The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-11-01

pated. 1t was officially stated to the
Associated Press that with the excep-
ton of the foregoing omission to no
tffy the government, no hitch has oc-
CURED. Count Benckendorff had a
long conference at the foreign office
last night with Premier Balfour. Lord
Selbourne. first lord of the admiralty,
as well as Foreign Secretary Lans-
downe were present. 1t is stated that
the draft of the proposed convention
relative to the scope, composition and
venue of the international commission
was drawn up. AS this must be sub
mitted to St Petersburg for accept
ance or revision, it will necessarily
entail delay. The lack of information
press regarding the causes of these
delays leads to all kinds of scare sug-
gestions of bad faith on the part of
Russia and tends to spread rumors
for which it is difficult to find adequate
reason.
PatroIled Straits All Night.
Gibraltar, Nov. British war ships
strictly patrolled the straits all night
long. They intercepted a collier, the
London Bridge, bound from Barry for
Port Said, and brought her in here
at noon.
Heavy Firing Heard.
Vigo, Nov. 1.-Heavy firing was
heard in the offing this morning. 1t
was attributed to artillery practice.
Fought by Moonlight.
Gen. Kuroki's Headquarters, Oct.
81, via Fusan, Nov. 1.-The Russians
took advantage of the bright moon
light last night to cannonade the
japanese from positions on the long
wing of the central army, but We're
repuIsed after an action which lasted
fantry and artillery fire was brisk
and continuous until daylight. The
Japanese today for the first time re-
piled to the Russian bombardment.
which has been frequent for several
days past
Ships Cleared for Action
Gibraltar Nov. 1.-2:50 %. m.-Vice
Admiral Beresford's flagship, the bat
tleship Ceasar has just fired a gun re-
calling all the officers of the channel
squadron on board their respective
ships. All the ships are cleared for ac-
tiOn.
Naval Force at Gibraltar.
London. Nov. THE Associated Press
is officially informed that the British
naval force now at Gibraltar is COM
posed of fourteen battle ships, thirteen
first class armored and other cruisers
and a strong notilla of torpedo boat
destroyers.
Japan's War Expenses.
Toxic, Nov. Preliminary esti-
mates of the budget, covering Janu-
airy, February and March, 1905, and
the fiscal year commencing in April
be submitted to the diet at its meet
ing November 25. The war expenses
ar estimated at $3S5,0O0,00O and
the ordinary expenses at 60,0OO,0O0.
1t is proposed to provide for the war
expenses by increasing the taxation by
$45,00O,000, by retrenchment in the
administrative expenses and the sus-
pension of public works by the amount
of $35. 100000. and to raise the bal
ance, $35,OOO,oOo, by loans.
En1Iand TS Notified
London, Nov 1-7:50 P. M.-The for
eign Office has issued statement an
nouncing that it has received Official
Information of the detachment of four
officers from the Russian squadron and
that the Russian government has is
sued strict orders to the squadron to
protect all neutral commerce. The gov
ernment is still discussing the details
of tn international commission
Merely Practicing.
Madrid Nov. lit is confirmed that
the cannonade heard in the offing at
Vigo was artillery practice.
No Hitch in Negotiations.
London. Nov. 1.-4:22 p M.-There is no
explanation yet of the apparently alarm
ing kilograms from Gibraltar, but at the
admiralty the movements of the warships
are there stated to be in completion of
the plans for mobiliza tion, although Glib
Sunday. There appears to have been some
conflict in the order issued to the fleet,
lomatic situation, which may possibly
a ccount for the fleets movements.
Both at the foreign office and at the
Russian embassy it is positively stated
that there is no hitch in the negotiations
except Russia's failure to notify the Brit
ish government of the names of the Of
fcers detached from the Russian squad
ron
Batteries Are Manned.
Gibraltar, Nov. 1.-All the quick firing
batteries have been manned this after
noon and detachmentS of infantry have
been detailed for duty on the commercial
and detached moles. The searchlight sta
tion is being strictly guarded.
Ready to Sail.
Gibraltar. Nov. 1.-4:50 P. M.-All the
British ships are now lying at anchor, but
they are all ready to sail.
Details Incomplete.
st. Petersburg, Nov. According to the
latest advices received at the foreign Of
flee here the details of the international
commission which is to inquire into the
North sea incident are being worked out
in London and are not yet finished.