The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-01-04

= optimistic views from Berlin causes =.
= genuine surprise and regret here. =
<-<%~>~<>~<~%~%
Pekin, January 3.--In the various for
eign legations here, the opinion is pre-
valent that war between Japan and Rus
sia Is inevitable This opinion is based
on the latest dispatches from Toxic. and
on the conviction that 1t is not qeuston
of detail which separates Russia and
Japan, but the vital principle as to
whether Japan possesses the right to a
voice in the settlement of questions con-
nected with the Russian occupation OF
Manchrla. Russia all along has denied
this right, and unless her reply shows
that she has receded from this position,
which is not expected to be the case, IT
probably will provoke an ultimatum
from Japan whose determination to re-
sort to arms in support of her claim, IL
unquestioned
Advices from Manchuria represent the
Russian officials there as being surprised
at Japan's readiness to fight They ex-
pected that she would submit at the last
moment as she did in 1895 when she
surrendered Port Arthur at the bidding
Of the European coalition. The Russian
officials rely for support on the same
powers which aided the Russian govern
ment on that occasion. Moreover, the
Russians have confidence in their ability
to win in the event of war. Among the
Junior officers, this feeling takes the
form of despsng the enemy.
Gen. Yuan Shat Kai. commander-in-
chief of the Chinese army and navy. has
memorialized the throne praying to be
relieved of all his minor offices. so that
he may devote all his energies to the
reorganization of the army
While the government is determined to
remain nautral. as long as possible, IL
fully recognizes the possibilities of be-
coming involved In the event of war.
Do Not Expect Grave Results.
st. Petersburg, January S.-Diplomatic
circles confidently expect that the Rus
sian answer to the Japanese proposals
will be handed to the Japanese foreign Of
flee by Baron DeRosen, Russian ambas-
sador to Japan, within very few days.
and do not expect grave results to fol-
low.
In other quarters the conciliatory atti-
tude of both governments inspires belief
that the answer will pave the way to fur
ther negotiations, II, indeed, 1t does not
directly lead to pacific settlement of
the trouble.
The characteristic note In the press to-
day is the doubt about the attitude Of the
United States in an event of war between
Russia and Japan.
The Birschewja Vedomosti elaborates
upon American power In the Pacific and
the proximity of the Philippines and For
mosa, and says:
'It is no secret to any one In Europe
that the position of the United States In
the east Aslatic crisis remains highly
problematical."
Rus, a new journal made up OF former
employees of the Novoe vremya, handles
the theme in a similar manner.
The Novoe Vremya expresses ill-wil
towards the United States in a long lead
er about the alleged Instructions given
American consuls In Russia to report on
the prospects of renewed anti-Semitic dis
orders, and in a curious editorial opposes
whether to the United States or to China
which, 1t declares, Is advocated in some
quarters here.
All the newspapers here today copy
from the organ of theswar ministry be-
lated report. and therefore all the more
significant order of the day. published by
Admiral A1exieff, Russian viceroy in the
far east, after the fall maneuvers and
parade at Port Arthur highly praising the
troops and declaring that some who had
just finished twelve days march had ar
rived in magnificent condition.
The Novlkrai says that a Chinese at
tack Is unlikely. and reprints a Chinese
newspaper story that Russia has two
thousand Cossacks. and 25e0 Mongolian
soldiers at Urga
Japanese Are Determined.
London. January 4-"Don't look for a
declaration of war" says the Daily Tele-
graphs Toxic correspondent in a dis
patch which apparently ~nrows consider
ably light on the plans of the japanese
government. Continuing, the correspon-
dent says:
''The Japanese are q1,te determined,
and several days ago took steps to Sc
cure certain of their Corean interests.
Russia will not be allowed to occupy
Corean ports. and certainly neither Mok-
pho nor Masampho. both of these ports
being protected against seizure.
Japan means business without waitins
for the convenience Of others. II Russia
feels aggrieved, a fortnight should show
the extent to which she will venture
The interest should begin to center nearer