The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-12-31
THE GAR IS PEACEFUL
But Russia is Determined TO Prevent
Japan Getting Korea.
A CLASH MAY BE POSTPONED
Nussla's Delay In Answering Japan's
Note Not Regarded AS ominous, But
AS Favorable Sign--England's Move
ment Causes Admiration and Rage.


AS Favorable siqn--England's Move
ment Causes Admiration and Rage.
ST. Petersburg. Dec. 29.-In official
circles here the delay in presenting
Russia's reply to Japan 1t not regarded
as ominous. On the contrary the fact
that Russia, in accordance with ia
pans request, is actually reviewing
the matters in dispute, is regarded as
a favorable sign. Ii is pointed out that
had Russia replied Immediately UNI
favorable deductions might have been
drawn. and although Russia. believes
her proposals we're extremely concil-
iatory. containing all the concessions
she can make, this does not exclude the
possibility of finding alternative prop
osltions in some portion Of the general
scheme of settlement which may more
closely coincide with Japan's wishes.
Ii careful reconsideration discloses the
possibility of such a course, it Is said
that there is every reason TO believe
Il VIII glaaly De emOIaCeu'
The consensus of unofficial opinion
among those associated with the gov
eminent. but not responsible therefor
is that the car is so peacefully dis
posed that he will make such conces'
sions 10 Japan rs are necessary TO
prevent war provided that no unIore'
seen events force the hands of the
governments concerned. At the same
time. the car. il is pointed out, agrees
with those who believe that prepare
ton for war is the best safeguard OF
peace. and that apparent Willingness
10 allow matters to be submitted 70
The test Of arms is more likely TO lead
20 a satisfactory compromise than an
exhibition of overmuch peacefulness.
This unofficial opinion. however, be
lieyes the controlling party in Russia
regards Korea as necessary to the con
solidation OF Russian interests in the
Far East. and. therefore. is determined
to prevent the peninsula falling into
japanese hands, and that any conces
sions Russia now makes TO Japan VIII
only be with the object of deferrine
the difficulty until more scasOnable
time
There is not likely 10 be much dim
Guilty in finding money in case OF war
A foreign loan on acceptable terms Is
probably impossible but the Russian
banks and merchants have ample
funds on which the government could
draw
one reason why the British alarmis'
news fails 10 convince the Russians Is
the perfect understanding here OF the
benefits Great Britain derives from
continuance OF the strained situation
II was known here year ago thai
Great Britain was planning TO occupy
Tibet and extend the railroad to
point in the Yang Use Valley. which Is
readable by gunboats from the sea
Great Britain's forward movement al
this time excites both admiration ano
rage the former for the clever politi
cal move. the latter because Russia Is
so preoccupied in the Far East thai
she is unable 20 prevent Great Britain
from creating her own Manchuria il
the Yang Use provinces. 1t is pointed
out here that the present situation ar
fords Great Britain the same oppor
tunity as actual war between Russia
and any third power.