Holbrook argus., 1903-12-05
MIKADO. INSISTS HIS INFLUENCE BE
 RECOGNIZED
Negotiations Believed to De Nearing Completion Anxiety Is Felt at the Attitude of the United States in Insisting on Open Ports

4OhAOS ouVO oOOh oOAdyOA Oy Viceroy Alexieff s return to St. Peters burg, is due to the inability to reach an understanding regarding Korea. Tentative terms on the subject of Manchuria have been settled. Japan recognizes Russia's dominant interest and agrees not to place obstacles in the way of the solution of the prob- lem. While still maintaining the ultimate recognition of her treaty rights, open ports and the integrity of Chinese sovereignty, Japan is content. to leave these questions in abeyance, so as not to embarrass Russia. In re- turn Japan insists on the recognition of her influence in Korea and the opening of Yongampo or other ports to foreign trade. Russia is willing to concede something. but she opposes the opening of Yongampo on the ground of its proximity to the mouth of the Yalu river; on the ground that it will threaten her interests and com plicate her difficulties in Manchuria.
 Russia is doing everything possible to bring the negotiations to con- clusion. Viceroy Alexiff has the czar's orders to this effect. Russia believes it wise to press matters while Japan is in pacific mood, which is attrib- uted to foreign counsel. The chief fear expressed here is that the morale of the United States "Continuous pressure in connection with the open door policy will lead Japan to rash ness. The attitude of the United States causes much nervousness and some anxiety. The Russian view is that no reason exists why the United States should become involved in a quarrel at the instigation of Russia s enemies when her interests, compara. lively insignificant, are not yet in vaded. It is pointed out that last winter and spring the United States was aroused by the persistent declara- tion in the British and Japanese press that Japan would never permit China to sign commercial treaty, yet it was signed on the date fixed.
 The sudden flash of anger in China over the Russian reoccupation oi Mukden because it is the old burial place of the ancestors of the present dynasty, is not considered grave, a { China's impotency is recognized Nevertheless all steps will be taken te avoid rupture, as China's friendship is reeded for the present. Despite the conviction here that the crisis hal passed for the winter, Russia is taking nothing flor granted. Three-quartert of her fleet are massed ln or contigu ous to the Pacific. Nothing prac tically is left on the Atlantic side.
 Travellers who have just returned from Port Arthur report that tho trans from the eastward are still filled with troops and war munitions. It is estimated that Russia now hal more than l50, GOO troops east of Baika prepared for eventualities.
 A telegram from Port Arthur sayl Yum Shi Kai, the governor of Chi L province is expected in the province of Mukden at the end o? November tC negotiate with the Russians.
 There are indications that should the answer of the Russian government be much longer delayed it will bt difficult to repress the impatience ol the army and navy. In circles sup posed to be we'll infor ned it is be- lieved that the Russian answer will