The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-02
All Her Available Naval Force Has Been Dispatched
 to the Far East
REPLY ID JAPAN MAY
 BE SUBMITTED TODAY
Prominent Japanese Official Says He Believes Russia's Delay Was Due to ne Czar's Wish to
 Avoid Conflict.

St. Petesburg, February 1.-In spite of the expressed hope of the Russian au- thorities that the present crisis will be passed and that pacific solution of the Russo-Japanese negotiations will be reached, it Is no longer concealed that Russia Is practically prepared for event. ualities Today the mobilization of the Manchuria reserves was announced.
 It has been we'll known for some months that Russia has been steadily strength ening her army and navy in the far east to meet the preparations which Japan was openly making.
 The available warships were dispatched to the far east and the last division which left the Mediterranean a month ago Is surely. It was necessary that Russia 8 preparations should keep pace with those of her diplomatic adversary.
 The feverish activity of Japan during the last few weeks naturally increased the distrust of her ultimate intentions, and the Russian authorities have been pushing their precautionary measures with more vigor. It Is understood that six or seven military trains daily have been going east over the Siberian road. and the charters of some ships cargoes for the Pacific have been cancelled be- cause the water route was considered too slow.
 Situation Is Secure.
 The authorities now feel that the situa- tion is secure. should Japan reject Rus sia's proposition
 The draft of Russia's reply psobabiy will be subinitted to the czar tomorrow The Associated Press Is assured that il will be pacific and should Head" to a settlement.
 The Associated Press informant reiter- ated what ne said a few days ago:
 We have conceded much already and we are ready to concede more, but some things we cannot grant. From our stand point, the Manchurian question was set tied by Russia's circular note to the powers recognizing all the Chinese treaties. Why should Japan demand more than the other powers?''
 The Russian papers today agree that treaty guarantees, covering Manchuria and permission for Japan to fortify southern Korea, making a closed sea of the Sea of Japan, are impossible
 Prices on the bourse declined farther tooay.
 Japanese Official Makes Statement.
 London, February Lone of the highest Japanese officials in London, who has been intimately acquainted with every possible detail of the Russo-Japanese me- gotiations up to the present. made the following statement to the Associated Press this evening:
 ''I am convinced that the delay in send ing Russia's reply is not for the purpose of enabling the Russian government to make further preparations for war, but that Count Lamsdorff is honestly trying to bring the matter in dispute to an ami cable settlement. The delay clearly means that a final struggle is going on between the peace and war parties in Russia.
 'I hope, and I think I may add that I believe, the peace party will triumph. The crux of the whole matter Is Russias as- surances regarding Chinese sovereignty over Manchuria. On other points Japan may agree to certain notifications, but unless Russia gives an assurance binding and in writing. regarding Manchuria, Ja- pan will break off the negotiations and adopt measures to safeguard her interests.
 Japan Is sincerely anxious for peace, notwithstanding reports to the contrary. and if Russia gives the very reasonable assurance asked for. there will be no war. Otherwise peace cannot be main- tained."