The San Francisco call., 1904-02-24
France Claims Japan
Violated the Law
of Nations.

PARIS, Feb. 23.-Russia has the sym
pathetic support of France in the
formers latest representation to the
powers that Japan is guilty of a viola
ton of international law in conse-
quence of the attacks upon the Rus
sian warships at Port Arthur and Che
mulpo before the declaration of war
No intention exists in official circles to
take up the Russian note on the sub
ject with the view of urging action by
the powers, and it is said that nothing
effective could be done in this direction.
France was satisfied from the first Of
the unjustifability of the japanese ac-
ton, and is anxious that the other
powers should come to appreciate the
enormity of the offense.
In this connection attention is called
to the occupation of Korea by Japa-
nese troops. 1t is pointed OUT that in
spite of the declaration of Korean neu-
trality, which was communicated to all
the neutral powers as well as TO the
belligerents. Japan has not hesitated to
throw troops into Korea and TO estab-
lish base there.
The tone on the Bourse to-day was
exceptionally firm. with an upward
tendency, many securities regaining the
ground lost during the heavy decline on
Saturday
FRANCE MAY PROTEST.
It is suggested in diplomatic circles
that France, which has been charged
with the protection of Russian interests
in Korea, could properly make objec-
ton to the japanese action, but nothing
of this kind has yet been done. The
French legation in Seoul is in charge
of the secretary and interpreter, the
Minister being in Paris on leave of alb
sence, and the Foreign Office is show
ing no inclination to order his immedi-
ate return.
At the Korean legation here to-day
it was said that Korea had declared
her neutrality from the outset and
that. therefore, if the Japanese occu-
pied Korean territory and purposed
marching through Korea on their way
to Manchuria it was not with Koreas
assent, but because she was unable to
prevent it. The legation officials added
that the $4,000 stands of arms recently
ordered by Korea from France would
ItuldlIl dI IlOit5rAon5 1Ol lbC picScIl,
in order that they may not be seized
by the Japanese.
Nothing is known at the French
Foreign Office regarding the report that
the Russian ambassador to Great
Britain, Count Benckendorff, had gone
to St. Petersburg with important pro-
posals from King Edward in the direc-
tion Of peace. SO far as Russia is con-
cerned it is said that she would be
willing to accept overtures on reason
able basis, but it is believed that Japan,
having engaged in the war, will not
withdraw until she has conquered.
Therefore, if any mediation proposal
has been advanced, which is considered
doubtful, it is not expected to be sue
cessful or satisfactory.
PREPARING FOR EMERGENCY.
Concerning the dispatch of French
naval and. military reinforcements to
Indo-China, it is authoritatively stated
that these steps taken are simply in
accordance with the programme adopt
ed two years ago, but which the Min.
lister of Marine failed 70 carry out.
Alive to the possibilities growing out
of the war the Ministry determined
that the immediate execution of the
programme should take place and Pei
etan, the Minister of Marine. is acting
in this sense.
Premier Combes announced at the
council of Ministers to-day the post
ponement of the Interpolation of Fir
min Faure (Nationalist) concerning the
alleged insufficiency of French naval
representation at the seat of way The
postponement was due mainly to the
Governments desire to put off a par