The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-16
Bandits Attack Russian CGaI Mines and Fifty of
 Them Are Killed
WORKING IN COLLUSION
 WITH JAPANESE FORCES
St. Petersburg Authorities Believe There Is a Deep Laid Plot to Push Russians on Into
 Mongolia.

St Petersburg, May 15.-In view Of the official disnatches regarding the hos file attitude of the Chinese within and without the Russian sphere of influence the authorities here do not conceal thelr apprehension as to the outlook, especial ly in the north of the empire, Tor they purpose to call the attention of the Celes- tial government to the impending uprls- ing in Tapadziatsi in order that repres- sive measures may be instantly taken.
 It is known and appreciated here that all the powers have made strong rep resentations to Pekin in the hope of pre- serving tranquility of the empire, but 1t Is stated that Major General Pflug despatch of May IA shows the necessity for further impressing the Celestial gov ernment with the aovisability of acting with a firm hand.
 The authorities here do not forget that the Boxer revolt which spread from Shan Tung would have involved the entire em- pire had 1t not been for the firmness of the southern viceroys. The military authorities in St. Petersburg claim to have information of a sensational nature to the effect that the Chinese have tacit- ly agreed to cooperate with the Japan csc operations against the Russians.
 Into Mongoian Territory.
 The Japanese propose, it is stated, to drive General Kuropatkin's forces into Mongolia. which would place the Rus sians in the position of invaders of neu- tral territory. and enable reprisals by General Mas army. which it is asserted is kept in that region for that special object thus cleverly avoiding the slight est infringement of the neutrality of China by Japan, and the Chinese troops by not crossing the Manchurian fron- tier, could not be charged with a viola ton of the pledges in respect to nom interference in military operations in Manchuria.
 The opinion of an eminent strategist given to the Associated Press today is that the Japanese intend to attack not only Liao Yang but all along the line in an effort to drive General KuropatlSin in- to Mongolia, where the Chinese are wait Ing for him.
 No Serious Resistance.
 Knowing these conditions, General Kuropatin, he said. would not be likely to make a serious resistance at Kai Ping, or Hai Cheng. but would withdraw to the north. This would enable the Japanese 10 march on New Chwang with little hindrance, and their unopposed use of that point as a base from which men and supplies could be sent north without any violation of the neutral zone west of the Liao river
 The German foreign office has been in- formed, according to assurances given the Berlin correspondent of the Novoe Vre- mya that China will not venture to in- fringe upon the neutral zone of Asia. owing to the distinct intimation from all he powers that the dynasty would be Ieopardized by such infringement. It Is believed that Japan will be embarrassed by the open assistance of China, since Europe would hold Japan responsible for the consequences. The correspondent as- serts that the German foreign office in- spiredf the United States to propose the naturalization of China.