The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-05-13
The BEARS GRIP 7IGHTENED.
Russia Throws Mere Troops Into
Manchuria.
MANY FORTS GARRISONED.

MANY FUhES GAhhiSUhED.
Pekin, May S.-The Russians, it is
announced, have reoccupied New
Chwang with a large force and have
also put garrisons in the forts at the
mouth of the Lao River. They are
further reported to be making exten-
sive warlike preparations.
The news of Russian activity, which
comes from a most trustworthy source
at New Chwang, adds that on their
return to New Chwang the Russian
troops brought with them several large
guns. A large force has been ordered
to reoccupy Tien Cbwang Tai. The
Russians have $4,000 troops between
the mouth of the Liao River and Port
Arthur.
The Russians are reported to be con-
structing forts on the hills near Lao
Yung, commanding the road between
there and the Yalu River, and they
have arranged to have a large quantity
Of provisions delivered at New Chwang.
A dispatch from an official at New
Chwang says indications point strong
ly to these active preparations being
intended to guard against operations
against the Russians in Manchuria.
CHINA TOO WEAK TO FIGHT.
London, May S.-The announcement
from Pekin that the Russians have
"reoccupied'' New Chwang must not
be understood as implying that they
ever fully evacuated the place. The
news is taken here to mean that the
town has been reoccupied by the force
the withdrawal Of which was an
nounced in April, when the Russians
said that all the troops except the men
necessary for the police guard had
been removed.
The Chinese ambassador here, in an
interview is quoted as saying he has
not received official confirmation OF
the Russian action at New Chwang. 1t
true, he added, it means that Russia
will eventually occupy the whole
province, and though China is not
prepared for war, she will probably
resent any attempt to do this.
The Russian proceedings at New
Chwang are attributed here to China's
refusal to comply with the demands
which Russia recently submitted.
Yokohama, May 9.-There are per-
sistent report in circulation regarding
the movements of Russian troops along
the Yalu River. Detachments have en-
tered Korea, ostensjbly to protect the
large body Of Russian troops is report
ed to be approaching Win, Korea.
The japanese Government is protest
| ing against these actions.
SECRETARY HAY TAKES PROMPT
ACTIONS.
! Washington, May 9.-The State de-
| partment has received official confirm
alton from its agents in China Of the
increase of the Russian garrison in
New Chwang, Manchuria, and there
is reason to believe, if President
Roosevelt approves, that it is prepar-
| ing to take vigorous steps in the mat
ter. Secretary Hay is in. communlca-
! tion with President Roosevelt in
California, and upon the later's de-
cision the Secretary's course will de-
pend. It is stated that the depart
ment has had its patience taxed by
the course of events in Manchuria, and
that it now contemplates more radical
step than any which has heretofore
marked the negotiations between 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 tradi-
tions, but it is now limited that some
plan of cooperation with England and
Japan may be devised which will have
the effect of convincing the Russian
Government of the united determine
ton of the three nations to insist upon
Russia's evacuation of Manchuria,
while not actually committing the
United States to formal alliance.
This programme is subject to the ap-
proval Of the President. If it is not
looked upon with favor by him, the
State department may fall back upon
it's former method Of individual re-
presentation to Russia and ask another
explanation of the happenings in
Manchuria. In such event the Rus
sian answer is already forecasted by
the officials here. Under the Russian
representation the Powers the
troops were to h We been withdrawn
from New Chwang just one month ago
today. It is understood, as a matter
of fact, that some portion of the Rus
sian force was withdrawn from the
barracks in the city to tents outside.
1t is presumed from Pekin advices
/ that these trops have now returned to
the city.
OUR CHINESE TREATY EN-
! DANGERED.
ACCOMMODATING the news of the reoc-