The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-08


drawn the sword and that the first clash
had occurred would not be surprising. The
events leading to Japan's abrupt action
have marched with great rapidity. The
Russian note was already in the hands Of
Baron De Rosen. Russian minister at Toxic.
for delivery to Baron Komura, the Japan
ese foreign minister when at o'clock yes
terday afternoon, NJ. Kurino, the Japanese
minister here, presented himself at the For
eign Office and informed Foreign Minister
Lamsdorff that his government, in view
of the delays in connection with the Rus
sian answer and the futility hitherto of the
negotiations. considered it useless to con-
tinue diplomatic relations and would take
such steps as it deemed proper for the pro-
lection of Japan's interests. In obedience to
the instructions, therefore, he asked for
his passports.
GIVEN HIS PASSPORTS.
Exactly what else passed at this interview
is not known, except that Count Lamsdorff
expressed surprise and regret at this hasty
resolve of the Mikado's government. NJ.
Kurino received his passports, and after
consulting with Sir c. s. Scott the British
ambassador here, hs returned to his lega-
ton, where the preparations for his depart
ure had already commenced.
Another version of the situation at the
time NJ. Kurino notified Count Lamsdorff
of the course his government had elected
to pursue is that the Russian reply was not
in the possession of Baron De Rosen but in
the telegraph Offices here awaiting trans
mission and that it was withdrawn before
being dispatched.
Upon the disclosure of Japan's position
the Russian authorities met the situation
with great promptness. Instructions recall
ing Baron De Rosen were forthwith tele-
graphed and he was directed to leave Toxic
Immediately. Count Lamsdorff's official cir
cular to the Russian representatives abroad,
instructing them to inform the governments
of the countries TO which they were accred-
tied Of Japan's action, was then prepared.
This circular was printed in the Official
Messenger at o'clock this morning.
With war imminent. orders have been
given for a rigid censorship over all infor-
nation relating to naval and military move
ments. Preparations were also made for
the Cars journey. to the ancient capital.
Moscow. where he goes in accordance with
the traditional custom of his forefathers to
invoke divine guidance. While the imperial
every foot of the way.
KURINO'S PREPARATIONS.
When the representative of the Associated
Press called at the japan legation this
morning he found a scene OF great con-
| fusion. During the night, as il by magic,
| all the Japanese art treasures, bronzes and
ivories, had disappeared and the spacious
| saloons were bare. Servants and attaches.
| who had been working all night, were still
busily packing papers and archives. NJ.
| Kurino entered the saloon with his ha-
bitua1 quick and nervous step. His blood
| shot eyes gave evidence that he had been a
| stranger sleep. but he displayed the i'm
passive characteristics of his race and was
! without trace of excitement There was an
| air OF firm resolution about him, however,
which was the only noticeable change in his
demeanor
Throughout the strain which has just
passed. the attitude of the japanese min
| lister has been strictly correct. He has been
| on good terms personally with Count Lams-
| dorff and the other Russian officials To-
| day, as is customary with him, he was ex-
| tremely reticent and declined to offer an
| explanation of the course of Japan, saying
! the authorities at Toxic would doubtless
| give the world their side of the story. He
| ventured, however. to point out that the
! irritation created by the delay In the Rus
sian responses postponed from day TO day
| together with the forecasts OF what il con-
tained might have convinced his govern
ment that 1t was futile to proceed further
with diplomacy.
As NJ. Kurino looked out of window al
the legation. which faces the Neva not fan
from the Winter Palace. he saw a battalion
| of the Russian Imperial Guard clad to the
heels in big overcoats and their guns sluns
| over their backs. He showed no emotion
at the sight. He said. rather sadly, that
the rupture of diplomatic relations did not
necessarily mean war.
| United States Ambassador Mccormick
was one of NJ. Kurino's first callers this
morning. and later in the day other diplc-
mats. among whom the minister is popular
came TO express their regrets at the turr
affairs had taken. In the afternoon. M
Kurino and his wife made number of hur.
ried farewell calls. including one at the
American embassy.
CARS FOR THE MINISTER.
Four cars are ready at the Warsaw sta.
ton for the minister and the legation staff
NJ. Kurino will leave at the earliest possibl.
moment. but he probably will not be able
, TO get away before Wednesday. The cur.
rent business of the japanese legation. II i:
believed, will be turned over TO the British
embassy, although II was once thought
possible. in view Of the fact that Great
Britain. Japan's ally. might be drawn
into the quarrel. that Mr.. Mccormick might
take charge. Mr.. Mccormick. however. ha.
received no instructions on this point. II
is possible that the Car may personally
| undertake the protection of the Japanes.
in Russia Nicholas 1 did I'm the case OF
the English during the Crimean war.
Amid the crop OF stories afoat here to-
day there are some of the widest character
ready been fought and japanese flee
sunk. Another story. which is repeated cir
| cumstantially, is that while the Japanes.
| government did not wait for the officia
| presentation OF the Russian response. tn.
contents of 1t were communicated privatel,
TO NJ Kurino. who telegraphed II to hi,
government. This. the Associated Pres.
has been authoritatively informed is no
true.
When Count Lamsdorf informed NJ
Kurino on Thursday night that the re
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