The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-16
JAPAN READY TO PLACE
100000 MEN IN THE FIELD,
WAR MOVEMENTS SECRET
Extraordinary Activity and Hope
fulness Displayed by the To
kio Government.
WORK OF ARMY AND NAVY
All Merchant Steamers Are Being
Converted Into Well-Armed
Auxiliary Cruisers.
O R OF ARMY AND NAVY

SHANGHAI, Feb. ia dispatch from
Nagasaki, dated Friday, Feb. u, states that
absolute reticence is maintained by the
government. An intense war feeling pre-
walls among all classes. although there is
an apparent absence of excitement. Among
the striking features of the situation are
the strict censorship which is exercised
over all cablegramS and the close conceal
ment of military and naval movements.
1t has been the governments policy 10
have the news of the naval conflicts come
as a complete surprise. The Japanese them
selves did not know the destination of the
warShipS. The news OF the japanese sue
cesses has caused suppressed eXultatiOn.
The demonstrations have been made by
newsboys. wearing bells, who are con-
stantly scurrying through the city with "ex-
traS,' which are issued frequently by the
papers. These are eagerly read and Oc-
casional shouts of 'Bansai." the japanese
hurrah, are heard on the streets.
A torchlight procession in honor of the
Japanese triumphs was called for Wednes-
day evening at Nagasakl, where there is a
large colony of Russians. When the Jap
anese began to assemble with lanterns the
police interviewed and dispersed the crowd
without the occurrence of any disorder.
The Russians in Japan are not terrified by
the situation, but nevertheless, acting on
the advice of their consuis, they have be
gun a general exodus.
The mobilization of the japanese army
has been carried out methOdically. II II
estimated mat 3OO,IJO troops are now ready
TO be placed in the field without impairing
the national defenses. The movement Of the
troops is shrouded in secrecy. They are
being moved at night toward their bases
at SasebO, Kuremiji and Yokusuka, ano
the lights of ordinary trains are extin-
guished when in the neighbOrhOOd Of troop
trains. TENDERS of the reserve force i'm
mediately step into the places of the out
going regulars. Their organization Is per
feet and a full equipment is ready for each
one of the reserves.
Hundreds of hotels, teahouses and tenn
pies have been requisitiOned in Toxic and
other divisional centers.
All the steamers Of japanese merchant
lines are being apidly converted into auXil-
iary cruisers. armed with quick firing gun
and fitted with torpedo tubes.
The government officials refuse to give
out any regarding their mill
tary intentions. They expect to profit by
dissensions in the Russian council Of state
IL is believed the extraordinary powers
conferred on Viceroy Alexien will lead 4
a clash between Foreign Minister Lams
dorff and General K~Ouropatkin. especially
as the latter is unfriendly TO Alexieff. Tbs
result OF Il disagreement between these tive
Russian leaders here would end in a mill
tary muddle.
The Japanese are convinced that the Rus
slams will be unable 10 concentrate anC
maintain $1,000 troops at any importan'
point OF military operations.
There is much talk current In regard q
the possible cynamiting OF the Russian rail
road in Manchuria. Thousands OF Japanesl
who are practically undistinguishable from
/ Chinese are working in Manchuria an,
would willingly risk their lives 10 aid thei
c0untry's cause.
A large body Of troops Is due in Nagasak
on Saturday To embark on transports 70
1 Korea.