The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1904-02-08

= T. PETERSBURG, Feb.1-Although
y the fear was general here yesterday
that the presentation Of the Rus
sian note to Japan might be followed by
an act on the part Of the japanese gov
eminent which would plunge the two
countries into war. the startling action
of Japan in severing diplomatic rels--
ton with Russia before the actual de-
livery Of the Russian note, came like a
bolt from a clear sky. It was believed
that the receipt of the note might have
unmasiged an ultimatum. hut that
Japan should sever diplomatic relations,
a step little short Of a declaration Of
war, was almost like a blow in the face
under the present circumstances, and It
is sesaEted here accordingly. The au
thOrities believe this action places ia
pan distinctly in the wrong before the
world. ard. moreover. such q piece OF
impudence." as it is denOminated here,
makes easy an appeal u the patriotism
OF the Russian people.
Russia Now Expects War.
The news that at any moment Japan
had drawn the sword and that the first
clash had occurred would not be sur
u >
abrupt action have marched with great
rapidity. The Russian note was al
ready in the hands of Baron de ROsen,
Russian minister at Toxic, for deliv-
cry to Baron Komura, the japanese
foreign minister. whel at I o'clock yes
terday afternoon NJ Kurino, the Jap
anese minister here, presented himself
a t the foreign Office and informed For
eign Minister LamsdOrf that his gov
eminent, IN view Of the delays IN con-
neCtiOn with the Russian answer and
the futiIity, hitherto of the negoti9-
lions. considered il useless to continue
diplomatic relations, and would take
such steps as it deemed proper for the
protection of Japan's interests In
obedience to instructions, therefore. ne
asked for his passports. Exactly what
else passed al this interview IS not
known, except that Count Lansdcrh
expressed surprise and regret at this
bastv resolve of the mikado's govern
r:ent. NJ. Kurino received his pass
ports. and after consulting with Sir g.
s. scott, the British ambassador here,
he returned to his legation. where the
preparations for his departure had al
ready commenced.
Japanese Version.
Another version o. the situation at
Lamsdorff Of the course his government
had elected TO pursue is that the Rus
sian reply was not in the possession OF
Baron de Rosen. bur in the telegraph
Office here awaiting transmission. ana
that it was withdrawn before being
dispatched.
Upon the disclosure of Japan's posi-
ton, the Russian authorities met the
situation with great prOmptness. IN
were forthwith telegraphed. and he was
directed TO leave Toxic Immediately.
Count Lamsdorff's official circular to
the Russian representatives abroad, in
structing them to inform the govern
ments Of the countries TO which they
were accredited Of Japan's action, was
then prepared. This circular was print
ed in the Official Messenger at o'clock
this morning.
With war imminent orders have been
! given for a rigid censorship over all in
( formation relating to naval and mill
/ tary movements. Preparations were
ALSO made for the cars journey to the
anciens capital. Moscow, where he goes
/ in accorda nee with the traditional Gus
) tom Of his forefathers TO invoke divine
/ guidance While the imperial train is
passing to Moscow troops VIII lire
every foot of the way.
Preparing to Move.
When the representative of the Asso-
{ cistad Press called at the japanese Ie-
CATION this morning he found scene
Of great confusion During the night
aa If by magic all the japanese art
treasures. bronzes and worries had dis
/ appeared. and the spacious salons were
bare.
Servants and attaches, who had beer
! working all night, were still busils
packing papers and archives. ". ku-
rinO entered the salon with his habitua
quick and nervous step His bloodsho
ewes gave evidence that he had been 9
stranger to sleep, but he displayed tbs
impressive characteristics of his race
and was without a trace Of excitement
There was an air of firm resolution
about him. however, which was tbs
only noticeable change in his demeanor
Throughout the strain which has jus
passed the attitude of the Japanes'
minister has been strictly correct H
has been on good terms, personally
with Count Lamsdorff and the othe
Russian officials. Today, as is custom
airy with him, he was extremely reti
cent and declined TO offer an eXplana
ton of the course Of Japan, saying tn
authorities at Toxic would doubles
give the world their side of the story
He YentuTed, however. to point cut tia
& the irritation created by the delay il
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