The semi-weekly messenger., 1904-02-19
MANY OFFERS OF AID.
Americans Offer Large Contributors
To japanese War Funds

Toxic. Sunday. February 1+.-(Deiay-
ed in transmission) Goro Takahira. the
japanese miaister ct washingto. has
officially advised his government that
he Is receiving numerous offers Of large
contributions 10 the war fund from
Americans and requests instructions as
to the policy OF the government In the
matter. IL is considered probable that
Japan will refuse TO accept this proaer-
ed aid. while stating that the govern
ment Is deeply gratified at this and 9TH
er expressions OF American sympathy.
The Cabinet viii consider the question
and formally instruct Minister Taxa
hira shortly. Many applications for
permission 10 enlist In the Jananese
army and navy are coming from va
rious parts OF the world. Some OF
those anxious TO fight for Japan have
applied personally TO the military au-
thorities here. Among this number f.
included a Turkish officer. All OF these
applications have been politely but
firmly refused. No foreigners will be
allowed to participate in the military
or naval operations OF Japan except as
spectator
At a meeting OF the bankers. news
paper proprietors and commercial men
held in Toxic today il was resolved 20
support the government. irrespect We OF
psrty lines. so as TO prevent domestic
4 y
the prosecution OF the war. Those
present at the meeting approved the
proposed plan OF curtailing the domes-
tic administrative expenses and divert
ing the amount thus saved 10 the war
fund. 1t was decided 10 support the
army and navy heartily and also de-
wise a plan for the relief OF disabled
soldiers and sailors. The meeting a'so
agreed to send a letter OF congratuia-
tions to Vice Admiral Togo.
A detailed report OF his battle at
Port Arthur has not been received from
Vice Admiral Togo by the navy depart
ment and the public Is. as yet. without
the full particulars OF the engagement
A letter from one Of the men who par
ticipated in the naval fight says that
the torpedo attack succeeded through
a clever feint. The majority Of the yes-
sells comprising the torpedo Gotilla
maneuvred in front OF the Russian line
and held its attention. while the res;
OF the torpedo boats worked around TO
the rear and got close to the enemy be-
fore being discovered. Then they fired
their destructive missiles and scurr!ed
away from danger as quickly as poss'-
/ BILE.
! No further news OF the Russian Via
! livestock squadron has been received
/ here. II Is thought to have returned to
! the port Of Vladivostock in preference
| to risking a fight or exhausting Its fuel.
| Enormous military activity continues.
but the government carefully conceals
| it's plans and does not indicate the date
OF any projected movement Although
every moment OF delay enablss the
| Russians to become better prepared for
| the conflict, the Japanese apparently
| are onconcerned and confident They
| fully realize that the limited capacity
4, Of the trans-Siberian railway, the dis
4 tarce of the Russians from their base
| Of supplies and the lack OF communica-
| ton by sea sets limitations on the pro
| posed accomplishments OF Russia In
| Manchuria and Siberia They feel that
| no danger attaches in that quarter. and
! are awaiting the completion OF Japan $
naval programme