The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-24
FRANCE SUPPORTS RUSSIA.
Agree as to Japanese Violation of
 Korean Neutrality.

Korean Neutrality. r Paris, Feb- q. 3.--Russia has sympathetic support of France in the formers latest representation to the Powers that Japan Is guilty of q violation of international law in consequences of the attacks upon the Russian warships at Port Arthur and Chemulpo before the declaration of war.
 No intention exists in official circles to take up the Russian note on the subject with the view of pressing action bN the Powers. and 1t is said that nothing ef- fective could be done in this direction, France was satisfied with the fact of the unjustifiability of the Japanese action. and Is anxious that the other Powers should come to appreciate the enormity of the offense.
 In this connection attention Is called to the occupation of Korea by Japanese troops. In spite of the declaration of Korean neutrality, which was communi- cated to all the neutral powers as well as to the befligerents, it Is pointed out that Japan has not hesitated to throw troops into Korea and to establish base there. 1t is suggested in diplomatic circles that France which has been charged with the protection of Russian interests in Korea. could properly make objection to the Japanese action. But nothing of this kind has yet been done
 
 charge of the secretary and an inter- preter. the minister being in Paris on leave of absence, and the foreign ofilce here Is showing no inclination to order his immediate return. At the Korean legation here today 1t was said that Korea had declared her neutrality from tho outset and that therefore if the Japanese occupied Korean territory and proposed marching through Korea oti their way to ManchurFa, it was not with Korea's assent. but because she was unable to prevent 1t.
 The legation officials added that, the fifty thousand stands of arms recently ordered by Korea from France will re. main at Hong Kong for the present, in order that they may not be seized by the Japanese.
 Nothing Is known at the French foreign office regarding the report that the Rus sian Ambassador to Great Britain. Count Benkendorff. had gone to St. Petersburg with important proposals from King Ed ward in the direction of peace. So far as Russia is concerned. 1t is said that sho would be willing to accept overtures on . reasonable basis; hut it is believed that Japan, having engaged in the war, will not withdraw until she has conquered Therefore if any mediation proposal has been advanced, which is considered doubtful, 1t is not expected to be fruit fal of satisfactory results. .a &
 Concerning the despatch from French naval and military achievements to Indo-China, it is announced authorita- lively that the steps taken are simply in accordance with. the program adopted two years ago. but which the Minister of Marine failed to carry out. Alrve to possibilities, growing out of the war. the ministry determined that the immediate execution of the program should take place.
 Premier Combes announced at the coun- ell of ministers today the postponement of the interpolation of M. Ffrmin Faure ONationalist) concerning the alleged in- sufflciency of French naval representa- ton at the seat of war. The postpone ment was due mainly to the govern ment's desire to put off a parliamentary debate which was likely to cause general agitation regarding Frances attitude to- ward Russia.