Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-25
Over Slow Progress in Peace
Negotiations.
LITTLE POSITIVE NEWS
Bitter Feeling Growing Up Between
Those Conducting the Case Be-
tween Russia and Japan.

PARIS January 25.-Considerable tension
is again observable in governmental quar-
tiers concerning the RuSso-Japanese situa-
ton. This is due principally to the fact
that the efforts toward pacific adjust
ment have not made the progress which the
officials hoped and expected. The general
view of the highest in authority is summed
up in the statement that negotiations have
reached a point where practically no prog
ress is occurring in any direction. Whether
this means that Russia's latest answer does
not make concessions which are likely to
bring about settlement 1t Is impossible to
say, as the delicate stage of the negotia-
tions leads the officials to withhold precise
details. The only definite statement is that
the negotiations are virtually at stand
still .+-a ...
1t appears that one of the most difficult
features is the mutual distrust and hatred
which have grown up between the parties.
1t is said that every stage Of the present
exchanges develops JapanS suspicious OF
Russia's good faith and Russias antipathy
to Japan. Owing to this bitterness dipio-
ma tic efforts to secure a middle ground are
proving unusually difficult 1t Is under
stood that Russia is now seeking to Sc
cure the neutraIiza ton of the Strait OF
Korea.
Russia Resents Fortiications.
The Russian view, as made known here.
is that Japan's fertilization of Masampho
and Fusan constitutes menace to the
worlds commerce, since it gives Japan con-
troll over the narrow strait.
1t is pointed out in support of this view
that Japan already has d strongly fort1ned
island (Tsu-S hima) in the middle of the
strait and that this is distant fifty miles
from MasamphO and Fusan, SO that the
fertilization of the latter points Will con.
bro ltrf,
Korea is claimed to be a vital outlet Tor
the commerce of northeast China, and 1t is
therefore asserted that it would be in the
interest of Europe and America to secure
the naturalization of the strait.
A report that the French consul at Che-
Foo, China has transmitted TO the repre-
scntatives of the powers korea's declara-
ton of her intention to remain neutral Is
not confirmed at the foreign office. which is
not aware of any action of this character
being taken or contemplated.
Anxiety Over Korea's Attitude.
The attitude of Korea in the event of
war between Russia and Japan has been
the subject of much comment among the
diplomats here, as it is believed that Ko-
rea's giving aid to Japan might constitute
two powers attacking Russia, thus bringing
in France under the terms of the Franco
Russian agreement.
One of the ambassadors, therefore, asked
Foreign Minister Delcasse what the result
would be II Korea joined Japan and the
minister answered in substance that Korea
is not considered to be that kind OF SOW
ereign, independent power, whose assist
ance of Japan against Russia would bring
about the contingency contemplated by the
Franco-RuSSian agreement. Although the
answer was confined to Korea, 1t g under
stood that a similar view prevails Thereby
confirming previous reports on the same
subject). that China's Joining Japan would
not constitute two powers attacking Rus
STA. -.---- r. a. H.
A dispatch from Seoul January % an
nounced that the Korean government had
made a formal declaration Of neutrality in
the event of war between Russia and ia
pan, and last night it was announced from
Seoul that cablegram had been received
there from the Korean minister at st.
Petersburg saying that Russia disapproved
of Koreas declaration of neutrality.
Japanese interpreter Arrested.
TOXIC, January 25.-Takashima. the
Japanese interpreter for the Russian at
tache was arrested on Saturday last on the
suspicion of acting as spy in the Yoko-
suka fortified zone. He has been taken to
Yokohama for trial
1t is alleged that conclusive evidence has
been obtained regarding other suspects.
which is causing very strong feeling
against such treachery, which is capital
offense in Japan. -sr
News From Port Arthur.
PORT ARTHUR, January 25.-The high
est officials here repudiate the published ae-
cusations of Russian hostility to the United
States because of its Manchurian policy
and the appointment of American consuls
under the new treaty with China.
1t is officially asserted that no large re-
enforcement of the eastern forces is ex-
pected at present. The military authorf-
ties. however. add that otherwise ar
rangements are making for large sup
ply of ponies from the province of Chi
Ii for the CoSSackS and mounted infan-
try.
The decentralization or the passenger
and freight traffic on the Manchurian
railway continues in consequence of the
military activity. and there is great
block OF freight at Port Dalny.
As Germany Sees Situation.
BERLIN, January 23.-As the German
government understands the present situa-
ton. the feeling is such at Toxic that
Japan will declare war unless Russia an
swers her demands fayorably. Russia rec
ognizes this, and accordingly intends to ac-
cept enough of Japans points to make the
Toxic cabinet feel that sufficient cause for
war no longer exists, and while the forth
coming note will not fully satisfy Japan, it
will prevent the serious possibility of a
declaration of war.
MANILA, January 25.-The japanese
merchants in this city have received adj
vices from the home government that in