The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-01-13

tude and intentions concerning Man
churia and how far she is disposed to
recognize japanese ambitions in Man
churia.
The general purport of the Russian
position is that japanese merchants
and individuals shall have the right of
free access to Manchuria for purposes
of travel and commerce, but that Rus
sia does not wish this to be extended
to the colonization of japanese in
large communities in Manchuria.
Strong sympathy is expressed here
in behalf of the Russian view as it is
said that the general admission OF
japanese colonization in Manchuria
would create questions of political
and racial domination. 1t is asserted
to be in the interest of the commerce
of Europe and America that Russia
should replace China's authority
in Manchuria. It is maintained in
governmental quarters that it is to
the general interests of Europe and
America to give moral support to a
settlement of the pending conflict on
the basis of Japan's authority in
Corea and Russia's authority in Man
churia. Those who are in the best
position to know Russia's intentions
say her determination to exercise her
sphere of influence in Manchuria is
irrevocable.
Owing to Russia's latest attitude
in Manchuria it is the view of official
circles here that the main issue of the
negotiations now centers en- Manchu-
ria, instead Of Corea.
RUSSIA'S MANCHURIAN POSI-
TION.
Berlin, Jan. 11.-The Russian gov
ernment has Informed the power that
it will respect fully the rights any
nation has in Manchuria under treaty
with China. This declaration is made
withoutEreservation.
Russia gives formal expression to
this policy now in consequence of the
controversy with Japan, one of whose
persistent contentious has been for a
definition of Russia IS policy in Man
churia and an Acknowledgement of
Japan's trade privileges. Russia's
reply has been, in substance, as follows ::
"We cannot discuss Manchuria with
or the Philippines. Manchuria be-
longs neither to US nor to you. 1t
does not lie within the Jurisdiction Of
either of US to dispose of the future of
Manchuria. -
Russia, however, is willing to OBJ
serve the treaty rights or the powers
in Manchuria and now engages to do
so.
Russia, it is added, thus removes
from the negotiations one of the moral
supports of other powers and whereon
she especially had the sympathy of the
United States and Great Britain.
CHINESE MINISTER'S ADVICES.
London, Jan. 12.-The Times Pekin
correspondent, cabling under yester-
days date, says that the Chinese min
lister at Toxic, at the request Of the
japanese foreign Office, telegraphed the
following communication to Prince
Ching:
"The second Russian reply to the
Japanese proposals has been received
at Toxic, but it is unfavoraDle and
cannot be accepted by japan, who
will, unless Russia recedes, be COM
PEELED to promptly resort to arms.
''In view of such an eventuality
Japan urges and expects China to min
tain the strictest neutrality, to pre-
serve order throughout the empire, to
guard foreigners resident in the inte-
rior and to take special care to pre-
serve order in the provinces of Shan
Tung and Yunnan, lest foreign powers
might seize the pretext of disorder
and make aggressive movements there
in.
The correspondent says that the dis
patch has deeply impressed the Chinese
who now believe war to be inevitable.
4 He adds that notes looking to the
ratification of the treaty between
China and Japan were exchanged
Yesterday afternoon.
NOTHING NEW.
London, Jan. lit is learned by
the Associated Press that the terms
enunciated in the forecast of the Rus
sian communication to the powers
cabled from Berlin today are practi-
cally identical with Russia's former
reply of which Japan asked recon
sideration.
It is stated that Russia's last reply.
which Japan is now considering, diff
fers in not essential from Russia's
previous proposals, the only difference
being in the wording. together With
some minor concessions concerning
Corea, which it is stated Japan con
siders immaterial.
PREPARING HER FINAL PRO-
POSALS.
Toxic, Jan. 1.-THE cabinet and
elder statesmen met for joint con-
ference at the official residence of
Premier Katsura this afternoon. The
premier, who is i'll, was not present.
They discussed the political'and strate-
gical situation and will report to the
throne tomorrow.
The note delivered by Foreign Min
ister Komura on Saturday to Baron de
Rosen, the Russian minister, was
merely preliminary to Japan's formal