Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-01-22
JAPANESE REPLY
An Open SECRET
Although Extremely Courteous It
Il Firm of Spirit and Dis
inctly Negative.

ANCl4y NCSdt1VCs
ENeLAND'S POLICY EXCITING INTEREST
IN RUSSIAN POLITICAL CIRCLES !
Present Status of Negotiations Be-
/ tween Contending Countries -
Statement of Japanese Minister at |
London-Russian Troops to Leave
Port Arthur for North.
st. Petersburg, Jan. 20.-It is now an
open secret here that the Japanese reply |
Is distinctly negative, and it's extremely |
courteous tone is only equaled by the
Armness of spirit which characterizes it.
The foreign Office and all the principals
are SO engrossed with work that it is
well-nigh impossible to get word from
them, and the various agencies were
implying that diplomacy is still being
used. 1t is stated that their majesties
and the ministers are most active.
The cars advisers have been in
structed to try to work out some plan
whereby the amour propre" of both
countries can be saved, but the compli-
cations and political ENHANCEMENT seem
beyond the powers of anyone to find a
solution. England's so-called pro-Jap-
lnese policy is exciting serious atten-
ton in political circles, the correspond
ent continues. 1t is a growing senti-
ment that Russia has not got to do with
Japan SO much as with England, and
that the Anglo-Japanese alliance is at
the bottom of all the present trouble.
An echo is loudly heard of the utter
ances of those politicians who at the
moment Of the Anglo-Japanese alliance
announced and proclaimed that this po-
litical Coupe meant war against Rus
STA as destroying the balance of power
In the far east. 1t is urged by many
politicians that the time has come for
Russia to retaliate by demonstration
toward the Indian frontier, and also by
aggressive political tactics in Persia.
In diplomatic circles attention is called
to the reported frigid reception Of the
British ambassador by Count Lamsdorff,
minister of foreign affairs. There is in
teose Irritation in the highest quarters,
~ correspondent declares, against Eng
tand, and the same sentiment is being
extended to America.
Status of Negotiation.
st. Petersburg, Jan. 20.-Information
from high authority gives the follow
ing as the present status of the nego,
tiatiors between Russia and Japan:
Russia recognizes Japan's predomi-
nance in Corea, and Japan recognizes
Russia's special position in Manchuria.
There are two main questions still at
issne-the Russian demand for neu-
trail zone on the Corean side of the va
lu river, which Japan met with a pro-
posal for the similar neutral strip on
the Manchurian side. Japan also asks
for certain guarantees covering Man
churia, which Russia thus far has de-
clined to grant. 1t is pointed out, how
ever, that the assurances given few
days ago by Russia regarding open
ports in Manchuria and respect for
treaty rights is concession on this
point.
That the two countries are not SO far
apart may be fairly inferred from the
following statement made by Mr.. Kur
inc, lne Japanese minister: War now
would only be disastrous to both coun-
tries. Owing to the geographical situa-
ton an armed conflict would result in
q great drain of the men and treasure
of both Japan and Russia without be-
ing decisive. Besides l believe it would
not be worth while to go to war on the
questions still in dispute;
Troops to Leave Port Arthur.
Port Arthur, Jan. 20.-Four thousand
troops are to leave here Wednesday
bound northward. Otherwise, city life
is normal and there has been no exodus
offamilies. Applications by correspond
ents desiring to accompany the forces
have all been met with the reply that
hostilities are not expected, and, there
fore, it would be premature to issue
permits.
The authorities here state definitely
that Russia has no intention or desireto
interfere in Corea, even should japan
continue to land small bodies of troops
there in contravention of the existing
treaties, as the Russians assert the Jap
anese are doing under the pretext that
they are only railway guards.
IL Discredited.
Washington, Jan. 20.-As no men
ton is made in official dispatches re-
ceived by either the state or navy de-
partment from Seoul or Chemulpo re.
decting on the conduct Of the American
marine guard at the Corean capital,
the officials here feel quite sure that
the reports of boisterous behavior on
their part are without foundation. It
Is believed here that this story was
put afoat by the native press, acting
under foreign influence, to discredit
the American marines. whose early
appearance at Seoul was very much re-
sented by some of the powers inter-
ested in the eastern situation.
Fire In New York Theater.
New York, Jan. 20.-The Peoples the
alter. on the Bowery and two adjoining
buildings were damaged to the extent
of $4,000 Tuesday by fire which start
ed in the stage loft of the theater build
ing. The theater is given over to Yid-
dish plays. A number of actors and
stage hands were at rehea rSa1 in the tho