The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-09
RUSSIA TICHTENS HER GRIP,
REOCCVPIES NEWCHWANG WITH
A STRONG FORCE.
other Military Movements In NIanchuria
Threaten the Peace OF tho Far Fast
Vigorous Protest viii he Entered
by This Government Action
with England and Japan Not Likely Yet.
special Gable Despatch to THE sun.

WIN I,nRIuHu Auu Oap1u wv A<snCiy uCts
Special Gable Despatch TO THE sun.
PEK1S. May s.-The Russians reoccupied
Newchwang on Tuesday in force. They
brought large number of guns with them
and have ordered a big supply of beef on
the hoof.
They have also occupied the forts at the
mouth OF the Lao River and ordered an
other force to occupy Tienchuan al
There are now IA, 600 troops between Port
Arthur and the Lao River. 1t is also re-
ported that they are constructing military
works near Lao Yang, on the road to the
Yalu River
These preparations are regarded as an
extensive scheme on the part of Russia to
fores,all action by countries opposed to her
plans in regard to Manchuria.
The action of Russia in Manchuria
vas complete surprise here, where
il was believed that the Cars Gov
eminent would compromise in view OF
the opposition OF the Powers. The re-
occupation of Newchwang ia interpreted
ms a reply to China refusal to grant the
Russian demands and to the protests OF
the Powers, and furthermore as decla-
ration Of R,lssias preparedness to main
tain by force OF arms her possession Of
Manchuria.
1t is regarded as significant that Rus
sian troops have reoccupied certain stra-
tegical positions at a time when naval re-
endorsements are reaching the Gulf Of
Pechil
There have been reports for some time
that Russia was accommodating great stores
Of provisions and ammunition. These
reports could not be confirmed, but it is
known that she has been buying numbers OF
horses and taking other measures. appar-
emily indicating an increase OF her forces
The Ministers discussed yesterday In
formation to the effect that the Russians
had taken large area on the opposite side
OF the river from Newchwang. command
ing the terminus Of the Newchwang- Shan
haikwan Railway. which, they informed the
Chinese officials. they needed for drill
grounds. 1t Ii remarkable that all the
troops were then quartered on the New
chwang side Of the river, where there is
plenty Of available land.
Chinese officials here represent the Dowa-
ger Empress a. being greatly distressed
she fearing that Russian aggression will
excite antt-foreign demonstrations. with
consequent retaliation and the importation
OF foreign troops, but the suggestion that
China herself will resist Russia with arms
is nowhere made.
Prince Ching, head Of the Board Of Foreign
Affairs, has obtained leave Of absence for Ave
days, which IA interpreted by foreigners
a. showing his desire to escape an I'M
pleasant situation. especially the questions
and protests which are to be expected
from the foreign representatives.
II is stated that Russian influence ia
being exerted In the direction Of oonciliat-
ing American opinion. the traditional
friendship between the two nations being
invoked to that end. together with the
argument that the Russian development
OF Manchuria would open q great field to
American trade. 1t Is added incidentally
that opposition by the United States might
provoke retaliatory commercial measures.
Russia has established . consulate at
Moukden.
LONDON, May e.-The Pekin correspond
ent Of the Times says that the situation
regarding Manchuria is not improving.
China is already giving way. She Is afraid
to open new treaty ports. and has in
structed her treaty commissioners not to
discuss with the American commissioners
the proposed opening OF such ports. since
Russia forbids it. but to the American
and other Ministers interested she protests
that she never intended to open new ports,
and that her present action is not influenced
By Russian menaces.
The weakness Of the Chinese Foreign
Office is distressing and excites pity that
the country is dependent at such crisis
for the retention of semblance Of sov-
eregnty in Manchuria upon decrepit
Prince and the Ministers of the Waiwupu.
Natung, the least feeble Of them is in Japan.
Russia remains in full occupation Of all
her advantages pending the arrival Of
NJ Lessar, the Russian Minister. by which
time she hopes the world will be more recon-
ciled to her position.
Meantime she is preparing for all con-
tingencies. She is storing supplies OF coal
and foodstuifs to degree which is exciting
much attention. The situation at New
chwang is unchanged. Its revenues are
flowing into the Russo Chinese Bank. which
finds their possession powerful lever for
influencing the Chinese.