Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-03-02
JAPAN'S STATEMENT.
Continued from page ~

negOtia tions. would have made a total
increase of Russia's naval strength of
about $4,000 TONS
During the same period. the increase
in the Russian land forces in the Far
East has been equally marked. Since
the 18th of last June, when under the
preteXt of trial transportation on the
Siberian railway. the Russian govern
ment sent to China two infantry bril-
gades, two artillery battalions and 4
large force of cavalry, troops have been
constantly sent by military train from
Russia to the Far East. until at the be-
ginning of February the total augment
ed strength of the Russian forces was
over 10000. At the same time plans
were being made for sending, if neces-
sary, over 100000 men more.
During the same period there has
been the greatest activity possible at
Port Arthur and at Vladivostock and
work has been carried on day and night
to strengthen the Notifications of those
naval ports, while forts have been
built at Hun Chun, Lao Yam and other
strategic points, and large quantities
of arms and ammunition have been
sent TO the Far East by the Siberian
railway and the vessels of the vOlun-
teer fleet. In the middle of October
last. train of IA cars was hurriedly
sent from Russia laden with equipment
of a field hospital.
From these military and naval
preparations of every description made
during the progress of the negotiations.
it is quite evident that Russia was not
inclined to friendly settlement of the
questions then under discussion be-
tween Japan and herself, but sought
solely by her military preponderance
to force Japan into submission
During the latter part OF January
and the beginning of February, Rus
sian military activity was still further
intensified. On Jan. l, about two bat
| talions of infantry and a detachment
of cavalry We're sent from Port Arthur
and [ alny to the northern frontier of
Corea. and. Jan. IS. formal order to
prepare for war was given by Admiral
| AleXieff to the forces which We're sta
toned in the vicinity of the Yalu
"On Feb. 1, the military commandant
at Vla6ivostock,' under the orders of his
government, requested the japanese
y
his nationals that as a state of siege
might be proclaimed at any moment,
they must make immediate prepara-
| lions to withdraw to Habnroysk. About
the same date all of the warships at
Port Arthur except a battleship then
under repair made a naval demonstrc-
ton by leaving port, while troops were
advanced in large numbers from Lao
Yang toward the Yalu.
In view of these facts who can saw
that Russia had no warlike intention;
or that she was unprepared for war?
Seeing that the situation had become
so critical that it admitted of no fur
Their delay, the Japanese government
was compelled to break off negotia-
tons that had proved abortive and
take the necessary steps for self-pro-
lection. But the responsibility for the
challenge to war rests not with Japan.
but solely with Russia.
"On Feb. 6, Japan announced to Rms
STA her determination to terminate the
pending negotiations and to take such
Independent action as she might deem
best to defend her position, menacel
by Russia, and to protect her estab-
|
At the same time the government of
Japan informed the Russian govern
ment that as its moderate and unself-
ish proposals in the interest of a firm
and lasting peace in the Far East had
not received the consideration which
was thei" due. Japan had resolved to
sever her diplomatic relations with
russia. which for the reason named
had ceased to possess value, and to
withdraw her legation
The term independent action nat
urally included the opening of hostili-
ties. The fact that Russia was unable
to understand it in that light is of
course, no reason why Japan should
be held responsible for the misinter-
probation made by Russia 1t is the
almost unanimous opinion of internal
tional diplomats that an act of war is
not indispensable prequsite to the
Opening Of hostilities. Indeed, it has
been the common practice in recent