The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1904-01-28

are Warlike signs. Quite
true, Japan has placed no time limit
for Russia's reply, but + have it on the
best authority that the Japanese
consider delay in the highest degree
dangerous. This was stated to me in
an emphatic manner which left no
II of the earnestness OF the speak
er'S meaning, and which l interpreted
as being that Japan may at any mo-
ment find herself unable to stem the
public sentiment there toward war.
The Danger in Thibet.
London, Jan. 2T.-With the danger of
a clash in the far east believed to be
aNerted. interest has been partially di-
verified TO the almost equally serious
position in Thibet, where Russia and
Great Britain have divergent claims to-
paramount influence. vt the present
moment far-seeing diplomats regard
the danger of open hostiiitjes betweeni
the lion and the bear as by no meansi
slight. 1t is realized, of course, that.
much will have to be done through dip
loinatic channels before a clash could
come, but it is realized also that unless
one side or the other backs down COM
pleteiy wal is the only possible event
ual outcome.
Russian Encroachn1ents Seen.
Following her usual policy in such
matters, Russia has been gradually
pushing her frontier forward. One year
a lone survey party appears and,
lodges itself in tents. The next the
tents are replaced by little stone huts
occupied by q party of soldiers sent
out to guard the surveyors" Then fol-
lows a garrison and then strong forth
fications. Meanwhile the surveyors"
have pressed forward still further and
h small detachment of guards have
followed. Thus it has been going on for
some years, till the British India office
is seriously alarmed as to the ultimate
fate OF Thibet, which, as a buffer state,
is one of the Indian empires chiefest
safeguards.
Matters came to q head last year
when news was received that Musco-
vlte officials were coquetting with the
Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political
ruler of Thibet, making him presents
and striving to obtain the right to sup
plant China as his traditional protector.
To offset this British ENJOYS were
sent to interview the Lama, but in ac-5
cordance with that practice which for
centuries has kept Thibet closed to all
but Buddhists, they We're turned back.
Then it was decided to send the ENJOYS
back, guarded by a strong military
force under Colonel Younghusband,
than who the British army has few
ADLER diplomatic officers. That expe-
dition is now on its way, hampered by
a total lack OF accurate information of,
the country, but, apparently, progress
ing slowly n surely.
Danger Is imminent.
The immediate danger lies in a clash
with the Thihetans. Shout they feel
that the British expedition were an en-
croachment on their privacy and appeal
to arms, England would, of COURSE,
avenge any attack on her peaceful,
mission" Then the Thibetans would
more than probably appeal to RUSSIA
for aid n the fat would be in the fire.l
1t is a matter in which Great Britain
can hardly recede without laying herr
Indian empire open to possible Rus
sian attacks. 1t is n case in which
Russia would be unwilling to give way,i
as surrender would defeat her carefully
followed plans of half a century. Con-
sequently. diplomats and soldiers are.
watching the progress of events with.
the keeneSt interest, not unInixed with
anxiety.
1t is limited, by the way, thai Eng
land has been keener in her support
of Japan during her trouble with Rus.
STA than might otherwise have been the
case, as she felt that a blow to Rus
sian prestige in the east would GER
Itainly be carried to the Dalai Lama
and would be likely to influence him!
against the Muscovite should the clash
come. A discredited Russia is less like,
~ - W iiNoheu as d protector imam al
Russia successfully defying the world
to remove her clutches from Manchu-ii
ria and keep her clutches off Korea;
Hence RIitain's anxiety to insure the:
success of the Japanese Inconsistencies.
-S-
Arrest for Treason.
Toxic, Ian. 25.-Takashima. the,
Japanese interpreter for the Russian,
attache, was arrested Saturday on sus-.
picion of acting as a SPY in the Yoko-i
suka fortified zone. He has been taken.
to Yokohama for trial. 1t is alleged
that conclusive evidence has been OBJ
tanned regarding other suspects, which
is causing a very strong feeling against
such ~treacherya which is a capital Of;
tense in Japan.
Port Arthur Isn't Hurt.
Port Arthur, Ian. 2T.The highest Of
~fcials here repudiate the published ac-'
%cusatiors of Russian hostility to the
United States because OF its Manchur-I
ian policy, and the appointment OF
American consuls under the new treaty
with china. Officially is is asserted that
no large reinforcement of eastern forces
$ exptcea at present.