Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-12-23
SITUATION GRAVE.

III
Toxic that the japanese reply to Russia
rejects the fundamental points at issue,
which are understood to include mutual
guarantees for the preservation OF Chi.
nese and Korean sovereignty while Sc
curing their individual interests. The
situation is graver than since the begin
ning of the negotiations, but is still sus,
ceptible to pacific solution if Russia Will
quickly reconsider her reply. The fact
that former Minister Komura called on
Baron De Rosen, the Russian minister,
in Toxic Monday, instead of Baron DE
Rosen calling on Komura is explained
by the fact that the Baron is suffering
from an ear affection. But the explana-
ton has obvious diplomatic significance
and is interpreted that Japan is deter
mined not to afford Russia possible
ground for claiming japanese impetuos-
ity as an excuse. Komura's communi-
cation is not believed officially to neces-
sarity be tantamount to an ultimatum,
as rumored.
War preparations continue apace.
The transports and the warships can
sail at five minutes notice. The Japan
ese government proposes Immediately to
undertake the completion of the Seoul
Fusan Railroad under the direct super
vision of japan. Popular sentiment
and the press are eagerly urging the
government to set limit to the 'Russlan
tactics of aggression and insolant neg
ligence."
The officials of the japanese legation
in Paris insist that they do not believe
there is any immediate danger of war
between Russia and Japan, and express
the opinion that the dispute will be set
tied amicably. They add, however, that
japan will not abandon any OF her
rights in Manchuria and say that If
conflict occurs they believe the japanese
will obtain the first victory on the sea.
Confirmation was obtained from official
sources in Paris yesterday of the reports
that Foreign Secretary Lansdowne and
Foreign Minister Delcasse have within
the last lew days made strong representa-
tions at Toxic with the view to av'rting
y crisis between Russia and Japan.
There is reason to believe that these
representations, coming at the critical
moment, when Japan's reply was being
handed to the Russian minister, Baron
De Rosen, exercised powerful restrain
ing influence. This is especially true OF
Lord Lansdowne, owing to Great Britain
being the ally of Japan. The terms OF
the japanese answer are not yet known,
hut owing to the action taken by Great
Britain and France the officials IN Paris
are confident that her answer permits OF
a continuance of the diplomatic Dego-
tiations towards securing common grants
for an agreement.
A dispatch from Peking says the
Chinese officials are awaking to the
peril confronting China in the event of "a
Russo-Japanese war, and they are great
ly distressed. WI Ting. Fang has been
urging the United States legation on his
own responsibility to seek special audi
ence of the Dowager Empress. and i'm
press on her Chna's periOus position
and the need of strong army and min
listers acquainted with foreign affairs.
China will attempt to remain neutral,
though doubtless she will be subjected to
a strong Japanese pressure to participate
in a conflict for the preservation OF her
integrity. The official recognize that the
remnant of Chira's sovereignty in Man.
churia is lost if Russia succeeds and see
the difficulty of China avoiding becom-
ing entangled in war on her own terri
| tory.