Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1903-05-09
Big Guns a1d Provisions Provided as if War
Were Contemplated.
AMERICA coSTEMpLATEs JOINT ACTION
State Department Reported Ready to oO-
operate with Britain and Japan.
CHINA PREPARED TO FIGHT FOR RIGHTS
Ambassador I'm London Explains Com
hIct is Not Desired, but Will
Probably Come ~ MuscO-
vites Perseyere.

PEKING, May s-The Russians are re-
ported to be constructing forts on the hill
near Lao Yung, commanding the road be-
tween 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 strongly to
these active preparations being intended to
guard against operations by the Chinese
in Manchuria.
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 Chwang
Tai The Russians have 14,00O troops be-
tween the mouth of the Liso river and
Port Arthur.
Russia's coup has caused profound sur
prise here, as recent developments had led
to the expectation that 1t would compromise
its demands since they had been revealed
to the powers. The latest maneuver is In
terpreted as a reply TO Chinas refusal to
grant its demands, to the protests of the
powers and as a declaration that 1t is ready
10 fight in order to maintain possession OF
Manchuria. II is considered significant
that the Russian army reoccupied certain
strategetical posts at Just about the time
naval reinforcements were reaching the
gulf Of Pc Chi Ii.
The Chinese officials describe the dow
ager empress as being greatly distressed
and as fearing that the Russian aggression
will excite anti-foreign demonstrators, re-
sulting in retaliation on the part OF the
foreigners and introduction of foreign
troops.
1t is stated that Russian influence is be-
ing exerted to conciliate American opinion
and that appeals are being made to the
traditional friendship of the two nations
with the argument that Russian develop
ment OF Manchuria will open a great field
for American commerce, while the opposi-
tIon Of the United States to Russia's plan
might provoke retaliation against American
trade
Marching on Korea.
YOKOHAMA, May 6.--There are per-
pistent reports In circulation regarding
movements of Russian troops along the
Yaiu river Detachments have entered
Korea ostensibly to protect the Russian
timber concessionaries and a large body OF
Russian troops is reported TO be approach
ing Wiju, Korea. The Japanese govern
ment is protesting against these actions
China May Declare War.
LONDON, May S-The announcement
from Pekin that the Russians have "reoc-
cupied" New Chwang must not be under
stood as implying that they ever fully
evacuated the place. The news is taken
here TO mean that the town has been re-
occupied by the force the withdrawal Of
, which was announced in April, when the
Russians said that all the troops except
the men necessary for the police guard had
been removed. The Russian proceedings at
cd 20
China's refusal to comply with the de-
mands which Russia recently submitted.
The Chinese ambassador Is quoted as
saying ne has not received official con-
hrmation of the Russian action at New
Chwans. II true, he added, 1t means that
Russia will eventually occupy the whole
province, and, though China is not prepared
TO- war. II will probably resent any at
tempt to do this.
) Confirms the News.
WASHINGTON, May s-The State de-
partment has received official confirmation
from its agents in China Of the increase of
the Russian garrison in New Chwang.
Manchuria, and there is reason to believe,
II President Roosevelt approves, that II is
preparing TO take vigorous steps in the
matter. Secretary Hay is in communication
with the president in California, and upon
the latter's decision the secretary's course
will depend.
II is stated that the department 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 this government to act Jointly
with other nations without violating its
traditions, but II is now hinted that some
plan OF cooperation with England and
Japan may be devised which will have the
effect OF convincing the Russian govern,
ment Of the united determination OF tn,
three nations to insist upon Russia's evac
uation Of Manchuvia, while not actual,
committing the United States to forma
alliance.
Presidents Approval Necessary.
This program is subject to the approva
OF the president II It is not looked upoI
with favor by him the State department
may fall back upon its former method o
individual representation TO Russia and asl
another explanation OF the happenings il
Manchuria. In such an event the RUSSIA
answer is already forecasted by the ON
cials here.
According 70 advices TO the powers tn
troops were TO have TO withdraw from New
Chwang just one month ago today. 1t &
understood that as a matter OF fact a por
ton of the Russian force was withdraw
from barracks in the city TO tents out
side. II is presumed from Peking advice
that these troops have returned TO tn
city However, II is pointed out that Rus
STA employed a saving clause in the prom
ise TO withdraw from Manchuria, IN
language being provided, however, tina
the action OF the powers shall not stan
IN the way"
Russia. IL is understood. now claims tina
this provision was violated by Japan whe
a moboliEed Its fleet and otherNds
showed signs OF military preparation,