Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-02-08
WAR INEVITABLE.
Declaration OF War Betw cen Russia
and Japan Expected Hourly-An
Prospects OF Peace Vanish

| DECLARATION oil war BctW cen Russia
and Japan Expected Houriy-An
Prospects OF Peace Vanish
Paris, Feb. S.-The Agencie Rationale
publishes a dispatch from its Toxic
correspondent stating that declaration
of war is expected momentarily. A
meeting of the council of elders was
called today under the Craftsmanship of
the Mikado. Japan's first move will
be to send feet to seize Korea.
London, Feb. S.--The Central News
reports that strong japanese feet has
gone to Chemulpo, Korea, and that
several Russian trading steamers have
been seized.
London, Feb. SIN the House Of
Commons today, replying to a question
by Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, the
liberal leader, Home Secretary Acker
Douglass said; "We have been
officially informed that diplomatic re-
lations between Russia and Japan have
been broken off, but as to details, can
add nothing to the press dispatches"
London, Feb. 8.-All of the financial
markets this morning are badly de-
pressed on the war news.
Americans declined a point, and over
on the, average being chiefly affected by
the fire news from Baltimore.
Yokohama, Feb. S.-All the banks in
this city have withdrawn their open
letters of credit to the entire world.
Vladivostock, Feb. s With the aid
of an ice breaker this port has been kept
open in spite of hard frost and high
wind, for many days past. 1t is now
possible for a squadron to take refuge
here at any time. The Russian feet has
been painted black and is ready for
action.
London. Feb. S.-The Pail Mall
Gazette's Paris correspondent asserts that
France and England are perfectly agreed
as to their line Of conduct respecting the
Russo-Japanese situation, that neither
power will intervene, but after a decisive
engagement, both will offer their good
Offices as mediators,
Paris, Feb, s,--YOur correspondent
today interview the japanese minister
regarding the report that France was
about to attempt meditation in the far
East. The minister said that Japan
would reject all such efforts.
Paris, Feb. 9.-The French govern
ment has agreed, with the other powers,
to land trOopsin China Immediately upon
the outbreak of hostilities, in order to
assure the neutrality Qfthe Middle Empire.
San Francisco, Feb. S-The japanese
consul today confirmed the report that
the japanese has issued a call to all the
subjects of that country resident in foreign
lands. Some will sail Wednesday.
The call created intense excitement in
the local japanese colony where it is
taken to mean that Japan is about to
declare, or already has declared, war.
Toxic, Feb. 8.-The first battle of the
war between Japan and Russia, it is ex-
pected here, will occur off Port Arthur
where the harbor is inadequate to afford
protection for the entire Russian feet.
The japanese fleet is now believed to be
proceeding there from Nagasaki, and the
plan for the fight is to make much |
greater use of torpedoes than has hereto.
fore been attempted in naval warfare. |
The japanese naval authorities have
perfected a novel plan for torpedo at
tack, which the Russians, it is believed,
are fully prepared to meet. The battle
ships will be reserved as a last line of
attack. The first information of such
4 battle is likely to come from Chefoo,
China. Japan has already accomplished
4 strategical occupation of southern
Korea, through the sending of troops
disguised as coolies. They, however,
will act merely as defensive force. No
attempt will be made to land the main
Japanese army until the naval situation
S clear, when the forces will be landed,
at Chemulpo or possibly nearer
he Yalu river. The japanese rely on
he superior mobility of their forces to
each the Russian rear and cut off all !
between the Russian army
md the home government. Il
London, Feb. S.-Baron Hayashi, the {
Japanese minister at London, asserts {
hat state of war exists. When shown !
he dispatch announcing the severing of '
diplomatic relations, he said: There
only one Interpretation. 1t means the
wo countries are now in state of war
We enter into the struggle recognizing !.
is brought about by the law of self [
reservation for US. 1t seems true that
ny government has their action with 2
ut waiting for Russia's reply. Rus
las dilatoriuess is fully to blame for
his matter During the past fortnight,
re have been daily pressing st. Peters n
urg for an answer and have been daily y
let with the response that note would y
e sent Immediately. While We have a
nus been kept waiting, Russia has been c
.rengthening her position aud moving ?
err army to stragetic positions along the a
'alu river. We are unable to stand by q
nd watch this hostile behavior, which 81
threatening our existence. Nothing
left us but to take the matter in our