Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-02-08

give lasting effect to any temporary
triumphs.'
Nj. Beaulieu seemed to base his con-
yiction on the fact that after the flrst
great battles, the contestants would
find the geographical obstacles so great
as to make decisive hOstilities impos-
sibie.
NJ. Delcasse does not conceal the gray
ity of the situation; but he holds that
even if Il diplomatic rupture occurs tins
does not mean an immediate outbreak OF
hostiiitics. One of the leading diplomat
lists asked NJ Dclcasse whether he con-
sidcred war Il matter of a few days.
ION the contrary.' the minister repled,
81 do rot believe it likely to occur for Il
month or two. even should the ncSotla-
TONS completely fail
The raising Of war funds is considered
here as being one of the most vital ques-
tiCns should the negotiations fail. There
fore, Il le iding American official sought to
! learn whether Russia would be able to
, issue Il loan and raise more money mere
He consulted with one of the important
! and eminent financierS of France. cor
! ncctcd with the Elnk Of France, ana tins
| brought out some surprising statements
| concerning the enormous Indebtedness
| Russia has already incurred here. &c.
| C0r,iing to this inancicr Russia 5 Tour
| loans total the colossal sum Of 81. p"d,
! 90. most of which came from France.
| Russia has now practically used up the*e
! loans on building the tranS-Sihcrian road
| the rev fleet and internal improvements
in the waterways. The TranS-Slbeiiih
line alone has proved a terrible dram, the
deficit last year reaching $106N:oUl Ihei G
! fore. in the event of Il conflict, RUSSIA
must have more sineWs OF war, ana Il Is
| the conclusion OF the fnancicr from the
! foregoing facts that she is not likely To
Place Il further loan in Paris where mere
I
! lance. On the other hand, the diplomat
/ ist compared this with the anu0urccmcnt.
today. from Toxic that Japan has succeed.
| ed in securing voluntary subscriptions oil
| 81 eco 900 toward her war fund.
THAT would run a war for about one
day" said the dinlomatist With Russia
unable to get more money here. ana
Japan unable to get it at home. it is be
lieved that if IL breakdown in the nego-
tiationS occulS each side will take long
breath before fighting"
a novel view is taken in certain lr1
portant diplomat tic quarter that the most
effective way of preserving peace is for
both Russia and Japan to claim Il bag
diplomatic victory. thus satisfying horne
sentiment and subdlliHg the war spirit
Ono OF the most prominent of the Rus
sian officials here said. this evening, that
definite knowledge concerning the con-
tents of the Russian reply would DC COM
nunicated to the world certainly ny Mon
day. This Official intimatcd that at i"aSt
some of the essential features had already
been made known to the French govern
m2nt. This official said:
War can he avoided if Japan is willing,
for substantial concessions have been
! made upon which the negotiations can
continue Russia is prepared for cventt-
altie.s ana u rupture of the negotiations
net as o@tentatiouSly as Japan, but none
the loss effectively.
The Temps correspondent at St. Peters
burg telegraphs that the Russian reply. IS
considered by those close to Foreign MIN
i...A, I I,rff htI nt a
give satisfa ction to Japan. 1t recognizes
Japanese economic supremacy in COfca-
hut opposes the erection of fortiilc:l ITEMS
| Manchuria, Russia recognizes all the
rights acquired. but will make 10 engage,
mentS for the future.