The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-02-05
Today VIII Decide Question

Today VIII Decide Question
Washington, February 4.-"War or
peace will come with tomorrow"
This Is the general opinion in the
diplomatic corps both at the Russian en-
bassy and at the Japanese legation, the
situation In the far east is described as
grave.
1t is stated at the Russian embassy that
the St. Petersburg government has made
determined and earnest effort for peace,
even going so far as to offer magnani-
nous concessions in Korea. The ques-
tion of Manchuria, Russia is unwilling to
discuss, taking the ground that that is a
subject for negotiation between st.
Peterburg and Pekin, and not between st.
Petersburg and Toxic.
In the opinion of the Russian govern
ment. Japans legitimate interests in
Manchuria do not exceed those of the
United States and Great Britain, or of
other powers signatory to the peace pro-
tocol of 1900 For this reason Russia has
declared her unwillingness TO discriminate
between the powers and enter into
special treaty with Japan.
In the event of war, it may be expected
that the Russian government will ad-
S dress the powers setting forth her posi-
tioh and briefly reviewing the various
steps in the negotiations. 1t is expected
by Russia that wsr manifesto will be
Immediately fol }sed ~sere by an ofacisi
declaration of neutrality on the part of
the United States.
Would Destroy UIterior Ambitions. =.
st. Petersburg, February 4.--The feeling
to- 1, - io,a ofr In he f,naf
Russia has offered substantial concessions
but she cannot meet Japan's wishes re-
garding Manchuria, or agree to Japanese
Notifications in southern Korea.
1t is intimated in certain unofficial quar-
ters that If Japan should offer a counter
proposal that Russia guaranteed China's
Manchurian treaties irrespective of the
ultimate sovereignty of the province, there
might be a chance of reaching such
compromise.
1t is argued that this settlement would
safeguard the existing commercial inter-
ests of all the powers in Manchuria, and
1t Is contended that If Japan demands
more in the last resort, this would betray
to the world her Interior ambitions on the
continent of Asia, which would be mimi
cal to the interests of not only Russia, but
of the very powers who now sympathize
with Japan.
Much anxiety and doubt prevails with
regard to the future, but one thing is GER
tain Russia will not declare nor will she
initiate hostile action If the negotiations
break down. Russia will remain quiet and
contented until attacked. The announce
ment that the Japanese authorities had
postponed the war impost until next April
is interpreted favorable here.
The Novoe vremya today published a
long editorial article on its Port Arthur
oorraepoudence of Yesterday.
America the Real Foe.
The views Of this correspondent may APP
near fantastic, but the paper says never
fheless trat America is the real foe,
screened behind Japan. The British, the
naper continues, have assumed the task
Of betraying Europe by trucking to the
limited States, and speeches at the re-
cent banquet Of the Pilgrim society are
cited as examples of British covetous-
ness.
In conclusion the Novoe yremya says:
when Great Britain has quite gone
over to the United States, the rest of
Europe will realize the urgency of uni
ted action against America
A telegram received here from Port Ar
thur says there is no announcement there
of the mobilization or the calling out of
reserves, but that everything is in readi-
ness. and that there are almost half
million troops in Manchuria The mes
sage adds that mobilization of the ia
panese forces has not produced deep
impression in Port Arthur
The figures in this message for the Rus
sian troops In Manchuria are considered
here to be exaggerated by at least one
half but 1t Is understood that $4,000 Rus
sian soldiers are on their way or under
orders for the far east.
The war office and admiralty minimize
the significance of Russia's preparations
In the far east the war office declaring
that the movement toward Antung has no
connection with the opening of Antung
as treaty port, but is a precautionary
measure to safeguard Russian interests
on the Yalu river.
Russian Fleet Returns.
Port Arthur, February 4-The Russian
fleet returned here at o'clock this after
noon.
The fleet under Admiral Stark put to
sea at dawn February 3. 1t has taken up
its anchorage outside the harbor. It was
maneuvering 1t is reported, against sixty
Japanese warships off Wei-Hai- Wei.
The quarantine against Che Foo has
been annulled.
Comments of German Press.
Berlin. February 4.-The North German
Gazette leads it's editorial columns today
with an inspired statement as follows:
THE last days prior to the despatch
of the Russian answer are used by the
various interests in the lack of positive
information, to manufacture opinion This
game has also been recently played in
Paris whence the German newspapers
were furnished with sensational matter.
We see no reason why the German press
should abandon the tranquil and correct
attitude It has hitherto observed. and so
play in the hands of those who would
like to see the pessimism of the English
press transferred to the German"