davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-14
AMERICAN WHIST LEAGUE.

Annual Midwinter Meeting to Be Held
at Scranton, Pa, Tomorrow.
The American Whist League will hold Its
annual midwinter meeting at Scranton. Pa,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-14
AIErRoPoLrTANS.

Totals $500. 754
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
SUPPORT FOR HAYS PLAN.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.-AnnOunce-
ment may be expected from the State
Department, probably tomorrow. of
the hearty Endorsement by the Euro
rean powers of the note of Secretary
Hay calling on them to take concurrent
action with the United States in its eff
forts to insure the neutrality of China
and to confine the Japanese Russian
war to these two combatants. A suf-
ficient number of governments already
have been heard from, including Great
Britain. to insure the success of SecTe-
tary Hays latest diplomatic move.
Japan, it can be stated on the highest
authority, welcomes the action of this
Government and while up to a late
hour tonight the Russian position has
not been ascertained. officials of the
State Department feel confident the
representations of this Government will
be received with favor at st. Peters
burg 1t is felt that any official word
on the subject would be imDrudent al
present, but it can be said that unOf
ficially IL was known in advance that
Germany and Great Britain and France
and Japan were all anxious that the
neutrality of China be preserved.
Unofficial pourparlers on the sub
ject were exchanged and it was pointed
out by European diplomats that the
United States held the key TO the situa-
tion. being free from entangling alli-
ances. At the Japanese legation the
principle for which Secretary Hay is
contending is heartily indorsed.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10

of the japanese reserves in this city,
and as many more in Los Angeles and
Tacoma"
For the past week callers at the Of
fee and residence of Kosakevitch
have been refused an audience and
invaris bly, given the information that
Mr.. Kosakevitch is not at home" or
is "out of town"
The Japanese American. a publica-
tion of this city, is in receipt of infor-
nation that there will be seven or
eight japanese sail for the Orient to-
day. in addition to those mentioned by
the Consul. These men will pay their
own expenses en- route and are MEM
bers of the imperial bodyguard of
Japan.
The members of the japanese
Benevolent Society held a committee
meeting in their hall on Bush street
last evening for the purpose of decid-
ing on a course of procedure toward
raising a subscription to. be known as
the army fund. A similar society was
recently organized at Sacramento, in
which large sum was raised. which
viii be sent to Japan as soon as pos
sible.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
ARMIES SOON TO CLASH.
japanese Force VIII at Once Advance
Upon Manchuria.

LONDON, Feb. 9.-The Japanese
Minister Baron Hayashi, said this aft
ernoon:
Russia is making desperate efforts
through the various embassies. to have
the powers intervene. Russia is now
willing to concede everything, but the
offer comes too late"
Baron Hayashi says the Japanese
fleet is not likely to blockade Port Ar
thur. His knowledge of the Japanese
naval plans, as tentatively reported.
leads him and others here to believe
that the Japanese fleet is now lying be-
tween Chefu and the Yalu River,
screening the landing of the troops
one army corps at Fusan and two at
Penyang, Korea.
Night torpedo attacks on the part of
the Japanese fleet will, it is believed, be
kept uD so long as the Russian fleet
maintains its necessarily open position
outside of Port Arthur. This will be
done in the hope of breaking the Rus
slams nerve
The troops landing at Penyang will
be pushed toward the Manchurian from
tier. Those at Fusan will proceed to
Seoul.
Unless Viceroy Alexieff assumes the
aggressive no serious naval battle is
expected until the Decentralization of
the Japanese troops is completed.
r A dispatch from Rome saying that
the japanese Government had pur-
chased the Chilean battleship Captain
Prat, the cruiser Chacabuco and the
gunboat Almirante Condell was pro-
nounced untrue by Baron Hayashi.
The Nippon company's London agents
have heard nothing of the alleged cap
ture of the steamship Inaba Maru near
Hongkong by Russian warships, as re-
ported by news agency in the United
States to-day. 1t is asserted here that
Russia has no warshiDs in the vicinity
of Hongkong. and that, therefore, the
Inaba Maru cannot have been captured.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10

WASHINGTON. Feb. 9.-Secretary
Hay has addressed an Identical note
to a number of European powers TO
ascertain if they are willing TO join IN
a notice to Russia and Japan that
during hostilities and thereafter the
neutrality and integrity of China must
be recognized.
Details of the note are not obtain
able in advance of the receipt of re-
plies 1t is known, however, that ex-
changes already have taken place
which justify the State Department in
expecting favorable responses to its
note. The matter has created great
sensation in diplomatic circles here.
1t is further learned that the prOpO-
sitiOn of the United States contem-
plates a restriction OF hoSuliles and
the consequent hardships of war TO
the smallest possible area. Just what
this means is not made clear to the
public, but the determination may
have the greatest effect upon the
struggle between Russian and Japan.
1t is almost certain that neither Will
be allowed to invade China proper,
meaning by that that they may not
with hostile intent go southwark be-
low Shanhaikwan, on the border line
between Chill and Manchuria- 1t is
a grave question whether or not it viii
apply also to Korea, which is striving
desperately TO preserve neutrality and
prevent invasion, but the general
opinion is that 1T is too late in that
case to do more than seek to preserve
Korean independence after the war.
No explanation is accorded as TO
whether Manchuria itself, already the
scene of the first battle off Port Ar
thur, is, being part of China, regarded
as being within the scope of the prop
osition, but here, as in the case of ko-
rea, it is believed that the determina-
ton will not be reached before the
close of the war.
The exchanges referred to. as pre-
liminary to the issue of the note. have
been going on for several weeks in
anticipation of an outbreak of HOSTILE
ties. 1t was at first supposed that the
intention was to do no more than to
open the door in Manchuria, but it is
apparent that there is deeper pur-
pose and that from the original
thought the proposition has grown in
to one that will conserve the territorial
integrity of China. 1t Is pointed out
that some such outcome followed the
Chino-Japanese war. so that after all,
the present action is within the line of
precedence.
1t is understood in regard to restrict
ing warlike operations to the narrow
est possible limits that the proposition
took the form of note to Russia and
one TO Japan suggesting some such
limitation. In addition, the powers
were called on by the United states TO
address themselves in the same fashion
to Russia and Japan. and it is intimat-
ed that these suggestions have been
we'll received.
PARIS, Feb. 9.-United States En-
bassador Porter called at the Foreign
Office to-day and conferred with Del
casse. the Foreign Minister. The prin-
Ciples of Secretary Hays note to the
powers are identical to those which
have been the features of Frances Chi
nese policy. but in view of the out
break of hOstilities il is believed here
that Delcasse will want to inform him
self of the views of the other powers,
especially Russia. on this question be-
fore definitely committing the French
Government.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
NEUTRALITY OF AMERICA.

WASHINGTON, Feb. a. AT the
Cabinet meeting to-day long and care
full consideration was given to the sit
uation developed by the Russo-Japan-
ese war. 1t is not expected that the
United States Government will be
drawn into the conflict. although its
progress will be watched closely and
anxiously by this Government Early
to-day the President and Secretary
Hay,sas we'll as Secretaries Taft and
Moody. were placed IN possession OF
TIE news carried by the press of the
naval conflict near Port Arthur Prior
to the Cabinet meeting this was the
only information concerning the bat
tie which had been received by the ad-
ministration. Dispatches from Minis
ter Allen at Seoul, Korea. received
this morning. did not mention the
naval engagement.
1t was decided that the United States
should preserve absolute neutrality be-
tween the combatants, but it is scarce
ly likely that a proclamation formally
announcing that decision will be made
until official adVices or the actual be-
ginning of hostilities have been re-
ceived Admiral Evans cruiser squad
ron will observe the naval operations
of the war.
The Cabinet also discussed briefly
the Panama canal situation, but no
information concerning the details OF
the discussion were disclosed.
Secretary Hay, who attended the
meeting to-day, is much improved in
health, and took an active part in the
deliberations.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
ORDERS TO FIGHTING BOB"

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.-Orders were
cabIed to-day to Rear Admiral Evans
to send his cruiser squadron, consist
ing Of the Albany. New Orleans. Raj
cigh and Cincinnati. from Subig Bay
TO some point in Chinese waters yet to
be determined. for the purpose of OO-
serving the naval operations. 1t is ex-
pected that the squadron can coal and
get under way within two days.
Admiral Evans is expected 20 keep
the battleship squadron in Philippine
waters throughout the period of hOstil-
tiles between Russia and Japan This
decision was reached at the Cabinet
meeting to-day after long eOnsidera-
ton. 1t has been definitely settled
that the cruiser squadron will not so
TO Port Arthur.
Admiral Evans is not instructed re-
garding his own NOV emenJ, but IT -
believed in naval circles that he viii
transfer his flag TO the Albany. and
proceed nOrthward with the squadron
1t is understood tonight that the
squadron will proceed from Subig Bay
to HongkOng and will not go farther
north for the present In case no eX-
ception is taken by either of the COM
batant powers. the feeling in naval cir
cles is that the squadron should go on
to Chefu so that the officers NAV be IN
a position TO observe the naval opera
tions. In case this is decided on sup
Elementary orders Will be cabled 10
Admiral Evans.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
Preside Officers Make
Careful Study of
War Ground.

The news of the commencement of
hostilities in the Orient caused more
or less commotion and excitement at
army headquarters yesterday and war
was practically the entire subject of
| conversation there during Office hours.
General Macarthur and his staff
spent a large part of the afternoon
poring over maps of every kind, size
and description in order to become
familiarized with the scene of the
present action and the surrounding
country and waters contingent there
to, over which the conflict will proba-
bly, take place. Major West, aid to
General Macarthur, and Colonel
George Andrews, adjutant general,
were much interested in the little ISL
and of Tsushima lying in the channel
midway between Japan and Korea,
as from indications this little spot may
play a most important part in the
naval portion of the war. This island
is so located as to practically com
mand the channel with the assistance
Of a small naval force. and the war
vessels of Russia from Vladivostok
would find 1t no easy task to get
through the channel should they
wish TO pass through the straits in
their desire to get into the yellow
Sea.
Tsushima, or Tsusima, as it is
sometimes called, consists of two lofty
wooded volcanic islands in the strait
of Korea, about midway from Korea
and KiuShin. It is about thirty-five
mills long and about twelve miles
broad. It's capital is Izunohara, sit
uated near its southern end. On the
west shore in "a degrees 20 minutes
north latitude is a magnificent inlet
nearly landlocked, with several minor
inlets, each capable of sheltering
whole fleets in deep water close 10 the
shore and communicating by mar
row channel at high water with the
east coast. The area of the islands
is about 210 square miles and the
population Of $1,000. From Ko point
its most southern extremity, to the
main island of Japan, il is about fifty
miles, and from its most northern
point to Korea it is about thirty miles
From Nagasaki it is barely distant
100 miles. Being in this position
japan could use this island as sort
of place to center troops and then
with ease jump them into Korea, only
| thirty miles distant, when opportunity
offered.
The fine harbor has been a sort of
way station in the commercial rela-
! tions between Japan and Korea.
1t is rumored that the Japanese
have been quietly fortifying the splen-
did harbor there and that they have
practically an impenetrable fortress
| there now.
Major C.. A. Devol, quartermaster
of the transport service, in speaking
of the Japanese soldiers, said: They
are a very tenacious lot, quick. active.
hardy and splendidly drilled. They
are cohesive and are certainly pos
sessed of great mobility. They re-
quire very little food and diet of
rice and dried fish is fully sufficient to
met their needs. They are great
walkers and can easily march four
miles an hour without any exertion.
They may be small of stature and few
in numbers compared with the great
forces of the Russians, but in disci-
pine, alertness and endurance they
will certainly give the soldiers of the
Gar a good tussle."
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
REPORT A RUSSIAN WAR VESSEL
WATCHING FOR JAPANESE LINER
Anxiety Felt as to Safety of Togo Kisen Kaisha'S
Steamship America Maru Owing to
Recent Incident on Ocean.

According TO information that came
10 hand in this city yesterday, a Rus
sian warship is supposed TO be hover
ing somewhere between the Hawaiian
Islands and Japan in order to inter
cept the America Maru Of the Togo
Kisen Kaisha steamship line, which is
en- route 10 Yokohama.
The information concerning a Rus
sian warship reached the japanese
Consulate yesterday. The information
was based on statements made by
some Of the crew Of the collier Hero
which is lying off Port Los Angeles.
Some OF the crew Of the Hero are
Japanese and their statements made
yesterday were telegraphed to this
city.
The men claim that while the Hero
was about nine days of Port Los An
geles. after leaving Honolulu,
warship bore down upon them, but
kept out Of speaking distance. The crew
Of the Hero assert that the stranger
was flying the Russian flag and that
she was heavily armed
When the Hero displayed the Aus
trian flag the warship changed her
course and disappeared in the distance.
Others Of the crew Of the Hero, in ad-
dition to the japanese, cOrroborate the
story concerning the Russian warshlp'
but the officers have so far not made
anv official statement OF the incident.
In shipping circles in this city
many rumors have circulated in the
last two weeks that a Russian war
ship had been sighted in the track or
vessels plying from San Francisco TO
japan No official report has been
made in the past month OF any Rus
sian warship calling at Honolulu.
The capture of the America Maru
would be a valuable prize for Russia.
as the vessel is carrying a quantity OF
war material for its home Govern
ment.
The America Maru left her on jan
1larv 25. after being delayed for some
davs by the rumor OF war between
Russia and Japan. She carried twen-
ty-three cabin passengers and cargo
of foodstuffs. guns and ammunition
for the japanese Government She
called al Honolulu six DAYS after her
departure and is due AT Yokohama at
the end Of this week.
It is possible that she may have been
followed from Honolulu by the report
ed Russian warship. The America
Maru. with her sister ships. the Hong
kong Maru and the Nippon Maru, have
been acquired by the japanese Govern
ulent in order TO be converted into
cruisers. in accordance with the con-
tract Of the TOYO Kisen Kaisha Com
pany and the Government Of Japan.
The Nippon Maru and the Hongkong
Maru are now in japanese waters,
having arrived at Yokohama in jan
uary.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
Warships Sail for San Dominpo

SAN JUAN, Feb. 9.-The cruiser
Dixie took coal here and sailed on rush
orders to Santo Domingo this after
noon. 1t is reported here that the
cruisers Montgomery and Detroit. now
at Culebra. have been ordered from
there to Porto Plata.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.-Drastic mea-
sures will be taken by this Government
to end the anxiety in Santo Domingo.
Continued violation of international
law, the destruction of American prom
erty and disregard of foreign interests
have convinced officials that affairs
there can best be improved by force. It's
handling has been turned over to the
navy, and Secretary Moody is sending
tonight supplementary instructions to
Rear Admiral Wise, commanding the
training squadron now in Dominican
waters giving him wide latitude in the
course he is to follow. Rear Admiral
Wise has been told, in a word, to pro-
tect by force American interests and
to deal with each case on it's own mer-
its. The reports received from the ISL
and show, as an official expressed il
tonight. that the condition of affairs
there is semi barbaric." 1t is believed
here that he has already taken steps
to obtain apology and full reparation
for the firing on the New York.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
CRUSHING BLOW TO RUSSIA.
CONSERVATION on Cars Fleet After
the Japanese Attack.

the Japanese Attack.
LONDON. Feb. 9.-In a dispatch from
Chefu. dated February 8. a correspond
ent of the Daily Express says:
THE Japanese have dealt the Rus
slams a crushing blow at Port Arthur.
An advance squadron of the Japanese
fleet under command of Vice Admiral
Togo, and comprising sixteen battle
, ships and cruisers, with a numerous
torpedo f1otilla, left the main fleet off
Shantung Peninsula on Sunday, imme-
diately when the news of the diplo-
matte rupture became known. This in
formation was conveyed to the Japan
csc admiral by a destroyer dispatched
from Tsushima On Saturday evening.
The Japanese scouting cruisers had
given accurate information of the pre-
carious situation of the Russian fleet
outside Port Arthur. The squadron
steamed slowly in battle formation on
Sunday at midday toward its goal and
came within sight of Port Arthur un-
/ der cover of darkness. 1t continued
slowly outside without showing lights
The Russians were lying in the road
stead, apparently feeling secure from
attack. Nearly all the Japanese tor
pedo- boats were dispatched on their
dangerous and daring attack They
rushed full steam on the enemy. who
were completely surprised.
A great rattle of small arms greet
ed the invaders, who. however. es-
capped unhurt and the Retvizan. Cesar
evitch and Pallada were almost i'm
mediately torpedoed. The Japanese
dashed along the entire line of the
Russians exposed now to a terrible
fire from machine guns and small
arms from both the ships and the
shore. There was the utmost con-
sternation among the Russians, which
probably accounts for the Japanese
torpedo-boats escaping practically un-
scathed and rejoining the admiral
outside.
The admiral's fleet during the at
tack kept out of the range of the Rus
sian searchlights. Line of battle was
formed and the Japanese fleet moved
in within a range of two and a half
miles and opened fire on the Russians.
The booming of guns was heard far
out to sea by the officers and crew of
n Japanese ship which has arrived
here. The battle is understood to be
still raging and the widest reports
are current. The Chinese population
of Chefu is in a frenzy of excitement
at the reports that the Japanese, who
they now regard as their friends.
scored the first victory.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
JAPANESE HURRYING HOME.
Country's Call Meets Prompt Re-
SpOnse From 'sIittIe Brown Men,"

Country's Call Meets Prompt Re-
sponse From "LittIe Brown Men,"
HONOLULU, Feb. 9.-Numerous ca
bles were received to-day by Japanese
residents IN. Honolulu from their
Government advising them that the
reserves had been called out and in
structing them to come home at once.
It is believed that there are a large
number of reserves among the so, 900
japanese in Hawaii, and that the war
possibly will deprive the plantations
OF many laborers. The present trans
portation facilities to Japan will be in
adequate to carry the large number
OF japanese that will go from here.
VANCOUVER, 3. c., Feb. 9.-De-
spite the fact that no call for men from
British Columbia has been made by
the Japanese Government, twenty-five
Vancouver japanese sailed tonight
from Victoria for Japan. They are
going on their own initiative, and were
Joined at Victoria by a couple of dozen
OF their countrymen, who are bound to
be on hand early to take part in the
hostilities. The party, which is the
first TO leave this province because Of
the outbreak Of the war, sailed on the
Nippon Yusen Kaisha liner Kaga. 1t
province between 1900 and $4,000 Jap
anese, and among them are between
5000 and 1000 men who are liable to
be called upon TO serve their country.
STOCKTON, Feb. 9.-Japanese resi-
dents Of this city propose to fight for
their country in the war with Russia.
The latest news was eagerly sought
by them to-day, and inquiry at the
Japanese mission developed that quite
a number Of the score or more of Jap
anese in Stockton would leave for the
Orient at the earliest opportunity to
enlist. 1t was stated at the mission
that California would send quite a
troop of Japanese to enlist against
Russia.
SAN JOSE. Feb. 9.-Nearly all of
the Japanese in Santa Clara County
are preparing to go to San Francisco,
where they will report to the Japanese
Consul, who will obtain passage for
them to Japan under either the Ameri-
can or the British flag. They will pay
for their own transportation. The total
number going is between 200 and 300.
The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
JAPANESE TO GO HOME.
Few Have Left, but Many Are Ready
TO Answer the Call.

In realization Of the serious condi-
tions prevailing in the Orient Paul
KOsakevitch and Kisaburo Uyeno.
Consuls Of Russia and Japan in
this city. decline TO discuss the out
come OF the war that is apparently in
eKitable.
L. YOssiOka, secretary TO Uyeno,
however, disclosed a few facts yester-
terday afternoon that prove beyond a
doubt that the, japanese in this coun-
Try are aroused to a degree Of
patriotism that viii send them all to
the front when they are needed.
In speaking of the present situation
EOssiOka said: Up 70 the present
time but four japanese are leaving
this city for the scene Of action.
They will leave on the Gaelic. which
sails to-day.
There are over twenty thousand
japanese in this country, the majority
OF them being young men who were
either born here or who came to the
United States TO be educated. They
are not afraid TO go 10 war for their
country. and the eagerness with which
they talk Of the prospective fighting is
good evidence Of the fact that Japan
viii not be wanting FOR soldiers from
this part Of the world.
"Of course war has not yet been
formally declared and we are unable
10 say how many Of our people will be
called home. There are considerably
over two hundred and fifty members