The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-29
W v,r,''.AR|NG FACES
Of JANUS OF OLD
Russia and Japan Both
Talk of Peace.
BUT THEY GLARE WAR
The Preparations for Conflict Go
Steadily on. Japan Buying War
ships of Argentina. Russia
Ordering Beef From Ar
n0ur & Co.
mour & Co.
(By the Associated Press.)

Toxic, Dec 2S.-An important oint meet
ing 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, incld-
ing the completion Of the Seoul-Fusan
Railway.
1t is believed that unless Russia modi-
fies her reply Japan will immediately safe
guard Korea, though such a step will not
necessarily mean war with Russia.
st. Petersburg, Dec 2S.-The consen5-
sus of unofficial opinion among those as
sociated with the government, but not re-
sponsible therefor, is that the Car is so
peacefully disposed that he will make
such concessions to Japan as are neces-
sar yto prevent war, provided that no un-
forseen events force the hands of the gov
ernments concerned At the same time
the Car it is pointed out, agree 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 a satisfactory compro
mise than an exhibition of over much
pcacefulness. This unofficial opinion, how
ever, believes the controlling party III
Russia regards Korea as necessary to the
consolidation of Russian interests N the
Ia rEast, and therefore, is determined
to prevent the peninsula falling into Jap
anese hands, and that any concessions
Russia now makes to Japan will only l.c
with the object of deferring the difficulty
until a more seasonable time.
There is not likely to be much difficulty
in finding money in case of war. A for
eign loan on acceptable terms is probably
impossible but the Russian anks and mer-
chants have ample funds. on which the
government could draw.
One reason why the British alarmist
news fetls to convince the Russians is
the perfect understanding here of the
benefits Great Britain derives from a
continuance Of the strained situation 1t
was known here a year ago that Great
Britain was planning to occupy ThiDet
and extend the railroad to point in the
Yang Tse Valley is reachable by gun
beats from the sea. Great Brtain's for
ward movement at this time excites both
admiration and rage, the former for the
clever, political move, the latter because
Russia is SO prc-occupied in the Far East
that lshe lis unable to prevent Great
Britain from creating her own ManchuIia
IN the Yang Use provinces. 1t is pointed
out here that the present situation affords
Great Britain the samo opportunity as
actual war between Russia and any thize1
power.
London, Dec. 2S-An Admiralty order
issued at Portsmouth requires the Off
GERS and men of the British naval re-
serve to notify the authorities of the
addresses where kilograms can be sent in
case of emergency, should they be re-
quired for active service. The order is
generally connected with the rumors that
the feet in the Far East is to be strength
Continued on Page Five.)