Gilpin observer., 1904-02-04
JAPAN WANTS PEACE
NOT ANXIOUS FOR ACTUAL WAR
WITH RUSSIA.
Russia'e Delay Means Contest Ee-
tween Peace and War Parties at ST.
Petersburg-Must Give Assurance
REGARDING MancIulria.

London, Feb. 2.-The Toxic corre-
spondent aof the Times cables that an
ordinance has been issued fixing the
war pay of men in the army and navy.
One of the highest Japanese off,
cials in London, who has been inti-
mately acquainted with every possible
detail of the Russo-Japanese negotia-
tions up to the present, made the fol-
lowing statement: 81 am convinced
that the delay In sending Russia's re-
ply is not for the purpose of enabling
the Russian government to make fur
ther preparations fer war, but that
Count Lamsdorf is honestly trying to
bring the matter in dispute to an
amicable settlement. The delay clear
ly means that final struggle is going
on between the peace and war parties
in Russia believe the peace party
will triumph. The crux of the whole
matter is Russia's assurances regard
ing Chinese sovereignty over Man.
churia. On other points Japan may
agree to certain notifications, but un-
less Russia gives an assurance. bind
ing and in writing, regarding Man
churia. Japan will break Off negotia-
tions and adopt measures to safe
guard her interests. Japan is SIM
.cerely anxiouG for peace. notwithstand-
ing reports to the contrary. and If Rus
sia gives the very reasonable assur-
ances asked for there will be no war.
Otherwise, peace can not be main
tainod"
A correspondent of the Daily Mail
at Nagasaki says that Japanese ref
ugees from Port Arthur, Port Dalny
and Harbin report the arrival already
of one Russian division on the Yalu
river According to a Seoul correspond
ent OF the Times reports have been
received from Ping Wang. Korea, say
ing that army soldiers have been
guilty of robbery and house breaking.
there and the missionaries declare the
nnu-foreign feeling to be increasing.
st. Petersburg, Feb. 2.-The draft
of Russias reply probably will be SUBJ
mitted to the cZar today. The Asso-
ciated Press is assured that 1t will be
pacific and soon lead to settlement.
Russian papers agree that the treaty
guarantees covering Manchuria and
permission for Japan to fortify south
ern Korea. making a closed sea of the
Sea of Japan, are impossible.
It has been well known for months
that Russia has been steadily
strengthening her army and navy in
the far east. to meet the preparations
which Japan was openly making. The
available warships were dispatched
to the far east and the last division
which left the Mediterranean a month
ago. is now nearing its destination.
Quietly. but surely. 1t was necessary
that Russia's preparations should
keep pace with those OF her diplomatic
adversary. The feverish activity OF
Japan during the last few weeks nat
urally increased the distrust Of her
ultimate intentions, and the Russian
authorities have been pushing their
precautionary measures with more
vigor. 1t is understood that six or
seven military trains daily have been
going east over the Siberian road and
the charters of some ships cargoes
have been cancelled because the
water route was considered too slow.
The authorities now feel that the sit
uation is secure should Japan reject
Russia's proposition.