The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-05-08
JAPAN
PREPARES
FOR WAR
Arssnals Working Day and Night
With Largely Increased Forces.
Shut Out Of ManChuria.

Tosa Maru. which arrived last evening.
brought news from Toxic that unusual
activity Is prevailing in japan. as a re-
suit OF the feeling against Russia in re-
gard to the Manchurtan ententes.
The Japanese Advertiser says the ar
senals OF Japan are now working day and
night with increased stafYs, and vast
amounts OF naval and military stores are
being turned out. The Yokohama papers
say Japan is preparing for decisive step.
The Japan Times, reviewing the reports
from North China, says that far from
taking steps to evacuate, II is plainly
shown that Russia engaged In active war
like preparations. Large stocks or coal
and provisions are being stored and there
is greatly military activity In Manchuria
and the Gulf OF Pechili. The Toxic papers
say things look decidedly ugly in China.
Tho Pekin correspondents state that no
reports are being received at Pekin OF az
fairs In Manchuria since Russia secured
control of communications. From Port Ar
thur II Is reported that no japanese are
now allowed toltravel in Manchurie.
A despatch from New Chwang says that
the British chief OF customs there has
been removed TO another port and his post
given TO young Russian.
When tho Tosa Maru left the Russian
squadron was bpsily preparing on,msnee for nsNS.
May 10. The vessels, which had Just ar
rived to reinforce the fleet. and portion
OF the Russian fleet was to take part tne
aggregate displacement OF the sduadron
being about 10000 tons. The final shafn
fighting Is 10 take place near Tsushima
Straits, and after the manoeuvres tne
squadron will be divided into two sec
lions, one going TO Port Arthur ana the
other TO Vlad,vostock.
prnr.c,-p,us >-r-y, ~,rrvyANn
Pekin. May s.-The Russians, II is an
nounced. have rsoccupied New Chwang
with a large force and have also put gar
risons In the forts at the mouth OF the
Lao river. They are further reported
10 be making extensive warlike prepar-
ations.
The Russians are reported to he con-
slructing forts on the hills near Lao
yung commanding the road between there
and the Yalu river, and they have sr-
ranged to have large quantity OF pre-
visions delivered at New Chwang.
\ dispatch from an official at New
Chwang says Indications point strong
Is TO .hese active prepe4a tibls being n.
tended to guard against operations
against the Russians in Manchuria.
WILL TAKE JOINT ACTION.
Washington. May s.--The state de-
partment mas received OUlclal COMM ma
ton from its agents in China OF the In
crease OF the Russian garrison I'm New
Chwang. Manchuria, and there is reason
TO believe, II President Roosevelt ap-
proves that the department Is prepar-
ing to take vigorous steps i'm the matter.
Secretary Hay is in communication
with President Roosevelt In California
and upon the latter's decision the sec
retary's course will depend. Ii Is stated
that the department has had its patience
taxed by the course OF events In Man
churia and that IT now contemplates a
more radical step than any which has
heretofore marked the negotiations be-
tween the powers on this subject
The proposed step contemplates joint
action by Japan. England and the United
states. Preceding negotiations have been
hampered by the inability OF the United
States to act Jointly with other nations
without violating It's traditions, but 1t
il now hinted that some plan OF coopera-
ton with England and Japan may be
devised which will have the effect OF con-
vincing the Russian government OF the
united determination OF the three nations
TO insist upon Russia's evacuation OF
Manchuria while not actually committing
the United States to formal alliance
This program is subject TO the approval
of the president. II IL is not looked upon
with favor by him the state department.
may fall back upon It's former method
az Individual representation TO Russia
and ask another explanation OF the hap
penines In Manchuria.