The semi-weekly messenger., 1904-01-15

ing papers nave editorials which at
tach great importance TO the ratifica-
uon Of the commercial treaties be-
tween the United States and China
and between Japan and China. Tie
concensus Of opinion in these editori-
ais is that the ratification of the
treaties implies an act of sovereignty
by China, equivalent to a declaration
that Russia's occupation OF Manchu-
purposes.
The st. Petersburg correspondent of
the Paris edition of the New York
Herald and the special cablegrams
from other correspondents at the Rus
sian capital say that the opinion is
held that the ratification Of the Jap
anese and American treaties came as
a shock to the Russian foreign office
The Daily Mails Toxic correspon-
dent says that Japan's last note Is
couched in most courteous Language,
but that It re-affirms absolutely ard
unequivocaliy Japans inability to ac-
cept Russia's proposals either as re-
CARDS Korea or Manchuria.
London, January ia diSpach from
Tokia to the Reutgers Telegram Com
pany says that Japan's answer to the
last note was handed this afternoon
to Baron de Rosen, the Russian min
lister. and that negotiations will be
continued without time limit being set
for their termination.
The demand which Japan Is said to
have according to reports published
abroad. caused some surprise in Toxic
according to the dispatch, and it Is
now stated that Japan never asked for
the evacuation Of Manchuria, but OH
the contrary. frankly recognizes Rus
sia's special interests there and her
right to protect them. Japan only de-
manded the realization OF Russia's
territorial integrity in Hanchuria and
the freedom of residential rights and
International trade therein.
Berlin. January 13.-Offcial opinion
regarding the probability of war be-
tween Russia and Japan has suddenly
changed Intelligence received at the
ernment, for the first time since the
controversy began. to believe that the
situation is extremely tense. The veIy
definite views hitherto held are re-
versed and war has become proxi-
mate contingency. according to the
view held in official circles here.
Japan's delay in answering Russia's
last note is deemed here as being
symptom that a grave question is un-
der consideration.
Port Said, Egypt, January 13.-The
Russion cruiser Aurora has arrived
here. Later the Russian cruiser Dnf-
tri Donskoi and seven Russian torpe-
do boat destroyers arrived here. The
Dmitri Donskoi entered the Suez
canal for the far east.
await the arrival here OF the remand
er of the Russian Mediterranean
squadron, which is expected soon.
London, January 1.-THE Times
Moscow correspondent says he hears
that the government has claimed the
services OF the entire volunteer fleet.
Pekin. January 13.-The forecast OF
Russia's position regarding Manchurta
cabled by the Berlin correspondent OF
The Associated Press January Al,
comedies with the Information receiv-
ed by the foreign legations here and
also strengthens the impression that
war Is unavoidable. At the Japanese
legation an effort is being made 20
conceal the belief that war is ex-
pecled.
The crux of the situation is still
Russia's refusal TO admit the right of
Japan to a voice in the settlement OF
Manchurian affairs, which japan con-
siders one OF its most vital interests
and TO sustain which the japanese
government is determined to resort
to arms II necessary.
London. January 14.-The Seoul cor
respondent of the Daily Mail cables
description OF a state Of panic, which
he says. exists at the Royal palace.
The emperor has issued a pitfful edict.
stating that the country Is likely to be
lost owing to the weakness and vacl-
lation OF the people whom he counsels
TO act for the best in their own in
terests.
The emperor has also issued an or
dinance warning the army not to fire
In the event OF a collision between
foreign troops.
The correspondent adds that the
entire city Is extremely turbulent
Paris. January 13.-No action has ysS
been taken I'm the direction OF medita-
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