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

cred changed, either for the better
or worse. So far as the actual state
Of the negotiations is concerned. mat
ters should be improved by the Rus
sian answer, which was framed in the
most cOnciHatory spirit. Neverthe-
less there is serious doubt as to the
course the Japanese government will
pursue. Russia has done her utmost
but the other side must yield If a
common ground is to be found. The
Japanese people and press have been
kept in a continual state OF excite
ment by false reports, invented we
believe to create distrust of our pur-
poses and pacific intentions. How
FAR the Japanese authorities can with
stand the popular tide is a cues
tion."
In sharp contrast with this calm
and even hopeful view voiced by the
RUSSIAN official is the gloom which
prevails at the Japanese legation and
British embassy, where no efforts are
made to disguise the feeling of pro-
found disquietude over the outlook.
Bellef Is almost openly expressed that
II Japan considers the reply unsatisfac
tory it will be the end of diplomatic
negotiations. Minister Kurino and
Sir Charles Scott, the British ambas-
sador to Russia have been in confer
ence. evidently determining on the
action to be taken in case OF a rup-
ture of the negotiations which. it Is
believed will be Immediately follow
ed by the breaking off Of diplomatic
relations. In this event NJ. Kurino
will ask for his passports and will
leave St Petersburg at once. The
minister has already anticipated such
a contingency and is making arrange
ments to vacate the legation building.
Under the terms of the lease this
may be given up. 1t is even reported
today on apparently good authority
that N. kurino has ordered a special
car to be in readiness at the Warsaw
station. to take him to Germany. The
current affairs of the Japanese lega-
ton will be turned over to the Brit
ish embassy, If the worst happens.
The absence Of NJ. Kur1no from
the theatricals given at the winter
palace last night. which were attend
ed by all the other ministers and by
the ambassadors was generally re-
marked. 1t was the first court func-
tlon he had missed this season.
The BourSe is demoralized TODAY.
although imperial fours were un-
changed.
Seoul, February 6.-Russan sol
dIers have been the cause Of a dis
orderly incident in Seoul. One of the
Russians seized a woman and an an
cry crowd gathered. A body of
Korean gendarmeS soon arrived at
the scene Of trouble and an encounter
with the Russians followed. The
gendarmes fought well, oyerpowerins
wounded. The Koreans declare that
the Russians will destroy the coun-
try.
An tnsurrection has broken out
sixty miles north of Seoul and the
projects house has been DESTROYED by
the people
London, February Ga dispatch
to Reuters Telegram Company from
81. petersburg, says:
An authoritative statement from a
RUSSIAN source regarding the con-
tents Of the Russian reply is as fol-
lows:
IF the Japanese government I.
animated by the same pacific senti-
ments as the Russian government
there Is reason to hope that It will
give Russia's fresh proposals such
favorable consideration as to permit
mutual accord being reached. Baron
de Rosen has been furnished with al
the necessary instruction for a fresh
phase Of the negotiations
Harbin. February 6.-The secretar,
OF the Japanese consul at vladivos
, took has arrived here and has warn
, ed the Japanese residents to leave
, They are all hurrying away, sellin,
{ and even giving away their belong
inEA
: The prices of food and fodder ar,
: sing.
I New York, February 6.-The Cen
4 trail Office OF the Western Union Cabi
J service announced today that prfvat
I messages in secret language canno
J be accepted for any place in Japan
:. A similar announcement was made b
i the Commercial! Gable Company.
L Later the Western Union was IN
formed that the japanese government
e had modified its restrictions so tina
q the addresses of code dispatch ma
receive such cablegran provided h
files copy Of his telegram with Il,
authorities. Messages will be accep,
ed. however. only at senders risk.