New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-25
ALTER PLANS.
No More Troops To BE Landed IN
COred.

St PETERSBURG March 24-Ths War Ofice IL
in receipt Of persistent reports that the japanese
are preparing to land on neutral Chinese terri
tory on the west coast or the Gulf OF LiaO-Tung.
either at -Kian-Cheng. in Kin-Chau Bay. or
at Shan-Hai-Kwan- Though slow 20 believs
that Japan deliberately contemplates a VIOLA
tion OF her pledge to respect neutral Chiness
territory. the reports are so specific that they
compel consideration. The presence Of jap
anese soldier spies along the Shan-Hai-Kwan
road has been established and Russian agents
report that there is every indication OF an in
tended landing on the west coast OF the Gulf OF
Iiao-Tung.
The information conveyed by these agents
seems TO coincide with other information indi-
eating a complete change I'm the Japanese plan
Of campaign or Of its entrance into a second
stage practically involving the abandonment Of
further heavy landings Of troops in Corea. Ac-
cordfne to advices received by the government.
there are only about seventy thousand Japanese
troops in the Hermit Kingdom at present
To Is considered possible that the Japaness
reckoned on a complete mobilization there much
sooner. but that the difficulties met with en-
transporting troops from Japan and over the
roads in Corea proved more serious than ex-
pected and the japanese found themselves un-
able TO deliver a frontal attack in ManchuriI
before the Russian troops arrived in sufficient
vices Indicate that the japanese VIII not send
many more soldiers into Corea. They may make
a diversion at P0ssiet Bay I'm the direction Oc
vIadivostok but their main objective hence
forth will he in the Gulf Of Liao-Tung.
II the information received Is correct. the Jap
anese have discovered that a landing on the
peninsula is too hard nut to crack. and have
elected 70 land on the Chinese side. where there
will be no army 20 repeI chem. The only two
points feasible for landing Chin-Wan-TaO
and Ten -KIau-Cbeng which are connected by
rail respectively. with sham -Hai-Kwan and
Kau-Kiau on the Peking railroad. A landing az
either place would give the Japanese possession
OF a splendid strategic line. by which 20 strike
the Russian flank. and. II desired, to hold
Peking In subjectiOn-
The Russians have little faith IN the Chinese
Generals Ma and Nh. who might disregard or
ders from Peking and Join forces with the Jap
anese.
The Russian military authorities have felt
themselves compelled TO consider the foregoing
possibility ard 20 take the necessary precau-
tions. The International complications which
might arise out OF a japanese landing on neutral
Chinese territory have also received careful con-
sideration. for though It IS specifically declared
that il IS not believed Japan would dare 20
violate the agreement made in response TO the
note Of Secretary Hay. Wen in JapRn's
other public professions there IS reason TO affirm
that the Russian line Of conduct IN such con-
tinEencv has already been decided upon IN prin-
ctpIe. The assurances obtained from Pekins
require that the Chinese authorities should op-
pose with their army any such a step on the
part Of japan.