The Saint Paul globe., 1904-01-31
Bear GrowIs at Uncle Sam.
RUSSIAN cIRcUMLocUTIoN.
Much Time Is Given to Securing Off
cial Reports and Opinions.

|
ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 30.-"It will
be astonishing if Japan remains infiex-
ible,'' were the significant words of an
official of the foreign Office this after
noon, in speaking Of the Russian re-
sponse to the Japanese proposals.,
which will be dispatched to Toxic next
week.
The remark was not intended to con-
vey the idea that japan necessarily
! will accept the full details of the Rus
sian propositions. but rather if she is
actuated by a sincere desire to pre-
serve peace, the answer will offer a
reasonable basis in modus vivendi.
All knowledge of the alleged media
tion proposed by Prince Ching at Pekin
is denied here and a specific denial is
given to the assertion that the Russian
minister there invited Prince Ching to
take such action. The report that a
thousand Russian troops are to occupy
Antung is also contradicted, 1t being
intimated that as this is one of the
open ports of the United States the re-
port might have been put out to arouse
a renewal of hostile feeling in the
United States.
There was practically no division in
sentiment among the emperor's advis-
ers at Thursdays meeting. 1t is point
ed out that much Of the criticism
abroad regarding the delays incident to
the formulation of the present as well
as the former Russian communication,
is largely attributable to ignorance Of
the complicated machinery and delib-
+ 0f Ia
ment The emperor's decisions in all
important matters affecting the en-
pire are always based on most extern
sive and comprehensive reports cover
ing every phase of the subject. 1t is
necessary under the Russian system of
government to have the fullest infor-
nation.
This has the advantage Of placing
all Of the emperor's advisers on record
and making them responsible for the
recommendations they express. In the
case of the Russian response, as an eX-
ample, views and opinions were re-
quested not only from all the ministers
who have departments directly or indi-
rectly involved in the outcome Of the
negotiations, but the government even
SebiiCo 1Ol IilOoC VI ctlllOdsooeibOio cOl OelN.
These widespread exchanges, reaching
into both henispheres, required time.
When all were received they were sub
mitted to the special council on Thurs
day, presided over by Grand Duke
Alexis. The conclusions reached by
the council were drafted by Grand
Duke Alexis and reported back to the
members for signatures, with such
comment and exceptions as each might
make, coupled with the reasons there
for.
An unsuccessful effort has been made
at the British embassy here to con-
firm the report cabled to the state de-
partmept at Washington from Toxic
that Ambassador Scott had pronounced
the reply to be made by Russia to the
last Japanese note as satisfactory. 1t
is known, however that Ambassador
Scott has expressed a hopeful feeling,
based on the emperor's New Years
declarations. AT the Japanese legation
the present moment is regarded as
critical and there is no evidence of a
belief there that the reply will be ac-
ceptable.
British Registry Is Refused.
Special Cable to The Globe.
LONDON, Jan. 30.-Japanese steam