Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury [Connecticut]) 1903-1917, 1904-01-18

Nation is Prepared For Combat With
russia


TOKYO, Jan. 1s.-Japan does not an.
ticipate Russia's rejoinder for at least
one week. In the meantime the nation
is prepared and grimIy reconciled to
war. Political and other distinctions,
have disappeared, and the country is
periodically united. The government is
receiving many offers of contributions
In the event of war amounting to many
millions of yen. The japanese people
would welcome an honorable peace, but
sare resolved to fight before recedins
from their position in oriental affairs,
They fear the aggression of Russia and
believe if it is not stopped now it will
never be stopped. They are confident
that their demands are fair and moder-
ate and that their diplomacy. which
has been patient, has gone to a reason
able limit. They expect the worlds
sympathy in the struggle and have
splendid confidence in their army and
navy. In the event of reverses or ma.
tional disaster it is thought that Eng
land and the United States would i'm
tervene to preserve the balance OF pow
er in eastern Asia. There is no fear of
an invasion of Japan, country which
is probably the most strongly defended
in the world. The growth of British and
American sentiment Is remarked. Ma
merous displays of the flags Of the two
nations are made and popular songs re.
citing the glories of the lion and Uncle
Sam are sung.
The characters Of Uncle Sam and
Johnny Bull are also seen at public
dances. The activity of the United
States IN the opening of the ports of
Mukden and Antung is keenly watched,
and in some quarters it is hoped that
this may aid in solving the problem OF
fnsuring peace. The censorship prohib-
its the publication of military move
ments. At present the movements are,
merely preliminary and aimed to I'M
sure an immediate dispatch Of an inns
n1ense land and sea force IL 1t should
become necessary.
Dispatches from Seoul, Korea, sayj
the American guard at the United
States legation has been increased.
Sixty more marines have arrived
and are quartered in the city at the
electric power company's building.
The American authorities have taken
the precaution to provide male escorts
for women and children OF that nation.
atty while on the street.
The native press Is slightly offensive
to foreign residents and 1t is possible
there will yet be trouble with Korea.
Troops now guard all the foreign res-
licences, probably in sufficient numbers
to keep the natives in check should
they begin to make trouble.
A German man-of-war has just ar
rived at Chemulpo
All Methodist missionaries in Korea
have been cautioned TO move into Seoul
Immediately or go at once to Japan.
1t is thought that the missionaries ara
in great danger of losing their lives.
The ambassador here has been adj
vised that two officers and sixty four
men have been sent to Seoul from the
United States steamer Vicksbure, now
at Chemulpo. They carried machine
gun with them. There are now huns
dred or more men from the Vicksbur9
at Seoul guarding the legation.
The japanese government has receiv.,
ed Russian communication saying
that Russia will respect the rights and
privileges already acquired by the pow
ers In Manchuria under existing trea-
ties with China excepting the establish
ment of foreign settlements and In so
far as these rights and privileges are
not prejudicial to Russia's future rsiaf
lions with Manchuria