Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-02-08
WAR AT HAND.
Japan Breaks Off Her Relations
With the Gar.
Mikado's Subjects Await Crisis With
Courage and CaImness.
Cal! for Arms May Be Delayed
but Few Days.

St. Petersburg. Feb. 1.-Although the
fear was general here. yesterday. that
the presentation of the Russian note
to Japan might be followed by an act
Oh the part of the Japanese govern
ment which would plunge the two
countries into war, the startling action
Of Japan in severing diplomatic rela-
tons with Russia before the actual de-
livery of the Russian note ca,ne like IL
bolt from Il clear sky. 1t was believed
that the receipt of the note might have
marked an ultimatum. but that Japan
should sever diplomatic relations,
step little short of declaration of war,
was almost like a blow in the face I'M
der the present circumstances, and it is
resented accordingly.
The Eews that at any moment Japan
had drawn the sword and that the
first clash had occurred would not be
surprising. The events leading to
Japan's abrupt action have marched
With great rapidity. The Russian note
was already in the hands of Baron De
Itoscn. Russian minister at Toxic, for
delivery to Baron komura the Japa-
ncFe minister, when at 4 O'Clock. yes
tcrday afternoon, NJ kurino, the Jap
anese minister here, presented himself
at the foreign office and informed Min
lister Lamsforlf that his government
in view with the delay in the answer
and futility hitherto to the negotiations
considered it useless to continue dip
loInatic relations and would take such
steps as it deemed proper for the pro-
lection of Japans interests. In ODE
dience 10 instructions therefore he ask
ed for his passport.
1t is officially announced that Count
Lamsdorff. the Russian foreign minis
ter. has informed Russian representa-
lives abroad that Japan has decided 10
break off negotiations with Russia and
70 withdraw her minister and the en-
tire legation staff from St. Petersburg
and that upon the receipt of note to
this effect from the Japanese minister.
Russia had ordered her minister.
Baron De Rosen. and the legation staff
to leave Pekin.
The Messenger published the follow
ing circular telegram dated Feb. 6.
which has been sent by Count Lams-
dOrk. the Russian foreign minister. to
the Russian representatives abroad:
Acting under instructions from his
government. the Japanese minister at
the imperial court has presented a note
which informs the imperial government
of the decision of Japan to break off
further negotiations and the recall of
her minister and the whole staff Of the
legation.
In consequence of this, His Imperial
Majesty has been pleased to order the
Russian minister at Toxic with the
whole imperial mission to leave the
capital Of Japan without delay.
such an attitude on the part of the
Toxic government. which has not even
awaited the answer of the imperial
government which was sent off during
the last three days. throws the whole
responsibility of the consequences
which may arise from n rupture of
diplomatic negotiations upon Japan
Amid the crop of stories afloat, to-
day, there are some of the widest
character. as for example, that a naval
battle had already been fought and a
Japanese fleet sunk. Another story,
which is repeated circumstantially. is
that while the Japanese government
did not wait for the official presentation
of the Russian response. the contents
Of it We're communicated privately to
M. Kurino. who telegraph it to his
government. This The Associated Press
has been authoritatively> informed to
be incorrect. When Count Lamsdorff
informed NJ. Kurino on Thursday night
that the response had gone to Viceroy
AlexieT. he did not give him copy of
it. but il is understood that he made
known in general way the Russian
position. Russia, while making con-
cessions. declined to yield on the four
following points:
First, Japan's right to ask for a trea-
ty covering the sovereignty Of Man.
churia second, she insisted upon mu-
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