The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-01-15

Paris, Jaauary IA strong -
rent of ofEcial sentiment was set III
motion toby favorable to strength
ening the N1and of Russia in her
claims 10 exercise paramount infiu-
ence in Menchuria. 1t is pointed out
that Russia. having conceded Japan'S
paramount influence in Korea, japan
appears to be unwilling TO make a
reciprocal concession by recognizing
Russia.s paramount Influence IN
ManchuEta.
The sneral purport OF the Russian
posItiou- is that japanese merchants
and individuals shall have the right
to free access to MancAuria for pur-
poses of travel and commerce, but
that Russia does not wish this to be
extended to the colonization of Jap
anese-in large communities in Man
chUCLa.
Strong sympathy is expressed here
in behalf of the Russia view as it is
said that the general admission OF
colonization in Nanchuria
would create questions OF political
and racial Nominations Itjs assert
ed TO be in the interest of the COM
merce OF Europe and America. that
RugsIa should replace China's au-
tboritv within Manchuria- 1t is
maintained in governmental quarters
that il is to the general interest OF
Europe and America to give moran
support to a settlement OF the pend
Ing conflict on the basis of Japan's
- l-nraa an6 RIIGC-IFG Au-I
thority in MaDchuria. Those who
are in the best position 10 know
RuSsia's intentions, say her deter
mination to exercise her sphere OF
influence in Mapchu-ia is j~rrevoca-
bic.
Owing to Russiass latest attitude in
il is the view OF ofhcla'
circles here that the main. issue of
the negotiations now centers in Man.
chEria instead of Ko-ea.
Toxic, January 1L-The cabinet
and elder statesmen met for a joint
conference at the official residence
Of Premier Katsura this afternoon.
The Premier, who is ill, EEas not
present. They discussed the. political
aac. strategical situation will re-
port to the throne tomorrow The
note delivered by Foreign minister
Komura on Saturday to Baron de
hOHHn, Inc uEEAd "oo
merely preliminary to Japans for
NAL response, which has not yet been
delivered.
h questions at Issue were dis
cussed at today's conference of the
cabinet and elder statesmen and =
final decision is expected When this
has been reached, the ,conferees will
appear before the :thrdDe and sub
init the answer agreed upon. After
this has been done the final proposals
of Japan will be hanued to sEaron
de E1asen-
Seoul, Korea, January 1.-THE
Japanese minister has made reter-
ated demands, hitherto without re-
suit, ora the Emperor of Korea, that
he recognize a Japanese .Frotectorate
at Korea, he Korean government
holding itself to. the Russo-Japanese
agreement concerning Korea.
Berlin, January 1.-THE Russian
government has informed n powers
that it >gill respect fully the rights
any nation has in Manchu-ia uncer
treaty with China declaration
is made without reservation
Russia gives formal expression ITO
this policy now in ECU of The
controversy with Japan, one Of whose
persistent contentious has been for
q defnatisn of Russia's policy Ia
Manckuria, and ar acknowledgement
of JapaH'S trade privileges. Russia'S
reply has ypsen in substance. as fol-
lows.
I'VE 81 discuss Manchuria
with you any more han we could
Australia o. the Philippines. Man
churia belongs neither to us, nor to
you. 1t does mot lie within the juris-
diction OF either of Is to dispose Of
the future OF M~anchuria-"
Russia. however, is willing to OBJ
serve the treaty rights OF All the
powers in Manchuria and now en-
cages to do so.
Russia, it is added, thus removes
from the negotiations one Of the
points upon which Japan counted for
the moral support of other powers
and wherein she especially had sym
pathy OF the United States and Great
Britain.
London, January lit is learned
by The Associated Press that the
terms enunciated in the forecast OF
the Russian communication to the
powers cabled from Berlin today are
precisely identical with Russia's
former reply of which Japan asked
a reconsideration.
1t is stated that RusSia's last reply
which is now being considered, defers
IN no essential from Russiass previous
proposals., the only difference being
in the wording, together with some
minor concessions concerning Korea,
which it is stated Japan considers
immateriaI,
London. January 1.-THE Daily
Mails Toxic correspondent, cabling