The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-02-09

ST. Petersburg. February e.-The
scene of the Russo-Japanese negotia-
tons has shifted, and now Russia
waits for Japan, to see how her latest
word is to be received. AS each COM
munication has passed between the
capitals of the contesting powers the
situation has become more tense, un-
til it is now feared diplomacy is max
ing it's last exchange and that the
questions at issue may go to the arbi-
trament of sterner methods. Russia
tonight is keenly awake to the posi-
bilities of the situation and is eagerly
waiting the first intimation which may
give a clue to the temper OF Japan.
The Emperor, in the event of war,
may go 10 Moscow to submit his cause
and fate to the Almighty at the altar
of the Troitzko Monastery, as his
fathers have done in the past before
drawing the sword; but, whether he
does or not, his manifesto, which Will
be read in all the churches of the
Empire and posted everywhere, will
rouse the patriotism of his subjects.
In the hotels and restaurants of st.
Petersburg, the situation is being dis
cussed tonight with great seriousness.
The weather is bitterly cold and street
fires are burning and the people are
asking if it is possible for hostilities to
begin at season when the thermom-
eter registers forty degrees below
Zero Fahrenheit in North Manchuria.
They are speculating upon the horrors
that would characterize such winter
campaign and wondering if the story
Of the sufferings at Shipka Pass is to
be repeated.
The Russians are confident, how
ever, that if the worst comes, their
hardy soldiery can stand the severe
cold better than can their adver-
Sariea.
Toxic. February ct is believed
here that Japan has Informed Russia
! that she intends to break off diplo-
matte relations. All ordinary steam
ships between North China ports and
Korea have been suspended.
Toxic, February Tt is clear that
! diplomatic relations between Japan
and Russia have been broken off.
Baron de Rosen, the Russian minister,
| is expected to start in a few days. His
| preparations for departure are now
| progressing. The Russian legation ex-
| pected its government 70 break the
! silence today, but no communication
/ was received, except one announcing
| the troops had been dispatched to
Seoul. The populace is not aware OF
| the diplomatic proceedings and al
| though 1T is generally known that the
country is on the eve Of war, the peo-
pie await the crash with the same
calmneSs that marked their demeanor
in the preliminary stage of the con-
| troverSy.
Toxic, February Tt is believed
! that the final interview between For
eign Minister Komura and Baron de
| RoSen, the Russian minister, took
| place yesterday Saturday afternoon
The Baron drove to Minister Komuras
official residence and remained twen-
ty minutes. The nature of the con-
ference is a secret as are all the i'm
I portant acts of the japanese court. Il
is probable that Baron de Rosen de-
nvered the belated Russian note.
4 Port Arthur, February 6.-Viceroy
Alexieff forwarded the Russian reply
to Baron de Rosen, the Russian min
lister at Toxic by telegraph and tbs
latter acknowledged its receipts.
From the Russian viewpoint, th'
reply is regarded as pacific. Accom-
panying the note were instructions Il
Baron de Rosen for his guidance il
| certain eventualiies
st. Petersburg, February 9Th
Russian reply has been handed t
:. the Japanese government by Barol
de RoSen. the Russian minister a
Toxic
Russia is standing on the tip to
OF expectancy and apprehension. He
; response having now reached tn
= hands cf the Japanese government a
Toxic word therefrom is awaited wit
extreme anxiety. The air IL file
with grave fears that It will mea,
the parting of ways for Russia an
l Japan. The strain is fntensifyins
v The feeling that Japan will stan
firmly on her former demands agains
9 whatever concessions Russia can OF
: fer consistent with the maintenance
Y OF her pride is becoming a convicuo
: here. An official of the foreign offic
I said:
q The world understands our pos
ton pretty we'll. There is no reaso