The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1903-07-13
RUSSIANS
NOT MAPPING
Conference Of Officials at Port Arthur
Means Business,
RESENT OUR CRITICISMS.
High omcials Deprecate War Talk,
While sailors and Troops Arc
DrflIfng-Governme coinpa-
ny Active In Manohurfa.

Port Arthur, July 13.-The visit Of
all the prominent Russian officials In
China, 1Ianehuria and Korea to this
place IS strictly business one and in
no way junket The local officials
had arranged an elaborate programme,
covering the week, for the entertain
ment Of the visitors, but after review
OF 10000 troops on the race track Gen
eral Kuropatkin, Russian minister Of
war. announced that the remainder Of
the visit must be devoted to work
General Kuropattin presides daily over
long conferences, which, 1t is expected,
will continue until July IA.
When questioned regarding the pur-
pose of the meeting the officials present
explained that Minister Kuropatkin de-
sired to obtain the fullest information
concerning Russia's interests and work
in the far east and naturally requested
the officials to meet him, since 1t was
impossible that he should visit all Of
them. 1t is inumated that one impor
tant question to be discussed is the
matter Of the consolidation Of the gov
eminent of Russias adjacent posses
sions in the far east under one admin
istration, with a governor general di-
recting the whole
High officials strongly depreeate the
war talk which is rife among officers
OF lower rank and civilians. All who
talk Of war profess to despise Japan as
an antagonist.
Reaent American Criticism.
The policy Of the United States gov
eminent on the Manchurian question
Is generally regarded here with surprise
and resentment, comments being made
to the effect that the Russians expected
Great Britain TO antagonize their prog
ress, but relied upon the traditional
friendship OF America to secure Ameri-
can approval Admiral Alexieff, who
hitherto has received visiting CORE
spondents with marked eordiality, re-
piled, through his secretary to an
American who sought an interview
with him that, considering the recent
hostility Of the American and British
press toward Russia, be could see no
reason why he should grant fayors to
their correspondents.
The presence Of a British squadron
at Weihaiwei and Of American war
ships at Chefu Is a subject Of great I'M
terest to the Russian officers, who ask
many questions regarding the mission
and movements Of the British and
American war vessels AIT Port Arthur
there are twelve Russian battle ships
and cruisers. four Of which are regular
| ~ stationed there, and at Vladiyostoh
are forty -five smaller craft most 81
them torpedo boats or torpedo boat De
stroyers.
Troops Gathering ~ Port Arthur.
The number Of troops at Port Arthur
aud in its environs is, according to tbs
best information, 10000, and the rail
way company Is preparing TO bring 1G,
600 more The fleet and army are dis
| playing the most unusual activity ],
the drilling Of the men.
An organization has been formed
called the Russian Mining and Lumbe
Production Company Of the Far East
Nomlnally it Is commercial company
but practically government institu
ton. Its president Is Baron Gunsburg
Russia's political agent In Korea, an,
a majority Of the directors are officials
among whom are q number of arm,
officers The company controls timbe
/ H,I.,
TO construct tramways and electri
lighting systems in Newchwang, AIuk
den and elsewhere. It has asked Por
Arthur contractors TO submit proposal
for these works and has engaged engi
neers to make investigations regarding
the Manehurian coal mines. It has ais
purchased four large steam lighters {
convey lumber from the Yalu to adja
cent ports.