Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-13
PREPARING FOR WAR
Japan Expects to Fight With
Russia.
MANCHURIAN TROUBLE
WAR FEELING VERY STRONG IN
MIKADo's COUNTRY.
Excitement Over Rumored Destruction
Of Powder Factory by Rus
sian Spies.
MANCHURIAN TROUBLE

VICTORIA, B. c., May 13-According to
advices received by the steamer Empress
of India, Japanese arsenals were being
worked day and night provisions were be-
ing concentrated, coal stored on Tspima
Island, and on all sides 1t was evident that
Japan, doubling the extent Of Russia 8
withdrawal from Manchuria, was preparing
for war.
Mr. Sidney Fisher, Canadian minister OF
agriculture, who was one of the passengers
on the steamer, and who had been In close
touch with Japanese royalty and official
DOM says the war feeling in Japan is very
strong and warlike preparations were IN
view. The massing of Russian troops on
the banks of the Yalu. on the pretense that
protection is being accorded to timber con-
cessionaires, was causing strong feellng IN
Japan, this being regarded particularly as
a menace to Japan.
The destruction by fire of the powder fac
tory at Tokiofu has led to sinister rumors
that Russian spies were connected with
the disaster.
Military Activity in Russia.
Russia continues making extensive mill
tary preparations. The North China Daily
News reports that there has been con-
tinuous flow of Russian troops travelling
by train from Harbin to Port Arthur, while
other large bodies have been moving to
the eastern borders of Manchuria, camping
in the vicinity of the Yalu river, which di-
vides that country from Iorea. The war
like movements are causing great alarm to
Chinese officials. and an unnamed Chinese
official is quoted as saying that the Rus
slams are preparing for the inevitable
struggle with Japan, a day which all Chi
neSe officials believe to be not far distant.
One report that has caused great excite
ment in Japan is to the effect that Russia
is endeavoring to make an agreement with
China regarding Manchuria.
The Niroku says the secret treaty pro-
vides for the nsuring to Russia of rights in
Manchuria, Russians alone to be employed
in government offices, and that under no
circumstances shall any one of the three
eastern provinces be alenated to any other
power. In case of any future emergency
necessitating military measures, China and
Russia are to cooperate, and no other
power allowed to interfere.
1t was reported that Wan Wen Shao was
heavily bribed to endeavor to secure this
arrangement for Russia. The British and
American ministers, 1t was said, were max
ing strong objections.
Praise From Minister Conger.
Niroku states that the United States
minister, in an interview with Prince
Ching. praised his courage in rejecting the
Russian demands and advised China to deal
with diplomatic affairs in the future with
the same determination.
The Asap reports several battles as hav-
ing taken place along the Yalu river be-
tween the Chinese mercenaries levied by
Russian and Chinese troops. IN which heavy
losses have occurred on both sides. The
same paper says that mounted Chinese ban
dts are being used by Russia to foment
trouble to give them further excuse for
non-evacuation of Manchuria.
The attitude of japanese papers shows
that the Japanese are keenly alive to the
situation, and that the majority of the pa
pers counsel and appeal to the sword If
Russia does not evacuate Manchuria.
The Hong Kong Telegraph reports that
the Japanese government has instructed its
representatives at Hong Kong and Shang-
hal and in the Straits Settlements to pur-
chase quantities of provisions and supplies
for the Japanese troops.