The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-24
FRANCE SYMPATHRES
WITH RUSSIA IN CHARGES
AGAINST THE JAPANESE
Thinks the Latter Violated Inter
national Law in Fighting Be
fore Declaring War.
KOREA AT JAPAN'S MERCY
Though Proclaiming Her Neutral
ity, She Cannot Prevent Use of
Her Territory.

PARIS, Feb. 23.-Russia has the sympa-
thetic support of France in the former S
latest representation to the powers that
Japan is guilty of a violation of interna-
tional law in consequence Of the attacks
upon the Russian warships at Port Arthur
and Chemulpo before the declaration OF
war. No intention exists in official circles
to take up the Russian note on the subject
with the view of pressing action by the
powers. and it is said that nothing effect
i've could be done in this direction. France
was satisfied from the first Of the unjusti-
liability of the japanese action, and is anx-
ious that the other powers should come
to appreciate the enormity of the offense.
In this connection attention is called To
the occupation of Korea by japanese troops
In spite of the declaration of Korean neu-
trality, which was communicated to all the
neutral powers, as we'll as to the bellig-
erents, it is pointed out Japan has not
hesitated to throw troops into Korea and
to establish base there.
1t is suggested in diplomatic circles that
France, which has been charged with the
protection of Russian interests in Korea,
could properly make objection to the Japa-
nese action. But nothing of this kind has
Seoul is in charge of a secretary and in
terpreter, the minister being in Paris on
leave of absence and the Foreign Office
here is showing no inclination TO order his
immediate return. At the Korean legation
here to-day IL was said that Korea had de-
clared her neutrality from the outset, and
therefore, that if the Japanese occupied Ko-
rean territory and proposed marching
through Korea on their way TO Manchuria
1t was not with Koreas assent, but be-
cause she was unable to prevent II. The
off al .ll1 tl,nt he 4Io,,
sand stands Of arms recently ordered by
Korea from France will remain at Hong
Kong for the present, in order that they
may not be seized by the Japanese.
Nothing is known at the French Foreign
Office regarding the report that the Russian
ambassador TO Great Britain, Count Benck-
endorn, had gone to st. Petersburg with
important proposals from King Edward
I'm the direction of peace. So far as Russia
is concerned, II is said that she would
be willing to accept Overtures on reason
able basis, but it is believed that Japan
having engaged in the war, will not with
draw until she is conquered. Therefore, II
any mediation proposal has been advanced
which Is considered doubtful, it is not ex-
pected to be fruitful of satisfactory re-
suits.
Concerning the dispatch of French ma
val and military reinfOrcements to Indo-
China, IL is announced authorize lively that
the steps taken are simply in accordance
with the programme adopted two years
ago. but which the minister of marine failed
to carry out. Alive to possibilities growing
out of the war the minister determined that
the immediate execution of the programme
should take place, and NJ. Pelletan, the
minister of marine, is acting in this sense
Premier COmbes announced at the council
of ministers to-day the postponement of the
Interpolation of NJ. Firmin Faure (Nation
alisD concerning the alleged insufficiency
of French naval representation at the sea-
of war. The postponement was due mainly
to the governments desire to put off a par
liamentary debate which was likely to caus,
general agitation regarding Frances atti
tude towards Russia.