The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-12-25

Toxic, December 22.-It is asserted
IN Official circles here that the Japan
ese reply to Russia rejects the funda-
mental points at issue, which are un-
derstood to include mutual guarau-
tees for the preservation of Chinese
and Corean sovereignty while secur-
ing their individual interests.
The situation is graver than since
the commencement of the negotia-
tons, but is still susceptible of a pa
cltic solution if Russia will quickly re-
consider her reply
The fact that Foreign Minister
honura called on Baron de Rosen.
the Russian minister yesterday instea 4
or Baron de Rosen calling on Komura
IS explained by the fact that tbe
paron is suffering from an ear affec-
uon. But the explanation has obvious
diplomatic significance and is intar-
preted that Japan is determined not
10 anord Russia possible ground for
clalmlng japanese impetuosity rs an
excuse. komura's communication is
not believed officially to be necessarily
tantamount to an ultimatum. as ru-
mored.
war preparations continue apace.
The transports and the warshfps IAN
san at five minutes notice.
Inc japanese government propose
Immediately to undertake the com
pletlon of the Seoul Fusan railroad
under the direct supervision Of Japan.
popular sentiment and the press
are eagerly urging the government to
set limit to the Russian tactics of
farlS, December 22.-COnflrmation
was obtained from official sources to-
DAY OF the reports that Foreign Sec
retary Lansdowne and Foreign Minis
~ Del Casse have within the last
rev DAYS made strong representations
at TOXIC with the view to avertina n
Crisis between Russia and japan.
There is reason to believe that these
representations, coming at the criti-
cal moment when Japan'S reply was
being handed to the Russian minister.
baron de RoSen exercised powerful
restraining influence. This is .spe-
clally true Of Lord Lansdowne, OWING
20 Great Britain being the ally of
Japan.
The terms of the Japanese answers
are not yet here, but owing to the or-
ton taken by Great Britain are
France, the officials here are conf
uent that her answer permits Of a
continuance of the diplomatic neso-
liat1ons towards securing common
grounds for an agreement
Paris, December 22-Press dis
patches from Toxic affirm that II, .
japanese ministers abroad have heer
instructed to deny the sensational rn-
ports regarding the relations between
Japan and Russia and to say that
while Japan replied to Russia YES
terday her response was not in the
nature of an ultimatum. that it de-
mands, simply, changes in some Of
the determined points and, finally that
Russia is ready to continue the ex-
change of diplomatic views 1t IS
added that the Japanese now give e7-i-
dence of pacific tendency. This in
formation acCords with the view ore
vailing in diplomatic circles here.
The Temps today published the
following on authority: The fears OF
4 Russo-Japanese conflict at present
IRE without foundation. 1t is ever
! said that an agreement is about to be
reached on the main points at issu"
| md 1t is only a question of form, ol
| more correctly of pride, which is
| causing the two powers to hesita1e
| But 1t is desired and hoped that .
| compromise satisfactory TO both par.
! ties Will be arranged"