New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-30
RUSSIA RETARDS REPLY.
4ns,rer To Be Sent Ncrt Week.
JQpan's attitude Feared.

ST. Petersburg, Jan. 29.-The authorities here
now say that the Russian reply to Japan will
not be transmitted Until next week. 1t is said
that the delay was caused by the extreme care
taken in drafting the document. Viceroy
Alexieff's views are also awaited before its
transmission to the Car.
1t is fully realized here that the forwarding Of
the answer Will mark another critical stage in
the negotiations, everything depending on
Japan's attitude. 1t is feared that, despite
pacific influences, the hands Of the authorities
may be forced on account of the excitement Of
the press and people. A high official said:
OF course, we cannot prevent war Russia
will do her utmost TO offer Japan basis for
durable peace. but there limits beyond which
cannot go. In Corea grant practically
everything, and in Manchuria we already recog-
1ize all the treaty rights of Japan and all the
other powers. Should Japan reject our con-
oiatory propositions the world must place the
responsibility upon Japan.
Within a fortnight both Russia and Japan
have officially communicated to the United
States and TO the European chancelleries their
positions regarding some Of the points at issue
This course was considered necessary in view
Of the varying reports.
The Foreign Minister, Count I4amsdorff in
his interview with the japanese Minister. N.
Kurino. last night, indicated that Russia's reply
would be dispatched next week.
II is known that the strategic situation was
discussed by the military authorities present at
to-day's and yesterdays meetings Of the Council
of State
An admiral who IS influential in the councils
of the empire said to-day:
The enormous loss which the commerce of
Japan IS sustaining a result OF the mobiza-
lion OF steamships for transport service prob
aply accounts for the impatience the Japanese
are displaying over the delay in the Russian
reply. but this reply will go to Toxic next week
IL VIII be so cOnciatOry that I do not foresee
OLler thaf peaceful settlement, although Il is
lolhcuit 10 feel certain in this respect, because
o. the errauc course Of the Japanese govern
1ttelI IN the later stages of The negotiati tiOns
Japan has increased her demands while the
negotiations were still in progress by insisting
upon treaty recognition of Chinese sovereignty
IL Manchuria. Russia has declared her inten-
uon not TO annex Manchuria; therefore why
SoAitiy WIN a demand that is tantamount 10 a
declaration?
IT IS undeniabe that the attitude OF Japan is
S11sihe irritation in ST. Petersburg and that
sia It is hard TO account for JaDarl's rersisfer+
tsSresslveness, but this must be attributable to
tile lncenolary influence of the Japanese Y)ress
EElch is acting under foreign inspiration The
oSpaIese % government must know it stands no
chance OF defeating Russia while Japan has
much to lose f Russia is rorce5 hack against
the wall. I'm "90N
should japan proceed to hocti1itio~ her first
c,DyectlNe would probably be tne cutting OF the
solDeFlan Railroad. for which she yyoujd land
troops in Corea. She could Tot. however land
more than 10000 men, and Russia has ? n eo,Iol
Huinber OF men in Manchiria to meet this a.
,ach which, think would be quickly repuised
rS,H 40 Hot Delieve IN naval war; the Russian
Marsnlps would make st impossible for the Japa-
hese TO endanger Port Arthur But LEI me re
peat, war is improbable az -