The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-17
II WILL BE 4 STRUGGLE
 ID THE DEATH FOR JAPAN
Now Practically Certain That Russia Cannot Accept the Proposals of Last Note In Their
 Entirety.


 with the foreign office tonight summed up the situation for the Associated Press as follows:
 T only hope the czar will give us peace but my hopes are not strong. If we go to war 1t will be for issues whereon both America and England have insisted diplo- matically. We have received no pledges from any country that in the event of defeat it will step in and save us from being absorbed by Russia, We cannot count even in the extremities on the arm- ed support of any nation. It would be a struggle to the death. Perhaps we are not strong enough to fight Russia. There are two opinions about that"
 Baron Hayashi intimated that he thought Japan was bound to be beaten in the end.
 If we were beaten" the minister re- sumed, Russia would take Korea and Manchuria by right of conquest and possi- bly, Japan. No power on earth could then dislodge her from central China and all the far east. I am sure it is better to go to war when you know you are right even if defeat Is possible, than to see your independenece submerged under a contn-
 
 you eventually Nothing can avert war z ,etween Russian and Japan in future years even if peace is procured now so long as Russia. pursues her present Tar eastern policy.
 ..The American action in enforcing the opening of the Manchurian ports was q splendid example of honest diplomacy. It was a straightforward step which con trasts favorably with Russian methods. A 4t... when the British admiralty bought the two Chilean warships, has taken any prac- tical step to live up to It's diplomatic de- mands upon Russia and in the far east.
 We believe we are now fighting dip lonatic battle in behalf of America and Great Britain. but if only war can settle 1t, we know we shall receive assistance from neither. We are prepared to fight our own battles and take the conse- quences."
 NO CHANGE IN
 FAR EASTERN CRISIS. London January 16.-In the opinion of the British government the end of the week does not mark any change In the far eastern crisis, which more than ever keeps diplomatic circles in London in h state of anxiety.
 The latest, and If 1t had been true the most serious. statement. namely that Russia intended to risk sending her Black sea fleet through the Dardanelles, re- ceived today positive denial from the foreign office. Baron Hayashi, the Japan csc minister. called in Downig street and was told that after making minute in- quries the British authorities were con- vinced that the report was unfounded.
 Regarding the main issue, Baron Ha- yashi and the foreign office had no news. Neither at the Japanese legation nor at the foreign office is 1t expected that any trustworthy indication of the Russian &C., tion will be obtained for several days. The excessive apprehension prevailing in the best informed quarters here. that Russia's answer will precipitate war, Is based more on knowledge of the atti- tude Russia has taken during the pre- vious phases of the controversy, rather than on any definite information of Rus sia's intention under the present acute conditions.
 Not even the czar's pacific utterances can dspell the fear which British of- ficials hold that Russia will not give in. King Edward continues to use his per- sonal influence to an almost unprecedent- ed extent to persuade the czar to main- tain peace. but the kings ministers ap- pear to have practically given up hope that resort to arms can be averted, though even the most pessimistic persons do not look for any culmnation of the crisis within three weeks.
 The suggested intervention in the shape of rendering their good offices on the part of the other powers. is now uni- versally declared here to be quite im- possible.
 How determined Japan Is to force all. the eventualities, can be judged from the fact that she Is negotiating in Eng land for the construction of four batte- ships. not two batteships as previously reported. The negotiations are not yet closed but the contract is likely to be taken up by the largest English firm within a week
 The firm in question informs the Asso- ciated Press that 1t is satisfied Japan is able to carry out a possible war long enough to pay for and use the vessels, which, is necessary could be ready in two years.