The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-09
.TOTRY ONCE MORE
Japan Will Make Another Eff
fort to Reach Settlement
Before Resorting 10 Force to
Bring Russia to Terms.
MAY LAST FOR WEEKS.
In the Meantime War Prepara-
tiOns Will Continue.
Two New Cruisers Bought at
Genoa Sail for SueZ.


to Russia today through Minister De
Rosen. Its character has not been DIS
closed, but it is said that Japan re-
quires an answer within given number
of days Whether the note mentions
the time, making the document an ulti-
matum, or whether the time is inti-
mated otherwise is unknown. The gov
ernment, however, is determined to Sc
cure an early response and close the
discussion if it should prove to be
fruitless. 1t is understood that Japan
adheres closely to her original conten-
tions, and it is believed that if Russia
fails to fairly meet the demands war
will ensue.
The attitude of the British and Amer
leans greatly encourage the Japanese
war spirit, which is stronger than ever.
MEETING OF STATESMEN DE-
FERRED.
Toxic, Jan 9.-The meeting of elder
statesmen has been deferred for day
or two. The Russian warships which
left Vladivostoek recently are reported
to have returned there instead of pro-
ceeding to Port Arthur as expected
NEW JAPANESE CRUISERS SAIL.
Genoa, Italy, Jan. 9.-The Japanese
armored cruisers Kasaga and Niasin
left Genoa today for Suez.
Despite the early hour. 4:30 a. nl.,
many people gathered ashore to see the
WarShipS leave and to give a last cheer
for Japan. Through the semi darkness
the brilliantly lighted ships could be
clearly seen. The Italian sailors
| board the departing ships exchanged
/ loud salutationS with their cOuntrynen
on the docks or on the steamers anchor
ed near them. The Kasaga left first.
The Niazin sailed half an hour later.
Both apparently going in the direction
of Naples, but no one knows what
4 10
manders before leaving having ac
knoWledged that they were in the dark
regarding the instructions contained in
their sealed orders. The general opin-
ion, however, is that they will go
through the Suez canal Much comment
has been aroused by the fact that some
of the vessels of the Russian Mediter
ranean squadron have gathered at
Suda bay. north of the island of Crete,
apparently awaiting the departure OF
the Japanese ships.
RETURNING FOR THE FIGHT.
! San Francisco, Jam 9.-Owing to pros
pect of war in the near future the
passenger officials of the steamship
companies state that during the last
five or six weeks about 500 Japanese
have gone home to japan in order to
enlist their services in their country s
army. About 40 or so Russians they
say have gone across the Pacific to
Port Arthur to offer their services to
Russia.
Railroad and steamship officials state
that another large order of mess beef
from Kansas City and Omaha for de-
livery to the japanese authorities at
Yokohama is on the way to this city
for shipment across the Pacific. One
shipment of 100000 pounds passed
| through this port a couple of days ago
for Japan. Steamship officials here
have been advised that large quanti-
ties of mess pork for delivery to the
Russians at Port Arthur have gone by
! @R
RUSSIA IS OUTBID.
Philadelphia, Jan. 9.-The Record
says: The Japanese government has
secured an option on the new Turkish
cruiser Medjidie now being hurried to
completion at Cramps shipyards. Both
the Russian and Japan governments
have been negotiating with the sultan
for the cruiser for month past
corporation in Turkey. The latter
transacts nearly all of the financial
business in Turkey and has practically
the control OF all the government cash.
Representatives of Russia and Japan
have been working through the bank,
bidding higher and higher as the war
fever increased until it is claimed the
| Japanese offered half a million dollars
more than the cruiser cost, after which
the Russian representative withdrew.
The Medjidie cost about 81, 900 000 and
the Cramps are under contract to de-
liver her in Constantinople when the
balance due will be paid
| Should the sale be made the cruiser
| will be turned over Immediately to
Japanese officers who are at Seattle
awaiting orders from home to proceed
| to Philadelphia. The Medjidie on her
! trial test developed a speed of p "a
nots. The guns for her have been made
| in England and if the sale is made
will be shipped to Japan via the Suez
canal and mounted in the navy yards
in Yokohama When in commission
erI7e xr-SII he cd Nv
will have a battery of IA guns.
JAPANESE ARMY MAKES GOOD
SHOWING
London, Jan. 9.-Bennett Burleigh, the
| special correspondent of the Daily Tel
| egraph in the far east gives interesting
details in his eablegram from Toxic.
He says there is a total force of 10. 900
men and sc guns including in the I'M
perial guards and the first division and
he adds:
'The infantry greatly impressed me
with its solid. vigorous and trenchant
appearance. The artillery is excellent.
but the cavalry horses are poor, being
merely ponies. The troops carry car
| bineS on their backs in workmanlike
fashion"
Referring to the general situation Mr..
! Burleigh says:
You may discredit the reports that
Japan intends to present an ultimatunl.
| The Chinese government declares it
will certainly help Japan"
The Daily Mails Chefoo correspond
/ ent says in event of a victorious war
Japan would conclude a treaty with
| China opening Manchuria to all for
! eign trade.
Among the minor items of the news
this morning is the report that the
Russian warship Boyaran has arrived
at Chemulpo and the statement that
the foreign consuls at New Chwang
have lodged a protest with the Russian
administrator against remaining the
streets with Russian names.
| In editorial discussions of the crisis