Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1904-02-12

,ononese minister to Russia, says an
actual state OF war between Japan and
pu's;, hecause of the breaking off OF
automatic relations.
Ct Petersburg, Feb. Count Lams-
dorff the Russian foreign minister, mas
informed the Russian representatives
abroad that Japan has decided to
hrook off negotiations with Russia and
ia withdraw the minister and whole
Japanese legation staff from st. Peters
burg.
The Russian foreign minister there
unon ordered the Russian minister,
Raron de Rosen, and his staff to leave
Toxic.
A Step Toward War.
Toxic. Feb. S.-The severance Of dip
1omatic relations between Russia anu
Japan appears to be only step TO-
ward war. although when the ministers
of Russia and Japan withdrew from
their posts, quick and decisive action
is expected.
When Minister Of Foreign Affairs
Komura on Saturday notified Baron
De Rosen, the Russian minister, OF
Japan's determination to sever dip
lomatic relations, he is reported to
have declared to him that Japan Is
tired Of Russia's delays. eVasions ana
insincerity, and has decided to take
independent action for the conserva'
ton of Japanese interests. During the
final negotiations, Japan'a repeated re-
quests for an answer were treated IN
a most unsatisfactory manner. Japan
waited until convinced that 1t was use
less to wait longer and has now ended
the discussion.
The indications are that there will
be no formal declaration of war. jap
an will publicly define its position and
purposes, and the foreign Office has
prepared new statement, which will
probably be announced tonight.
On Monday Japan will unquestion-
ably seize Korea, and, although Russia
has previously intimated that 1t would
not interfere, in view Of that country's
present attitude, developments are
eagerly awaited.
Russia's Official Word.
The Oficial Messenger publishes the
following circular telegram, dated Feb
ruary 6, which mas been sent out by
the Russian foreign minister to the
representatives of Russia abroad:
Acting under instructions from his
government, the Japanese minister at
the imperial court has presented a
note, which informs the imperial gov
eminent OF the decision of Japan to
break off the present negotiations and
recall her minister and staff at the
Japanese legation.
"ln consequence of this, his i'm
perial majesty has been pleased to
order that the Russian minister at
Toxic, with the whole staff of the i'm
perial mission, shall leave the capital
of Japan without delay. Such an at
titude on the part of the Toxic gov
eminent, which mas not even awaited
the arrival of the answer of the i'm.
perial government, which was sent off
during the last few days, throws the
whole responsibility for the conse-
quences which may arise from rup-
ture of diplomatic negotiations be-
tween the two empires of Japan"
II startles St. Petersburg.
st. Petersburg, Feb. 8.-Although
the fear was general here yesterday
that the presentation of the Russian
note to Japan might be followed by
an act on the part of the japanese
government which would plunge the
countries into war, the startling action
OF Japan in severing diplomatic rela-
lions with Russia before the actual
delivery of the Russian note, came
ike bolt from the clear sky. 1t
was believed the receipt of the note
might cause an uitimatum, but that
Japan should sever diplomatic rela.
IONS step little short of declaring
war was almost like blow in the
lace under the present circumstances,
and 1t is resented here accordingly.
Inc authorities believe this action
PAGES Japan distinctly in the wrong
ueiore the world, and moreover.
such piece of impudence." as it is
uehominated here. makes easy an ap-
peal to the patriotism of the Russian
people.
Japan Refuses to Trifle.
me news at any moment that Japan
nau declared war and the first clash
ma rau occurred, would not be surprising.
.ne events leading to Japan's abrupt
action have marched with great ra-