Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-05-14
PREPARING FOR WAR.
Japan Does Not Propose to Be
Caught Mapping.
Will Be Ready for Russia if Latter
Means Fight.
Russia Is Likewise Making Extensive
Russia Is Likewise Making Extensive
Military Preparations.

Victoria. Il. c.. May 13.-According to
press of India, japanese arsenals were
being worked day and night ut the time
of her sailing, provisions were being
concentrated, coal stored on Tsmima
island. and on all sides it was evident
that Japan, doubling the extent of Rus
sia's withdrawal 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 onicialdom. He says the war feel
ing in Japan is very Strong and warlike
preparations were in view. The mass
ing of Russian troops on the banks of
the Yalu, on the pretenSe that protec-
ton is being accorded to the timber
concessaires. was causing feeling in
Japan. this being regarded particular
ly as a menace to Japan.
The destruction by fire of the powder
factory at Tokiofu has led sinister ru-.
mors that Russian spies WeraSconnected
with the disaster.
Russia continues making extensive
military preparations.
The North China Daily News reports
that there has been continuous flow
of Russian troops travelling by train
from Hardin to Port Arthur, while
other large bodies hcve been moving to
the eastern borders of Manchuria,
camping in the vicinity of the Yalu
river. which divides the country from
Corea The warlille movements are
and one of these, whose name is not
given, is quoted as saying that the Rus
slams are preparing for the 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
agreement with China regarding Man
churia.
The Niroku says the secret treaty
PROVIDES for the ensurng to Russia of
rights in Manchuria. Russians alone to
be employed in government offices and
that under no circumstances shall any
one Of the three eastern provinces be
alienated to any other power. In case
of any future emergency necessiating
military measures, China and Russia
are to cooperate and no other power
allowed to interfere.
1t was reported that Wan Wen Shao
was heavily bribed to endeavor to Sc
cure this arrangement for Russia. The
British and American ministers. it was
said, Were making strong objections.
The Niroku states that the United
States minister in an interview with
Prince Ching, praised his courage in
rejecting the Russian demands and ad-
viscd China to deal with diplomatic
affairs in the future with the same
determination.
The Asap reports several battles as
having taken place along the Yalu river
between the Chinese ncrcenaries levied
by Russian and Chinese troops, in
which heavy losses have occurred on
both sides.
The same paper says that mounted
Russia to foment trouble to give them
Manchuria.
The attitude of Japanese papers
shows that the Japanese are kcenly
alive TO the situation and that the ma
iority of the papers counsel an appeal
to the sword. if Russia does not evacu-
ate Manchuria.
The Hong Kong Telegraph reports
that the japanese government has in
structed its representatives at Hong
Kong and Shanghai ana in the straits
settlements to purchase quantities of
provisions and supplies for the Japan
csc troops.