Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-02-02
Cars Reply to Japan Not Known
at Toxic Although Thought
to Be Satisfactory.
HoSIILlTIES PROBABLE IF IT
SHOULD PROVE UNFAV0RABLE
Russia Reported to Desire Neutraliza-
tton of CORRESPONDENTS at Port Ar
thur Still Fear War, But Merchants
Are Optimistic-Troops Active on
Siberian Border.

not, it is said, possess any Russian In
formation concerning the character OF
the forthcoming note, although 1t has re-
eeived various reports, the majority OF
which say the reply will be satisfactory.
None, however, emanate from a source
which warrants their full acceptance as
correct. In the judgment of many just
now the character of the note does not
warrant the belief that Count Lams-
dorff, the Russian foreign minister, has
given out the slightest intimation OF its
contents. Even that carries little assur-
ance, for the Russian and japanese con-
ceptions of what constitutes fair bar
gain vary materially. The government
of Japan does not anticipate the necessi-
ty of the Russian reply for a few days.
When it comes it will probably be con-
Eidered by the throne in conference with
the cabinet and elder statesmen. The
cessions does not, insthe least, warrant
the conclusion that there will be a peace
full settlement of the existing difficulties
Her entire,proposition will be carefully
scrutinized and every condition and
contingency of the situation closely
weighed. If the reply should prove to
be completely unsatisfactory to Japan
fest. Should it give partial satisfaction
an exchange of notes is possible, al
though there remains slight room for adj
ditional diplomacy.
Desires Neutrality of COrea,
Washington, Feb. Limited States
Minister Allen, at Seoul, cables the
state department that a Corean official
recently returned from Russia states
that the Russian government appears
to desire the naturalization of Corea.
The emperor of Corea is very conf
dent that the foreign powers will be
satisfied with his determination to
maintain strict neutrality.
Are Still Feared.
Port Arthur, Feb. 1.-Apprehen-
sion that there will be war is still ex-
pressed in official quarters here, where
It is also said that Japanese de-
scent is expected at any moment AT
the same time the authorities declare
That with the exception of strategical
precautions taken between Lioa-Yang
and the Yalu river their plans have not
been formed and that it will be impos-
sible to complete the arrangements un-
I'll the Japanese make more definite
demonstrations Of their intentions. The
fertilization and field troops are active,
and between Lioa-Yang and the ST.
berian border the railroad is over
taxed in transporting recruits and re-
placing the regiments dispatched TO the
Halu river.
In contrast with the alarm expressed
In official circles the merchants are OPP
nmistic. Although the shipping has
been burdened with high insurance,
The supply of ships is adequate. not
withstanding the withdrawal of the
Japanese vessels. One of the latter,
after fortnight's detention in Japan,
Is now on the way to Chemulpo, Corea,
and Che-Foo, China, with cargo
From three to six Japanese or British
golfers are daily unloading at Port Ar
thur. The Russian commissariat Off
cers say they have found unlimited
puPPico VI 10y GIL" Oats III lHc lAlC-
Eior of Manchuria. These hitherto had
been greatly deficient.
The authorities continue to charge
the United States with lack of cour-
tesy, and express annoyance at the
appointment of United States consuls
ut Mukden, Port Dalny and Antung.
No decision, it is said. has yet been
reached by the administration in re-
gard to the recognition of the consuls
Or the relations to be maintained with