The San Francisco call., 1904-02-08
BRIToNs ARE APPREHENs1vE.
Japan's Move to Be Discussed at Cab
met Meeting i'm London.

LONDON, Feb. News of the Rus
sO-Japanese rupture reached London
late this afternoon, and only a few
newspapers published extra editions
giving the announcement. However, as
this outcome had been accepted as al
most inevitable for several days past
the actual announcement created no
great excitement.
An official of the Russian embassy
said that it was true that the breaking
off of diplomatic relations was most
serious step, but there was always a
possibility of avoiding eventualities un-
til the first shot has been fired.
The British Cabinet will meet to-mor-
row in response to a summons issued
last Friday, and it will have a grave
situation to discuss because of the
many indications of the probability
of trouble in the Far East. There is
also an almost equally grave crisis in
the Near East.
Premier Balfour will be unable to
preside at the council His illness is
causing some disquietude. He has de-
veloped bronchial irritation and a
troublesome cough. The Premier's
strength, however, is well maintained.
According to the latest statements,
however, he probably will not be able
to resume his duties for a, fortnight.
King Edward to-day granted an au-
dience to Lord Roberts and Lord
Charles Beresford, commander of the
channel fleet, with whom was dis
cussed the Far Eastern crisis. State
ments of the Japanese case similar to
the one issued in Paris have been
made, also in London, Berlin and
other capitals.
AS a result of the rupture of diplo-
a
nor expects an immediate outbreak of
! hostilities. She trusts the China-Amer-
lean treaty will maintain the open door
and the status quo in Manchuria, and
she has prepared herself to watch the
attitude Of Russia in Northern Korea.
She will not, however, land troops in
Korea without a distinct violation of
the Korean frontier, in which event she
is prepared to act promptly.
The st. Petersburg correspondent Of
the Reuter- Telegram Company cables
that a special edition of the Novoe
Vremya announced the breaking off Of
diplomatic relations between Japan and
Russia. In an editorial this paper
throws the onus for the rupture on Ja-
pan, saying that "for three months
Russia has been examining the Japa-
nese proposals in the most amicable
spirit in the hope of finding a way to
make all possible concessions without
injuring RusSia's prestige, and she has
remained unmoved by the ISLANDERS that
she was delaying the negotiations with
| the object of completing war prepara-
tions. AS it turns out" the paper goes
on, "the whole exchange of notes was
a farce. Japan, and not Russia, only
awaited the moment when the two
cruisers bought in Italy reached Chi
nese waters. The Japanese then threw
off their mask, not even awaiting Rus
sias reply. They have shown them
selves to be Asiatics and unable to OBJ
serve even the slightest decency. His
tory knows no case of similar beha-
vior. We are convinced that public
opinion in Russia will give the Jap
anese a suitable reply.
1.-The rupture of diplomatic relations
does not necessarily mean war. His
tory shows cases of a diplomatic rup-
ture having lasted for years without
resulting in war, but such instances
are rare. The normal course of af-
fairs means either war or the medi-
alton of other powers. We thus stand
between three alternatives = war,
mediation or long period of friction,
and the last is the least probable.
The interests Of both powers are too
far opposed to admit of their being
brought in accord during the de facto
occupation of territory. Mediation is
but the ultimate ratio >regum (the
final argument of kings)-war. One
thing only seems certain-after the
steps taken yesterday by the Japanese
no honorable foreigner will think it
possible to accuse us of an, aggressive
attitude.
Russia stands at the Threshold of
great events. Every son of Russia,
without distinction of convictions, will
to-day conscientiously and sincerely
say: Japan has herself willed it; so
let it be; God be with u.s."
Such expressions as the possibility
Of avoiding hostilities" receives scant
attention in London, and nobody be-
lieves but that fighting will begin al
most Immediately.
The British press displays very full
appreciation of the delicate and diff
cult problems facing the government,
owing to the alliance with Japan, and
much questioning is INDUCED in as to
whether the Ministers have fully
weighed their responsibilities.
Admiral SLrydlofr to- Command.