New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-05-09
REOCCUPY NEW -CHWANG.
RUSSIANS BUILD FORTS.
RepIy to China and the Protests of
the POzCers

Peking, May S.-The Russians. it is announced.
have reoccupied New-Chwang with a large force.
bringing several large guns. and have arranged
TO have large quantities Of provisions delivered
there. A large force has been ordered TO re-
occupy 1en-Chwang- Tai and gaTrisOns have
been put in the fort at the mouth Of the Lao
River. The Russians are reported TO be con-
structing forts the hills near Liao-Eung.
commanding the road between there and the
Yalu River They now have fourteen thousand
troops between the mouth of the Lao River and
Port Arthur They have established a con-
sulate at Mukden-
The news Of Russian activity comes from p
most trustworthy source at New-Chwang.
The coup has caused profound surprise here.
as recent developments had led TO the expecta-
ton that Russia would compromise her de-
mands. since they had been revealed TO the
powers. The latest manoeuvre is interpreted as
being intended as a reply to China's refusal 10
grant Russia's demands. TO the protests OF the
powers. and as a declaration that she is ready 20.
fight for possession OF Manchuria- II Is con-
sidered significant that the Russian Army re-
occupied certain strategical posts at about ths
time naval reinforcements were reaching the
Gulf of Pe-Chi-LL The temporary withdrawal
Of the Russian troops from NeW-ChEang is be-
Heved TO have been feint TO avert suspicion
from the contemplated policy until the Russian
SQUADRON was within useful distance It has
been reported recently that Russia ac-
curnulating great stores of provisions and war
materials II is impossible 10 confirm these re-
ports. but IT is known that the Russian mili~
tarv authorities have been buying many horses.
All the information indicates that Russia Is pre-
partng 70 increase. and not decrease her forces
in Manchuria-
The foreign ministers yesterday discussed in
formation to the effect that the Russians mad
taken large tract OF land across the river from
New-Chwang and commanding the terminus OK
the Shan-Hai-Kwan Railroad. It was said
that Russia Informed the Chinese officials that
the tract was needed for drill ground The.
selection OF the site seemed remarkable be-
cause ali the troops were then quartered on ths
opposite side Of the river. several miles distant.
where plenty OF land was available.
The Chinese officials describe the Empress
Dowager as being greatly distressed and as
fearing that the Russian aggression viii excite
anti-foreign demonstrations, resulting in re-
taIiation on the part Of the foreigners and the
introduction of more foreign troops. Nowhers
has A suggestion been heard that China VIII
offer armed resistance TO Russia
Prince Ching, the Grand Secretary, yesterday
secured five days leave of absence This is a
favorite stratagem of Chinese officials who are
desirous of avoiding unpleasant situations.
1t is said here that Russian influence Is being
exerted 10 conciliate American opinion. and
that appeals are being made 70 the traditional
friendship of the two nations with the argurnent
that Russian development Of Nanehuria VIII
open a great field for American commerce.
while the opposition of the United States 70
Russias plans might provoke retaliation against
American trade.
London, May S.-The Russian proceedings as
New -Chwang are attributed here to Chfna's re-
fusaI TO comply with the demands recently sub
mitted by Russia. The Chinese Ambassadors
here is quoted saying that he has not re-
ceived official confirmation OF the report OF Rus
sia's action but that II the facts are re-
ported il means that Russia viii eventually
occupy the whole province. Though China 10
not prepared fO- war. she Will probably. he SAID
resent any attempt to DO this
The announcement that the Russians have
''reoccupiecl'' New-Chwang must not be under
stood as implying that they ever fully evacuated
the place. The news is taken here TO mean tnac
the town has been reoccUpied by the force, ths
withdrawal of which was announced IN APRIL
when the Russians said that all the troops eX-
cept the men necessary for the police guard had
beeU removed