DELAY.
ST. Petersburg, Dec. 24.-Russia's re-
ply to Japan is momentarily expected
to be delivered. The foreign office offi-
cfaIs and diplomats continue to express
the opinion that as both parties earnest
allies have left nothing undone to this
end war will be averted. An early con-
clusion of the negotiations, however
seems unlikely.
In regard to the Vladivostock dis
patch saying ViceToy Alexief had been
authorized to settle on the spot all
questions concerning neighboring
states etc, the foreign office declares
that the viceroy's powers remain as
determined on by the ukase issued
August last
JAPAN CLAIMS OUR SYMPATHY.
Rome, Dec. 24-The situation in the
far east is being followed with great
interest here. The rumor, which gain
ed wide currency in Rome, that wal
had been declared between Russia anC
Japan was promptly contradicted by
Mr.. Ohoyama, the Japanese minister
to Italy, who in an interview said thai
Japan had the complete sympathy OF
the United States which desired the in
dependence and the pacific development
of Korea
The minister said he did not know
what attitude would be taken by thu
u. S government in case of war be
tween Russia and Japan.
Rear Admiral Delibero, naval aid Il
King Victor Emmanuel. has been or
dered to the command of the Italian
squadron in the far east. rendered va
cant through appointment of Admira
NIirbello as minister of marine.