Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-04
Japanese Statesmen in Con.
slant Conference.
RUSSIAN FLEET SAILS
LEAVES PORT ARTHUR - DESTI-
NATION UNKNOWN.
Generally Believed That Russia is
Massing Troops North of
the Yalu River.

TOKYO, February 4.-Premier Katsura
and his associates in the cabinet gave a
dinner today to eighteen representative
peers and communicated to them the ma
ture and progress of the diplomatic ne
gotiations with Russia. The Marquis ITO
had private audience with the emperor
at which the situation was discussed.
These and other incidents clearly indicate
the seriousness of the situation.
1t is generally believed that Russia Is
massing troops north of the Yalu river so
as to be prepared to resist possible in
vasion by the Japanese
The cabinet, elder statesmen and COM
manders of the army and navy are in al
most constant conference or communlca-
ton. There is, however, no indication OF
the course they intend to pursue. The be-
lief is prevalent that Russia is seeking to
provoke Japan to take the initiative.
The first break in the reticence of the
Japanese government was the publication
today of four of the dispatches from Man
churia and Siberia. which are significant,
showing as they do the trend of events.
Fleets Destination Unknown.
TOKYO, February 4.-The government
has been informed that the Russian fleet
has left Port Arthur. Its destination is
not known.
The japanese commercial agent at Vlad-
ivostok was notified Wednesday by the
commander of the Russian garrison that
he might at any time, in accordance with
orders from st. Petersburg, have to pro-
claim a state of siege. Consequently he
desired the agent to make preparations for
the eventual departure of japanese resi-
dents. Should any wish to remain they
will be ordered to. repair to Habarovsk.
japanese official reports confirm marked
military activity in Manchuria. Houses
have been prepared at Liaoyang, Haicheng,
Kaichow and other places for the accom-
modation Of Russian soldiers. Carts also
have been requisitioned to transport am
Munition and stores.
Troops are steadily moving in the direc-
ton of the Yalu and the Chinese residents
of Yingchou are preparing for flight
The News In London.
LONDON. February ALI the Russian
warships, except one which is undergoing
repairs, are reported to have left Port
Arthur Yesterday Their destination is un-
known.
It has been repeatedly intimated by the
authorities at Peking, according to the
London Globes Shanghai correspondent,
that in the event Of China abandoning
Ma nchuria the powers will be compelled
to safeguard their respective interests in
the remaining provinces, regardless OF
China's pseudo sovereignty" The revo-
lutionists, continues the correspondent, also
promise to raise a revolt in Kwang-Tung
In the middle of February, and to expel the
Manchus in the event of Manchuria being
abandoned. The dcwager empress Is said
to be wavering between Russian offers or
protection and the promises of other pow
ers to support China against aggression;
but the predominant party, 1t Is asserted,
is preparing to strenuously resist Russia
and has ordered the enlistment Of half
million new troops and the massing OF
regiments in the north. The court. in the
meanwhile, 1t Is added, continues Its prepa-
rations for flight to Sian-Fu.
Disturbances in Korea
SEOUL, February 4.-Further disturb
ances are reported in the country caused
by the Tong Hak revolutionary society.
Thousands Of armed men have declared
that they are not Korean subjects. The
malcontents are divided into three sepa-
rate organizations. 1t is thought that a
general insurrection will occur next spring.
Foreign citizens at various stations in the
country have confirmed the reports that
the Korean officials are pro-Russian. and
have asked for the appointment of foreign
ers in order to. insure their personal safety.
1t is stated that the Russians now claim
that the Yalu river timber concessions
cover all branches Of the Yalu. Affairs in
Seoul are quiet.
OF A GLOOMY TENDENCY.