The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-01-06
CAPTAIN Of American Man-of-
War No AIarmist
CRISIS IN FAR EAST EXPECTED
British Press Hopes That Great Brit
aims Vessels VIII Accompany
Those of the United
States to Seoul.

London. January 6.-Nobody will sus-
pect the captain of an American man-of-
war of being a scheming alarmst, says
the standard, editorially this morning.
This sentence expresses the view taken
bv the press of Great Britain of the
grave condition of things in the far east.
as revealed by the fact that the United
States government finds it necessary to
send marines to Seoul for the protection
of American interests. While 1t Is still
hoped that a peaceful issue may be
found, this action of the United states
is held to indicate that the view OF the
situation taken at Washington is that
the crisis is drifting rapidly to the dan
ger point.
The action of the United States is gem
orally approved.
The Morning Post says editorially:
1.-THE landing of American marines
proves that the United States Is not
watching for far eastern imbroglio with
out intelligent interest. We hope they
will be accompanied by British marines"
The Daily Telegraph's Toxic corre-
spondent says:
THE outlook is very warlike The
people are commenting on the absence OF
Baron DeRosen (the Russian minister
to Japan from public functions for the
last few days.
Suspension of Steamer Service.
The Daily Malls Toxic correspondent
reports the suspension of the steamer
service from Kobe to Korea owing to the
apprehension that hostilities will soon
break out.
The correspondent says the rumor that
Russia has landed troops at Mokpho,
proves to be incorrect
The Shanghai correspondent of the Dai-
ly Mail learns that General Yuan Shi Kai,
the commander-in- chief of the Chinese
army and navy has ordered the cruisers
now in the Woo Sung river to be prepared
for war.
The Chez Foo corresrc4 zeria lof tbs
Morning Post says thatsin the event OF
war, Wei Hal Wei will be abandoned as
useless. as 1t is not fortified. The cores
pondent heard that great precautions are
being taken by vessels entering Port Ar
thur. as it is feared that some attempt
may be made to sink them and so block
the channel.
Japanese Troops Ready to Land.
Paris, January 6.-The Che Foo cores
pondent of the Paris edition OF the New
York Herald cables
Eight thousand Japanese troops are
ready to land at Mazampho, and their
landing will probably mean war.
"A regiment of cossacks is expected at
Port Arthur.
Reserves are being moved from Blago-
vicschensk (the capital of the Amur pro-
vince in eastern Siberia) to Tsitsiher Is
land in Manchuria-
s.The position of the troops in Manchur-
la is being re-arranged, but their loca-
ton is kept secret"
German Squadron to Move.
Berlin, January 6.-The Koelnsche Zei-
tung in publishing the news that the Ger
1lan far eastern squadron had been or
dered to concentrate at Tsin Chou, says:
1.-The vital political interests of Russia
and Japan are clashing so sharply that
the yielding of either country would mean
the abandonment of those interests. The
die soon must be cast, as the play with
notes cannot last much longer.
The Views are regarded here as being
inspired especially coming from the
mouthpiece of the foreign office in inter-
national politics.
Russia Wanted Neutral Zone.
Paris, January Sit developed today
that the greatest difference between Japan
and Russia arises from the proposal
made by Russia that neutral zone shall
be established extending from Hing Yang,
in Korea. on the South Russian frontier,
10 the north. The Russian government
has expressed a willingness to recognize
the prepcnderating influence of Japan In
the remainder of Corea, and the two
powers are agreed respecting the prin-
ciple Of integrity of China and Corea.
Japan however, saw no reason why a
neutral zone should be established, hold
ing that the entire peninsula should be
subject to preponderating influence.
The attitude of Russia is believed to
be due to the fact that if Japan controls
Korea. she will thereby be able to more
easily menace Port Arthur as well as
Vladivostock The diplomat who gave
to the Associated Press the foregoing in
formation. expresses himself as confident
that Russia, in her reply to Japan, will
give way on this vital point
Cabinet Goes Over Situation.
Washington, January 5.-Long and
careful consideration was given to the
situation in the far east today by the
President and his cabinet. This govern
ment has been keeping in close touch
with the progress of events in the orient
through diplomatic channels, but the in
formation received is more carefully
guarded. At the conclusion Of the cabi-
net meeting, the members were unusual
ly reticent.
Scarcely an intimation Of the subject
could be obtained. 1t is felt by officials
improper to publicly discuss a subject so
delicate as that which is pending be-
tween Japan and Russia in which the
United States is one of the principal
parties.
This governments relations to the con-
troversy are purely commercial. If war
between Japan and Russia should re-
suit while 1t Is not expected that even
in a remote way the United States would
be drawn into It, efforts certainly would
be made by this government to protect
its commerce in the far east. To afford
this protection in such a way to not Of
fend any nation party to the war, both
of whom are on friendly terms with the
United State would be difficult and
delicate task 1t is not unlikely that this
subject will be considered at meetings
of the President and his cabinet
Assurance is given that nothing Of i'm
portance regarding the Panama canal was
considered at the meeting
Important appointments in the army are