Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-03-26
JAPAN MAKES A .
 REQUEST OF RUSSIA.
Asks That Consul be Allowed Return to Japan, AL so His Staff and 600 Refugees Who Are Suffer- ing for Food-The Emperor's Message Appoint ing KuropatBin and hakaroff to Command Troops and Fleet.

St Petersburg, March 26.-The Jap 1 anese government, through the United States embassy, has requested Russia to permit the Japanese consul and con- sular staff at Turbussi. Island of Sak- l halin, with six hundred refugees to [ return to Japan. Many of the latter J are represented to be suffering from lack of food Russia has been asked to notify the Japanese authorities through the United States commercial agent at Vladivostok, when ship can be sent to take the Japanese off.
 At the request of Japan. Ambassa- dor Mccormick will facilitate the i journey of forty eight Japanese now at Chita, Siberia, to Berlin, in case they desire to go there. The expense of their transportation will be borne by Japan.
 The papers here are quoting editor. ials published in American newspa- pers to prove that the Japhoplile agi- tation in the United States is not such a brilliant success as the New York correspondents of the London papers : would have it appear. Some of the papers sharply criticise the advice of Sir Robert Hart, Inspector general of Chinese customs). to China, counsel ing the strengthening of the Chinese army, the Novoe Vremya declaring that Sir Robert is cunningly seeking 10 encourage China with a semi-organ- ized army to interfere after the Jap- anese are defeated. thus giving Great Britain chance to step in and share the spells, while the Bourse Gazette argues that in view of Sir Robert Hart's advice the responsibility for Hoo Britain
 The military expert of the Novoe Vremya, comparing the Japanese with the Russo Turkish war, says the Jap- anese have not the advantage as re- gards weapons that the Turks had, and being about equal in regard to numbers. coolness and morale the Russian troops must prevail in the end.
 St Petersburg, March 26.-The text Of the emperor's message to Videroy AlexieH notifying him of the appoint ment of General Kuropatkin to the command of the Russian troops in the tar east and of Vice Admiral Makaroff to command the fleet at Port Arthur not only clearly defines the latter's po- sition, but specifically announces Rus sia's aims The message follows:
 "The importance of the impending struggle, which is intended to finally assure the predominant position of Russia on the shores of the Pacific ocean, and fOreseeing that it will be necessary for you as my lieutenant to transfer your residence to more cen tral position. for instancel Harbin or some other place of your choice, have found it expedient to send to your as sistance General Kuropatkin for the direction of the land forces, with the rights of army commander. and Vice Admiral Makaroff for the direction of the sea forces, with rights of fleet com mander. I am convinced that the ap- pointments of these independent. re- sponsible commanders-in-chie will en- able you as my lieutenant to discharge the difficult and historic task which has fallen to your lot"
 Liao Yan, Manchuria, March 26.- ], General Mishtchenko has been in formed that the Japanese have sus pended their advance on the Ping Yang-Anju line. Three thousand Jap anese troops are stationed at Anju and 1000 at Pax -Chieng, while forty Jap anese warships and transports are an chored at Chinnampo.
 According to Russian adyices, the object of the Japanese is to turn the Russians flank, for which they are awaiting the concentration Of their army.
 A Cossack patrol encountered a Japanese post near Pak-C -Chieng March 24 and exchanged shots. While re- tiring the Cossacks met a Japanese pa trol and opened fire, with the result that one Japanese officer. one man and q horse were killed. The Russian force suffered no casualty.
 Tokfo, March 26.-A private tele- gram from Korea states that the Rus sians are establishing a strong posi- tion in the vicinity of Antung They are said to have seven fOrtresses com pleted and to be engaged in erecting six additional ones. It is also report i ed that four batteries of artillery have been established at Chyang Siong.
 The Russians are reported to be ex periencing great difficulty in transport ing army supplies, particularly from Liau Yang. The roads are in bad condition and it has been necessary to repair them and construct number of new bridges. Food is scarce. No cattle are available and the Russians have hppp IyilIino, and aa tino, horSaS