Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-28
Czar Reported to Be Peace
ably Disposed.
UNOFFICIAL OPINION
RUSSIA HAS AMPLE FUNDS IN
CASE OF WAR.
Japan Reported to Be Recruiting Colo
RADIO Guardsmen-Russia Places
Order for American Meat.

TOXIC, December 2S.-An important joint
meeting of the cabinet and privy council
will take place today to consider ways and
means In view of the grave situation, but
no difficulty Is anticipated in providing for
the extraordinary expenditure, including
the completion of the Seoul-Fusan railway.
1t is believed that unless Russia modfies
her reply Japan will Immediately safeguard
Corea, though such a step will not neces-
sarily mean war with Russia.
LONDON. December 2s.-An admiralty
order Issued at Portsmouth requires the
officers and men Of the British naval re-
serve to notify the authorities of the ad-
dresses where kilograms can be sent in
case of emergency should they be required
for active service. The order is generally
connected with the rumors that the iieet In
the far east is to be strengthened, concern
ing which, however, the authorities profess
ignorance.
Japan to Buy Warships.
LONDON, December 2S.-Japan is neso-
tiating for the purchase of the Argentine
warships Moreno and Rivadavia, now
building at Genoa, Italy, but up to this
afternoon the Japanese legation had not
heard of the completion Of their purchase.
Gear Peacefully Disposed.
ST. PETERSBURG, December 2S.-The
consensus of unofficial opinion among those
associated with the government, but not re-
sponsible therefor is that the car is so
peacefully disposed that he will make such
concessions to Japan are necessary to
prevent war, provided that no unforeseen
events force the hands of the governments
concerned.
AT the same time the cZar, 1t is pointed
out, agrees with those who believe that
preparation for war is the best safeguard
of peace, and that apparent Willingness TO
allow matters to be submitted to the test
of arms Is more likely to lead to q salts
factory compromise than an exhibition oil
overmuch peacefulness.
This unofficial opinion, however, believes
Russia is 80 preoccupied in the far east
that she il unable to prevent Great Britain
from creating her own Manchuria In the
Yang Use provinces. 1t is pointed out here
that the present situation affords Great
Britain the same opportunity as actual war
between Russia and any third power.
1t also believes the controlling party in
Russia regards Corea as necessary to the
consolidation of Russian interests in the
far east, and, therefore. is determined to
prevent the peninsula falling into Japanese
hands and that any concessions Russia
now makes to Japan will only be with the
object of deferrins the difficulty until
more seasonable time.
No Difficulty to Get Money.
There is not likely to be much difficulty In
finding money in case Of war. A foreign
loan on acceptable terms Is probably I'M
possible. but the Russian banks and mer'
chants have ample funds On which the gov
ernment could draw.
One reason why the British alarmist news
fails to convince tie Russians is the per-
feet understanding here of the benefits
Great Britain derives from a continuance OF
the strained situation. 1t was known here
year ago that Great Britain was plan
ming to occupy Thibet and extend the rail-
Di,Nt IT,. H.
which is reachable by gunboats from the
sea. Great Britains forward move
ment at this time excites both ad-
mration and rage, the former for the
clever political move, the latter because
Russia Places Order for American Meat
KANSAS CITY, Mo- December 2S-The
Russian government has just placed an
order with Armour & Co. of this city for a
million and a half pounds of mess meat
for immediate shipment to San Franc SEQ.
The order calls for the delivery of the meat
at San Francisco by January ~ The
meat, il is said, is for the use Of the Rus
sian army, and its destination is said to be
Port Arthur.
Japan Wants Cavalrymen
A dispatch from Denver. COL last night
says:
1t is published here that Japan, through
its minister at Washington has made Of
fers to members of the Colorado national
guard of places III the army for the threat
ened war with Russia. Three guardsmen
have been selected and three others Will be
appointed within the week.
Japan wants six Colorado soldiers pro-
ficient in cavalry tactics and capable OF
comma nding a regiment. They are to re-
port at Nagasaki on March !. War or no
war, the offers will hold good. Gen. Chase
has selected his son, Sergt William Chase,
and Sersts. A. ID. Marshall and Gordon
Walters of Cavalry Troop G.