New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-08
FRANCIS LAST EFFORT.
To Approach Great Britain 5cith
Vie1c of Preventing Var.

Paris Feb THE japanese action has created
| a distinct surprise and shock throughout official
/ and diplornatic circles here. Only last night an
/ Ambassador Of one Of the great powers received
Official information showing that the German
government expected the prolongation of the
I NEGOTIATIONS You can say positively and con-
hdentiy" the ambassador said. that Russia
response is certain to make a reply from Japan
necessary and that the diplomatic negotiations
must therefore continue.
Orsci-ls OF the Foreign once shared this be-
lief so that to-day's announcement that Japan
had actually terminated her diplomatic rela-
tions with Russia caused the most profound
agitation The Foreign Minister, NJ Delcasse'
varied his custom by spending most OF the day
at the Foreign Ofice, where he received direct
dispatches announcing the withdrawal OF Baron
de Rosen from Toxic. and that Russian inter
ests had been confided to the care Of the French
Minister at the japanese capital
About II O'Clock NJ Delcasse received NJ Mo
tono. who bore the long Official announcement
from the Toxic government that a decisive step
had been taken IN breaking of relations. NJ.
Motono explained that this was not the result
OF Russia's last answer, which had not been re-
ceived by japan when this determination had
been reached but on the contrary, the break
ing of OF relations due solely 70 Russlas
procrastination and her concentration OF MILL
tary and naval forces toward Corea- No fur
Their effort was made to disguise the seriousness
OF the situation. and IL Motono himself made
public the declaration OF his government tnEt
relations had been severed.
There Is reason TO believe that the French
authorities VIII give consideration TO the ides
OF mediation. but It is said that such action
would be difficult IN view OF the recent declara-
ton OF Japan that she would not accept inter
vention OF any kind. the question was one 70
be regulated between herself and Russia New
ertheless. Il is expected that France VIII ap-
proach Great Britain with the view OF that
power making representations to Japan while
she, az the same time. VIII make representations
TO Russia IN order TO prevent an outbreak OF
hostilities In the opinion OF officials and dip
lomatists here there is stin a slight chance OF
averting hostilities. ard this chance VIII be
seized
The japanese legation here has been the
centre OF much excitement since this morning,
and through the day Il was besieged by mem
bers OF the diplomatic corps, eager TO obtain
copies OF Japans official statement IN order 10
inform their respective governments. NJ. No
tono and the legation officials talked freely.
They aid not appear 10 be depressed. but
rather confident and even happy that & decision
had finally been taken.
II. Motono gave Japan's Official statement as
addition. he made the following declaration:
The government statement clearly shows that
relations are at end. Whether not this
means war I unable TO say, but * Is OBJ
vious that the step already taken IS OF the
gravest nature. and one which may be followed
by war. When that may come no one can say
at this time, but the reasons for the action OF
my government should be distinctly under
F+sOd.
II is untrue that Baron Komura. the Jap
anese Foreign Minister received yesterday any
note from Baron de Rosen. and. therefore, the
action OF Japan IN breaking of relations was
not a result Of the Russian reply. No response
has been RENTED by Russia TO my government.
The dispatches stating that Russia sent her
reply are deceptive. we have not received IL
and 1t is because We have not received this reply
that determined to act with vigoT. This
Is the situation.
Russia alone is responsible She received our
last note on January 10. Twenty-Five days
passed Several times ". Kurino requested
reply and a reply promised, but IL never
came. At the beginning OF last week NJ hurinO
declared positively that he must have reply,
but stiIl there nothing.
At the same time. Russia continued 20 make
military preparations and TO concentrate troops
in the vicinity Of the Yalu River. Can you not
conceive the inquietude and the irritation ct
Toko2 After three weeks OF patience
thought that sufficient, and our dignity
would not permit US TO wait indefinitely.