The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1904-02-08
MINISTER
RECALLED
Japan Promptly Calls the
Russian Bluff.
PUTS RUSSIA IN A HOLE
Doesn't Want to Fight and Can
not Gracefully Back
Down.
PUTS RUSSIA IN A HOLE

ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 8. - 1t is
officially announced that Count Lams-
dorff, the Russian foreign minister has
informed Russian Representatives
abroad that Japan has decided to
break off negotiations with Russia and
to withdraw her minister and the en-
tire legation staff from st. Petersburg
and that upon the receipt of note to
this effect from the japanese minister
Russia had ordered her minister, Bar
on de Rosen, and the legation staff to
leave Tokyo.
Today Japan win unquestionably
seize Korea, and, although Russia has
previously intimated that it would not
Interfere, in view of that country's
present attitude, developments are
eagerly awaited here.
The czar is about to leave here for
Moscow, as he goes to the ancient
capital to submit his cause and fate
to the Almighty before the altar of the
Troitzko monastery, as his fathers had
done in the past, before drawing the
sword.
Although the fear was general here
that the presentation Of the Russian
note to Japan might be followed by an
act on the part of the japanese gov
ernment which would plunge the two
countries into war, the startling action
of Japan in severing diplomatic rela-
tions with Russia before the actual de-
livery Of the Russian note came like
a bolt from a clear sky.
1t was believed that the receipt Of
the note might have unmasked an ul-
timatum, but that Japan should sever
diplomatic relations, step little short
OF a declaration Of war, was almost
like a blow in the face under the pres
ent circumstances, and 1t Is resented
accordingly. The authorities believe
this action places Japan distinctly in
the wrong before the world and more
over, after such piece of impu-
dence,' as II is denominated here, to
make easy an appeal to the patriotism
Of the Russian people.
The news that at any moment Japan
had drawn the sword and that the first
clash had occurred would not be sur
prislng. The events leading TO Japan's
abrupt action have marched with great
rapidity. The Russian note was al
ready in the hands Of Baron de Rosen,
Russian minister at Tokyo, for delivery
to Baron Komura, the Japanese foreign
minister when NJ. KurlnO. the Japa-
nese minister here, presented himself
at the foreign Office and informed For
d eign Minister Lamsdorff that his gov
/ ernment in view of the delays in con-
nection with the Russian answer and
| the futility hitherto Of the negotiations,
! considered it useless to continue dip
lomatic relations and would take such
steps as It deemed proper for the pro-
lection OF Japan's interests. In Obe'
dience to instructions, therefore, he
asked for his passports.
Exactly what else passed at this in
terview is not known except that
Count Lamsdorff expressed surprise
and regret at this hasty resolve Of the
mikado's government. NJ. Kurino re-
ceived his passports, and after consult
ing with Sir C. s. Scott, the British
ambassador here, he returned to his
legation, where the preparations for
his departure had already commenced.
Another version of the situation at
the time NJ Kurino notified Count
Lamsdorff of the course his govern
ment had elected to pursue is that the
Russian reply was not in the possess
sion of Baron de ROsen, but in the tele-
graph office here awaiting transmission
anr that it was withdrawn before be-
ing dispatched. Upon the disclosure OF
Japans position the Russian authori-
ties met the situation with great
promptness. Instructions recalling Bar
on de Rosen were forthwith telegraph
ed, and he was directed to leave Tokyo
Immediately. Count Lamsdorff's oih.
cial circular to the Russian representa-
lives abroad, instructing them TO in
form the governments of the countries
to which they are accredited of Japan's
action, was then prepared
With war imminent, orders have beer
oven for a rigid censorship over all in
formation relating to naval and mill
tary movements.
The Japanese legation is a scene OF
great confusion. As if by magic al