The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-15
STRICT CENSORSHIP.
Japanese Conceal News of Naval and
Military Movements.

Shanghai, Feb. 15.-Advices from
Nagaski, dated Friday, February II,
state that absolute reticence is main
tanned by the government. An intense
war feeling prevails among all classes,
although there is an apparent absence
of excitement. Among the striking
features of the situation are the strict
censorship which is exercised over all
cabIegrams, and h close concealment
of military and naval movements.
It has been the governments policy
to have the news of naval conflicts
come as a complete surprise. The Japa-
nese themselves did not know the des-
tination of the warships. The news of
japanese successes has caused sup
pressed ~exultation. The only demon
STATIONS have been made by newsboys
wearing bells, which are constantly
scurrying through the city with "ex-
traS'' which are frequently issued by
the papers. These are eagerly read and
occasional shouts of "~banzai," the Jap
anese hurrah are heard on the streets.
A ~torchlight procession in n of the
Japanese troops was called for We'd
nesday evening at Nagasaki, where
there is a large colony of Russians.
When the Japanese began to assemble
with lanterns the police interviewed and
dispersed the crowd without the occur
renee of any disorder.
The Russians in Japan are not ter
rifed by the situation, but nevertheless,
acting on the advice of their consuls
they have begun a general exodus.
The mobilization of the Japanese
army has been carried out
~. It is estimated nat 300, 900 troops
are now ready to be placed in the field
tho impairing the national de-
lenses. The movement of the troops
are shrouded in secrecy They are be-
ing moved at night toward their bases
at Sazebo, Kure Moji and Yokuska, and
the lights of ordinary trains are ex-
tinguished when in the neighborhood
of troop trains. Members of the re-
serve force Immediately step in the
places of the outgoing regulars. Their
organization is perfect and a full equip
ment is ready for each one of the re-
serves
Hundreds of hotels, tea houses and
temples have been requisitioned in To
kio and other divisional centers. All
lines are being rapidly converted into
auxiliary cruisers, armed with quick
firing guns and fitted with torpedo
tubes. The government officials refuse
to give out any information regarding
their military intentions. They expect
to profit by d~issentions in the Russian
council of state. It is believed that the
extraordinary powers conferred on
Viceroy Alexieff will lead to a clash
between Foreign Minister LamSdOrf
and General Kuropatkin, especially as
the latter is unfriendly to Alexieff. The
result of a disagreement between these
two Russian leaders is expected here
to end in a military muddle.
The japanese are convinced that the
Russians will be unable to concentrate
and maintain $4,000 troops at any i'm
portant point of military operations.
There is much talk current in regard
to the possible ~dynamiting of the Rus
sian railroad in Manchuria. Thousands
of japanese who are practically undis-
ti~nguishable from Chinese are working
in Manchuria, and would willingly risk
their lives to aid their country's cause.
Alarge body of troops is due in Ma
gasaki on Saturday to embark on
transports for Korea A protective
boom of mines has been placed about
the entrance of Nagasaki harbor.
Yokohama is also guarded by mines.
Several Russian merchant vessels
which have been captured and have
been held as prizes have been taken to
Sazebo, where they are well guarded,
All passing steamers are closely in
spected by a hotilla of torpedo boats.
Nine transports fitted with stables on
board decks were lying at Moi on Sat
urday February 10.