Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-02-16
OFFERS OF AID
Received by Japan from All Sides,
With Men and Money.

Toxic. Sunday, Feb. 14.-Mr Taxa
hira. the Japanes. minister at WASH
ington. has officially advised his gov
eminent that he is receiving numer-
GUS offers of large contributions to the
war fund from Americans and re-
quests instructions as to the policy Of
the government in the matter. 1t is
considered probable hat Japan will re-
fuse to accept this proffered aid. while
stating that the government is deeply
gratified at this and other expressions
of American sympathy
The cabinet will consider the uues-
ton. soon. and formally instruct Min
lister Takahira. Many applications for
permission to enlist in the Japanese
army and navy are coming from va
riOus parts of the world. Some of
those anxious to fight for Japan have
applied personally to the military au-
thOrities here. Among this number is
included Il Turkish officer. All of
these applications have been politely
hut firmly refused. No fore igners will
be allowed to participate i'll The mill
tary or naval operations of Japan eX-
cept as spectators.
At a meeting of the bankers, news
paper prOprietors and commercial men
held IN Toxic, today, it was resolved
to support the government irrespective
of party lines. so as to prevent dOmes-
tic affairs from distracting the nation
from the prosecution Of the war.
Those present at the meeting approved
the proposed plan of curtailing the
domestic administrative expenses and
applying the amount thus saved to the
war fund. 1t was decided to support
the army and navy heartily and also
devise a plan for the relief of disabled
soldiers and sailors. The meeting also
agreed TO send n letter of congratu'a-
ton to Vice Admiral Togvo.
A detailed report Of his bait, 80
Port Arthur has not been receive ny
the navy department and the publ. a.
as yet. without the full particulars rl
the engagement. A letter from one .f
the men whe participated in the v:.}
fight says that the torpedo attack -nr-
ceeded through a clever feint The 3:
jOrity Of the vessels comprising me
torpedo fotiila maneuvred in front of
the Russian line and held it's attention
while the rest Of the torpedo boats
worked around to the rear and got
close to the enemy before being dis
covered. Then they fired their destruc-
tive missiles and scuTried away from
range as quickly as possible.
No further news of the Russian
Vladivostock squadron has been re-
ceived here. 1t is thought to have re-
turned to the port of Vladivostock in
preference to risking a fight or ex-
hausting its fuel.
Enormous military activity continues
but the government carefully conceals
its plans and does not indicate the date
OF any movements. Although every
moment of delay enables the Russians
to become better prepared for the con-
fict. the Japanese apparently are I'M
concerned and confident. They fully
realize that the limited capacity Of the
Trans-Siberian railway. the distance
of the Russians from their base of sup
plies and the lack of communication by
the sea sets limitations on the pro-
posed accomplishments Of Russia in
Manchuria and Siberia. They feel that
no danger attaches in that quarter and
are awaiting the completion of Japan's
naval program.