The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-01-29

Paris, January S.-ConSderahss ten
sion Is again observable In government
al quarters concerning the Russo-JapA-
nese situation This is due princi aauv
TO The fac that the efforts towart n
pacific adjustment nave To-; made the
progress which the officials hoped n
expected. The general view OF those
highest in authority is summed tp in the
statement that the negotiations have
reached a point where practically no
rogre Is occurring IN any direction.
1t appears that n OF the dlfa .u.s
features IS the mutual dIstrust and
hatred which have grown up between
he parties. II is said that every sage
or the presen. exchanges develops
Japan suspicion of Russia's gcof
faith and Russia's antipathy 10 Jaoa1.
Owing to the bitterness. diplomatic e.
forts to secure a middle ground ace
proving unusually difficult. II Is un-
derstood that Russia Is now seeking
10 ecure the naturalization OF the
straits OF Korea. The strait OF Korea
is claimed TO be n vital outlet for the
commerce OF northeast China and IL
49, NFu kiaA u WouAl III
in the interest OF Europe and America
to secure the naturalization OF tl.e
strait.
The attitude OF Korea In the event
OF wal between Russia and Japan has
been the subject Of much comment
among the diplomats. here. ard il il
believed Korea's giving aid to Japan
might constitute W powers attlck-
ing Russia. thus bringing I'm France
under the terms OF the Franco-Russian
agreement. One OF the ambassadors
therefore asked foreign Minister Del
Casse the result would be II
Korea Joined Japan and the minister
answered in substance that Korea -
not considered to be that kind of a
sovereign. independent power. whose
assistance OF Japan against Russia
would bring about the contingency
contemplated by the rranco-Russian
agreement Although theanswer was
confined to Korea. IL Is understoo1
that a similar view prevails tha
China's joining Japan would not con-
stitute two powers attacking Russia.
Toxic. January S.-Takashima. the
japanese interpreter for the Russian
attachee. was arrested on Saturday
last on the suspicion Of acting as 4
SPY in the Yokosuka fortified zone.
He has been taken to Yokohoma for
trial. 1t Is alleged that conclusive ev-
idence has been obtained regarding
other suspects. which Is causing a
very strong feeling against such
treachery, which Is a capital o6fensa IN
japan.
st. Petersburg. January a5.1The ex-
change OF communications between me
foreign office. the members OF the
committee OF the far east. Viceruy
Alexien and Baron deRosen, the Rus
sian minister at Toxic Is stin going
on There is no other indication OF
when a conclusion Will be reached.
but a diplomat who Is close to such
negotiations. express The opinion that
the Russian reply possibly Will he
ready this week.
An authoritative denial II given of
the report that Russia ever contem-
plated requesting the United states TO
explain the attitude attributed to the
United states.
The Korean minister has received
advices that his government VIII soon
omen the port of Win. on the Yalu
river. at the request OF the United
States. to the commerce OF the world.
Pekin. January 25.-The Chinese Az
thorities have approached the minis
tiers here of several powers with pro-
posals directed towards attempting
mediation with Russia and japan
China - exceedingly anxious that war
should be avoided.
Manila, January 25.-The japanese
merchants in this city have received
advices from the home government
that in case OF the outbreak OF hostI-
tiles they had better transfer their
business To the Americans.
London. January 2S.1The Toxic cor
respondent Of he Daily Telegraph has
sent the following ~cabiegram.
THE Official Gazette publishes an
imperial ordinance empowering th4
government to assume control Of all
private railway etc. for military pur-
poses
The situation Is very grave de-
velopments are hourly expected"