New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-09
THE RUSSIAN POSITION.
Government Preparing Statement
The Former Treaties.


once is preparing a statement Of the negotia-
tons between Russia and japan. which prooa-
bly, viii be given out IT. the next twenty-four
hours. 1t may be in the form OF circular note
TO the Russian representatives abroad, but it is
more likely to 0e published in the Official Mes
senger' as an official communication
The situation automatically Is delicate and
anomalous. Just what japanese action Russia
would consider cause for war under the cir
cumstances is not clearly defined. but X Is
pointed out that when Japan abruptly severed
diplomatic relations notification was given
concerning the RUsso-Japanese treaties Of 1895
and 1895, covering Corea- These treaties pro-
vide for the independence OF COrea. and In view
OF the commercial interests Of japan in the Her
nit Kingdom. Russia therein recognized JaPan's
right to send troops 20 Corea for the preserva-
ton Of order
There is. however. an Important reservation
In case Japan considers it necessary to avail
herself Of this clause Russia must receive an
advance notification The treaties are specific
on this point Technically the landing OF Jap
anese army in Southern Corea without the mott
dcation which Japan could not give now that
dinIoraatic relations have ceased, would be
breach OF the spirit Of the conventions
PLANS FOR DEFENCE MADE.
IA
matte position is very strong. 1t is possible.
bovyever that Russia instead OF insisting the
invioIabilIty OF these treaties at this juncture
will take her stand on the contentious set Up In
the negotiations and await n japanese invasion
of Northern Corea as an overt act equivalent 10
war The situation Is such that the authorities
are prepared at any moment TO hear that Japan
has made an aggressive move. which would
make a semblance Of peace longer impossible
and TIE Car is making dispositions accordingly.
Mediation is believed to be impossible unless
the two adversaries ask for It Neither France
nor Great Britain Is in a position TO offer its
good offices on account Of their alliances. and
the distrust here of the United States would
make it difficult for America to do So War Is
regarded here as inevitable. and the general
impression among military men IS that the open
ing gun will be the signal for long and bitter
contest.
CAPITALS PoPULACE AROUSED.
The neople Of the Russian capital have been
thoroughly aroused By the japanese action. and
war is the only subject discussed. The greatest
activity prevails I'm government circles Heavy
snow is falling, and the streets are filed with
soldiers in campaign uniforms.
T, e doubtful whether the Gar will go to
MOSCOW at au No manifesto will be issued until
war begins
NJ Kurino the retiring japanese Minister
here saws he viii leave St. Petersburg
Wednesday morning He adds that all the af-
fairs OF the legation viii be closed.
The United States Embassy probably Will look
after questions involving the protection Of Jap
anese subjects. Ambassador Mccormick. under
Instructions to-day asked the Foreign Minister.
Count La-nsdorff if Russia objected TO the plan.
4 couple Of policemen guard the entrance of
the japanese Legation. hut no public cernonstra-
tons have been made.
On the Bourse stocks were still falling. In
perial As dropping another full point There was
q panic IN the last hour. Lottery bonds fell D
rubles and bank shares fell 30 points.