The Indianapolis journal., 1904-02-09
ALEXIEFF MUST NOT
PROVOKE HOSTILITIES

ST. PETERSBURG, Feb Sat an i'm
portant council held at the palace to-day
under the presidency of the Gar, it was
decided to telegraph TO Viceroy Alexieff
to scrupulously avoid any step which might
provoke hostilities
The situation automatically is delicate
and anomalous. Just what Japanese ac-
ton Russia would consider a cause for war
under the circumstances is not clearly de-
fined, but it is pointed out that when Japan
abruptly severed diplomatic relations noti-
ficatiOn was given concerning the Russo
Japanese treaties of 1896 and 1898, covering
Korea. These treaties provide for the in
dependence of Korea, and in view of the
commercial interests of Japan in the her
NIT kingdom Russia therein recognized
Japans right to send troops to Korea for
the preservation of order. There IS, how
ever, an important restriction. In case
Japan considers IL necessary TO avail her
self of this clause. Russia must receive an
advance notification. The treaties are Spe-
ciic on this point. Technically the land
ing of a Japanese army in southern Korea
without the notification, which Japan could
not give now that diplomatic relations
have ceased. would be breach of the spirit
of the convention. The Russian authori-
ties declare their position automatically is
very strong.
1t is possible. however, that Russia.
Unsteady of insisting on the invola-
biIity of these treaties at this June
ture, will take her stand on the contentious
set up in the negotiations and
await a Japanese invasion of northern
Korea. for the neutrality of which Rus
sa insisted, as an overt act equivalent to
war The situation is such that the au-
| thorities are prepared at any moment to
hear that Japan has made an aggressive
move which would make a semblance OF
peace any longer impossible. and the Car
| is making dispositions accordingly.
| Although in diplomatic circles there still
| is some vague talk TO the effect that hos
| tilitieS may be averted this hope is re-
| garded as so slender as hardly to be worth
| considering. Mediation is believed to be
/ impossible unless the two adversaries ash
| for it, Neither France nor Great Britain
is in a position to offer their good offices
| ON account OF their alliances and the dis.
/ trust here OF the United States would make
/ IL difficult for America TO do so. In short
| war is regarded here as practically newt
| able and the general impression among mil
| itary men is that once the torch of war /.
| lighted IL will De the signal for a long anC
bitter contest, with no chance to place
| limits on the extent OF the confiagration.
| 4 DrOminent diplomat in close sympa thy
! with the Russians told the correspondent
| of the Associated Press to-day, however
| that when war has actually begun he be
| Ueved the powers. which have been doins
| their utmost TO prevent conflict, nigh
| more easily propose mediation than durinl
| the urogress of the negotiations.
| The people OF the Russian capital hav
| been thoroughly aroused by the Japanes
| action and war is the only subject dis
| cussed. The greatest activity prevails il
| government circles. Heavy snow is fall
| ing and the streets are filed with march
| Inc soldiers In campaign uniforms.
| IN the first hours of excitement after tn
| racsint OF the news OF the japanese actor
the imperial train was ordered 10 be II
| readiness to start fer Moscow. but sine
than calm counsels prevailed and the orde
.+as countermanded. The Cars departur
! CONTINUED ON PAGE .. COL %