The daily morning journal and courier., 1904-01-04

London, Jan. 1.-The Daily Tele- graphs Tokio correspondent says:
 Russia has sent further reply to Japan. I understand it is of a non committal character, making merely for delay.
 Don't look for a declaration of war; the correspondent says. The Japaneses are quite determined and several days ago took steps to secure certain of their Corean interests. Rus sia will not be allowed to occupy Cor can ports, and certainly neither Mokpo nor Masampho, both of these ports be- ing protected against seizure.
 Japan means business without wait ing for the convenience of others. If Russia feels aggrieved, a fortnight would show the extent to which she will venture The interest should begin at c center near Seoul than Tokio with in ten days.
 1t is thought despite her buster that Russia will take no immediate ac- ton to prevent Japan doing what she thinks proper to safeguard her inter ests in Korea
 The foregoing probably refers to the dispatch of the squadron to Masam- pho Admiral Kumimuras squadron consists of the armored cruisers Asama, Tokiwa, Adzuma, Idzumo, Iwate and Yakuna, all with a speed of from twenty to twenty-three knots.
 According to the Standards Tokio correspondent, Japanat the end of De- cenaber notified the powers and the United States of the actual position of the negotiations, at the same time inti- mating that the continued occupation of Manchuria might compel Japan to take decisive steps for the protection of her vital interests in Corea.
 The correspondent of the Daily Mail at Shanghai asserts that the Chinese foreign board has received definite communication from St. Petersburg to the effect that Russia intends to retain Manchuria.
 The Standards Tien-Tsin correspon- dent says that as a raesult of Japans inquiries as to China's attitude in the event of war, 1t is stated that the throne has Issued secret orders to Chi nese troops to assist the Japanese.
 It is proposed that a Chinese army of forty thousand men under Japanese of ficers would in that case proceed to the Liao Tung peninsula.
 The Daily Graphic claims to have the highest authority to deny that Germany entered into any understanding with Russia or any other power affecting her neutrality in the event of a Russo-Jap- anese war.
 Cabling under date of January 2 the Times Tokio correspondent says:
 sThe situation is extremely critical. Russia maintains a profound silence. Failing some conciliatory action on the part of Russia, of which there is now no appearance whatever, Japan will cer- tainly adopt within a few days active measures to secure her vital interests. After this, war will become very diffi- cult to avert"
 The Daily Telegrapll's Tokio core spondent announces that the British cruiser Sirius has been ordered to Che- nu1po as precaution against disturb ances at Seoul, but that the warship will not land forces unless requested to do so by the British consul for the purpose of protecting the legation.
 Tokio, Jan. 3--War with Russia is re- garded as unavoidable and the press is urging the immediate opening of hos tilities.
 All o. the banks are withholding funds and it is believed that this is the result of official instructions.
 The government has completed and perfected arrangements for the trans portation of troops and supplies and the people calmly await developments.
 The continued dissemination of opti- mistic views from Berlin causes genuine surprise and regret here.
 HOPE IN ST. PETERSBURG.