Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-03-09

us loTelSll minister are considered pre-
mature. NJ. Isvolsky is perhaps the
counts most likely successor when IL
change occurs, as he is located at the
court of the Dowager Empress father
from which NJ. Muraieff, the prede-
cessor of Count Lamsdorff went to the
foreign office. NJ. Isvolsky is regarded
as being strong, able man.
1t is undeniable that Count Lamsdorff
Is opposed by an influential faction
which has long been endeavoring to I'M
dermine him. largely on account of the
position which he took at the time of
the Russo-Japanese negotiations. but
up to the present, it is believed not to
have succeeded. Count Lamsdorff him
self. recently talking to friends on the
subject, indicated that he would not re-
tire now. The minister had his regu-
lar interview with the Car, today.
Toxic. March S.-The japanese gov
ernment it is said. is considering the
advisibility of seeking to secure imme-
diately a loan in America and Europe.
Although it is estimated that enough
bonds can be sold at home to provide
sufficient money to prosecute the war
for at least one year and a half, and al
,, though many japanese statesmen and
ffnanciers believe that Japan is capable
of waginS war to a conclusion without
borrowing q single cent abroad and
have, in Il spirit of national pride, coun-
selled that no foreign loan be sought
yet it is felt that there may arise in a
year or two contingency when money
may be seriously needed.
1t is thought that it would be better
to place a loan now if possible, rather
than attempt to do so in future crisis
when money may be badly needed.
Toxic, March SIT is denied that
japan has any new plan to execute. 1t
Is thought, however. that Marquis Ito
will make an investigation of the gen.
eral condition in Corea and formulate
will be Useful in the adoption of pol
icy for the future.
Berlin, March 9.-The Tageblatt this
| morning, publishes a statement regard
ing the motives of Russia in protesting
against the concentration of Chinese
| troops on the Manchurian frontier. and
lntimates that it originated with the
russian embassy in Berlin
Inc communication says that the as
sumption that Russia was influenced
by political motives. such as cherish
ing designs on Chinese territory, in
making this protest, is erroneous. Her
motives were purely military. Russia
is convinced that she will soon over
| come the Japanese; nevertheless she
cannot permit the operation of troops,
nor can she be threatened nv disturb
ances. in her rear. The presence of Chi
lese troops on the Manchuria border
might result in unpleasant occurrences.
Inc st. Petersburg government is fully
convinced that China honestly intends
TO MAINTAIN strict neutrality, but this
concentration of troops would endaneer
such neutrality. The Pekin government
is itself not sure of it's troops. Yuan
Shi kai, the Chinese cOmmander-in
chief would hardly disobey orders but
1t IS different when it comes to subor-
dlnates and the soldiery 1t must be re-
membered that the Chunchus (bandits)
who already are beginning to make
trouble in Manchura, are for the most
part eX-Chinese soldiers who deserted
often in entire regiments and taking
modern weapons and even cannon with
them, to lead robber life in Manchu
ria. If Chinese trOops are now STA
toned on the frontier there exists the
danger that at some favorable opportu-
NIFTY they will desert and Join the
Chuchus. This would make it neces-
sary to detach Russian troops from the
front to fight the marauders in the rear
consequently Russia protest against
The concentration
Paris. March s.-The Temps this after
burg. which says:
Inc landing of Japanese troops con-
1 sinues near Won San Gen. SAM, Corea.
Niost OF the forces are proceeding to Ping
rang. II Is the expectation that the Ian.
anese will take the offensive so soon as
they have concentrated their troops. The
RUSSIAN tactics will be strictly defensive
Tor some time. The Amur and other
streams will he used so soon as they arc
plies sup
Hong Kong. March S-The Russian sail
orS VINO passed on board the Italian
cruiser Elba. at Chemulpo. Corea, after
the naval fight there, last month. in
Mnlch the Russian warships Variag and
korietZ were Vanquished. and who We're
brought By the Elba to this port have
been handed over to the Russian authori-
ties.
has arrived out from italy and has hoisf,
ed mis- flag on board the cruiser Vettor
Plsani at Wusung. near Shanghai
NladvoStock March S-Tha military,
commandant here has ordered all foreign
ers to have their passports viewed by the
local government and commercial agents
or their respective countries
Most of the residents of VladjyostocI,
are sending their families into the int
rior The girls school and bows gym
nasium will also be transferred into the
interior. ''ie
The price of food stuffs is becoming ex-
horbitant
Toxic. March S.-The intended visit of
Marquis Ito as a special ambassador from
the Emperor of Japan to the Emperor of
Corea claims general attention. 1t was
originally planned to send n prominent
Japanese to Seoul as n permanent resi-
dent adviser to the Corean government ,
and various names Were suggested The
announcement that Marquis Ito is going
Is surprise In official circles it is in.
sisted that the object of Marquis Ito's
visit to Corea is not politically impor- |
tant.
Paris. March 9.-The ST Petersburg cor :
respondent of the Figaro says that as
DOUBTS existed as to what thickness of
rec 70