The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-16
EUROPE PLEASED BY CARS TONE Hope His Words Mean Peace-
 fuI Settlement RUSSIAN TROOPS ACTIVE Japanese Warshlps Niasln and kasaga Were Pursued in Mediterranean
 Sea By Two Torpedo
 Boats of Russia.
RUSSIAN TROOPS ACTIVE

Berlin, January 15.-Berlin newspapers evince keen satisfaction with the czar' utterances at the new years reception at the winter palace in St. Petersburg Thursday. because these utterances arc interpreted as greatly improving the prospect of peace, and they say that the moral significance of the czar's declar- ation to the Japanese minister reduces the danger of war to minimum The papers couple with this the czar's ac- ceptance at this juncture the demand of the United States for the open door ir Manchuria.
 Was Gratifying News.
 London, January 16.-The account of the imperial new years reception at the winter palace in St. Petersburg Thursday and on the pacific utterances of the czar to the Japanses minister and other diplomats is given prominence by the whole British press as the most import ant and gratifying news of the day. Il is recognized that the trend of events may prove too strong for the emperor, but his assurances are accepted as evi- dence that the situation has not grown worse.
 Paris Still Hopes for Peace.
 Paris January 15.-In spite or the pes simistic tone in other capitals in rela- ton to the Russo-Japanese situation, the I. s1P tlot is of ctt prevails in official and diplomatic circles here
 Reports were circulated On the bourse today that there was little chance of es- cape from war, but thi5 vas authorita- lively denied. The foreign csfice further declared that no tender cf good office had yet been made through M. Melidoff the Russian ambassador to the Russian government, and that no action of this kind had been taken with respect t. Japan.
 Pleased at Czar's Attitude.
 London, Jan lary l6.-Baron Hayashi to- night, commenting on the Associated Press dispatches from St. Petersburg quoting the peaceful statement made by the czar to members of the diplomats corps yesterday at the New Years recep.
 
 ton, said:
 'I have read with pleasure the state- ments attributed to the czar. If these are his majesty's views there will De nc war.
 'The question rests with him. Japan has nothing further to say
 The minister added that he had received a. dispatch from Tokio denying the state :nent that Japan was trying to induce 44 a torate.
 Russian Troops Concentrating.
 Pekin, January 15--It Is reported from consular sources at New Chwang that Russian troops are concentrating in ths towns of Liao Chang and Hai Cheng, and other places where they will be in a posi- tion to reoccupy the territory between the Lia, river and the great wall, and seize the New Chwang-shan Hai-Kwar section of the Chinese railroad.
 No Change at Tokio.
 London January 16-Tokio dispatches printed this morning show no change ir the situation. It Is announced that an or der has been given for another 16Ooo-tor battleship, to be built in England.
 The Standards Tokio correspondent de scribes a banquet given by leading Japa-
  ican naval attachees, and the press core. spondents.
 MT. lIonoda, president of the Nobles bank, presided, and in welcoming ths guests dwelt or the close friendship of the three countries. He said the Japanese pecple who had succeedd in financing the war with China were able to find money for a more serious struggle, now when tht national wealth was many times greater
 Torpedo Boats Left in Haste.
 Rome, January 15.-Prince Takinguki telegraphing from the Japanese warshiI Niasin, says that when the Niasin ane Kasaga were escorted through the Medi terranean by nine British warships they were approached by two Russian torpedo boats, and that when the latter saw ths powerful escort, they left in haste for tht harbor of Syracuse. It Is asserted thai Great Britain Is concentrating ffty-twc warships in the Mediterranean
 Differences Are Adjusted.
 Washington, January 15.-What migh have developed into an unfortunate mis understanding between the governments of the United States and Russia regard Ing the interests of the United States 1T Manchuria was adjusted at conference at the state department today between Mir Hay. secretary of state, and Coun' Casslni, Russian ambassador
 As a result. the Russian government will be advised by the ambassador thai he has the best asurances that the inter ests of the United States in Manchuria are absolutely exclusively commercial and that the consuls sent to Mukden and Antune will confine their activities to the faithful care of American trade In this province.
 Count Cassini called at the state de- partment today to inquire into certain statements which several Europena diplo- mats had brought to his attention and in- terpreted to indicate change Of policy on the part of the United States govern ment in the direction of political inter- vention in Manchuria.
 The conference between the secretary and the ambassador was characterized by frank cordiality on both sides. It is said that no matter what occurs in the far east the United States will be fully protected in commercial and treaty rights, so far az Russia is able to act in the affair.
 H.-x~i. 0nha rte May Be Arreated