The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-23
JAP PUG YAPS IN
THE BEARS. FACE
| Reject Your Fundamen-
tai Proposals, Bruin.
AND THE TiMiD SHAKE
If Russia Will Quickly Reconsider Her
Reply, Peace May Yet Smile;
0therwise---johny, Go Get
Your Gun---Yes, and
Your Powder, Boy.
(By the Associated Press }

Toxic Dec. 22.-It is asserted that in
official circles here that the japanese
reply to Russia rejects the fundamental
points 1t issue which are understood 20
include mutual guarantees for the preser-
walton of Chinese and Corcan sovereignty
while scoring their individual interests.
The situation is graver than since e
commencement OF the negotiation, but is
still susceptible to a pacific solution it
Russia will quickly reconsider ner reply.
The fact that Foreign Minister Komura
called on Baron De Rosen, the Russian
Minister yesterday instead of Baron De
Rosen calling on Komura IS explained by
the fact that the Baron is suffering from
an ear affection. But the explanation has
obvious diplomatic significance and Is in
terpreted that japan is determined not
to afford Russia possible ground Tor
claiming Japanese imPetuosity as an eX-
cuse. Komura's communication is not be-
lieved officially to be necessarlally tanta-
mount to an utimatum, as rumored.
War preparations continue apace. The
transports and the Warships can sail at
five minutes notice.
The japanese government proposes i'm
mediately to undertake the completion Of
the Seoul Fusan Railway, under the direct
supervision of Japan.
Popular sentiment and the press are
eagerly urging the government 10 set q
limit to the Russian tactics of aggres-
sion and insolent negligence"
Paris, Dec. 22.-Confirmation was OBJ
tined from official sources today OF the
reports that Foreign Secretary Lansdowne
and Foreign Minister Delcasse have with
in the last few days made strong repre-
sentations at Toxic with the view 10
averting crisis between Russia and ia
pan. There is resason to believe that
these presentations, coming at the critl-
cal moment when Japans reply was be
ing handed to the Russian Minister,
Baron De Rosen, exercised a powerful re-
straining influence. This is especially
true of Lord Lansdowne, owing 10 Great
britain being the ally of Japan. Tho
terms Of the japanese answer are not
yet nown here, but owing to the action
taken by Great Britain and France the
officials here are confident that her an
swer permits of a continuance of the
diplomatic negotiations towards securing
common grounds for an agreement.
Paris, Dec. 22.-Press dispatches from
Toxic affirm that the japanese ministers
abroad have been instructed to deny the
sensational reports regarding the rela-
tions between Japan and Russia and to
say that while Japan replied to Russia
yesterday her response was not in the
nature of an ultimatum, that it demands.
simply, changes in some of the determ-
ned points and, finally, that Russia IS
ready to continue the exchange OF dlpio-
matic views. 1t is added that the Japa-
nese now give evidence of a pacific ten
dcncy. This information accords with
the view prevailing in diplomatic circles
here.
The Temps today published the follow
ing on authority
"The fears OF a Russo-Japanese cor
fict at present are without foundation.
II is even said that an agreement is about
to be reached on the main POINTS at IL
sue and it is on'v a question of form.
or more correctly of pride which is
causing the two powers to hesitate. But
it is desired and hoped that . comDro-
mise satisfactory to both parties will be
arranged" ;"