Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-02-10

whose independence and integrity were
guaranteed by previous understandings
with Japan and by treaties with other
powers, Russia insisted on the points:
"One-A mutual and unconditional
guarantee of this principle.
"TwO-On an undertaking to use no
part of Corea for strategic purposes. as
the authorization of such action on the
part of any foreign power was directly
opposed to the principle of the indie
pendence of Corea.
"Three-On the preservation of the
full freedom of navigation of the straits
of COrea.
THE project elaborated in this sense
did not satisfy the Japanese govern
ment, which in it's last proposals not
only declined to accept the conditions
which Appeared as guarantee of the
independence of Corea but also began
at the same time to insist on provisions
to be incorporated in Il project regard
ing the question of Manchuria. Such
demands on the<part of Japan natur-
ally were inadmissible, the question OF
Russias position in Manchuria con-
corning in the first place China, but
also all the powers having commercial
interests in China. The imperial gov
erment, therefore, saw absolutely no
reason to include in special treaty
with Japan regarding Corean affairs,
any provisions concerning territory oc-
cupied by Russian troops.
THE imperial government, however.
did not refuse so long as tn" occupation
Of Manchuria lasts. to recognize both the
sovereignty of the Emperor Of China III
Manchuria and also the rights acquired
there by other powers through treaties
with China A declaration to this effect
had already been made to the foreign
ca binet
, Toxic to present its reply to the last pro-
poSal of Japan was justified in expecting
the Toxic cabinet to take into account
the considerations set forth above ana
that it would appreciate the wish mann.
tested by Russia to come to a peaceful
, understanding with Japan. Instead of
awaiting this reply. decided to break OFF
negotiations and to suspend diplomatic
re!a tons The imperial government,
| while llyins on Japan tho full RESPONSE
course of action. will await the develop
pient of events and the moment it be
comes necessary will take the most de-
rights and interests in the Far East.
1t is doubtful if the soldiers of any ma
ton are Drawer than those OF the Car
of Russia 1t is related of Field Marshal
Paskievitch that in the course of the
siege of Moscow being somewhat dl>com-
modCd by 4 hot fire from certain bat
tcIr. he ordered it to be Shel,ed. bat to
no purpose. His troops did not seem able
to locate the enemy and their shot had no
effect Finally the field marshal himself
galiopcd forward and Sternly commanded:
What imhecie is in command hcre?'
Il am" answered an officer who APP
preached.
well. captain. I shall degrade you,
since you Go not know your business.
our shells have no effect"
True. sir. but it is not my fault. The
shells do not ignite
Tell that to others. Don't come try
ing to fool me with such chalf. You will
receive your punishment. this evening.
The captain cOolly took a shell from q
pile near by. lit the fuse, and holding it
in the palms Of his hand. presented it to
the marshal. saying:
See for yourself. sir.
The marshal. folding his arms across
his breast, stood looking at the smoking
shell. it was Il solemn moment. Both
rcnn stood motionlers. awaiting the re-
suit. Finally the fuse burned out, and
the captain threw the shell to the ground
Its true remarked the marshal, turn
ing away to consider the measures to 81
lcnce the enemy $ fire
In the evening, instead of punishment
the captain received the cross of the Or
der of St. Vladimir.