The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-09
IMMENSE CROWDS GATHER
 TO SEE yESSELs~DEFART.

Genoa, January S.-When ft became known that the Niasn and Kasaga, which warships- were built-here for the Argen- tine republic, afd purchased by Japan, would depart tonight there was great ex- cit&ment throughout the town.
 Crowds of people flocked to the harbor to bid farewell to the ships of whose strength and speed they are justly proud. An especial interest centers in the war ships, too, because both of their crews will be Italians, and because the engines are entirely of Geneose construction.
 Contrary to what has been asserted, the Kiasin and Kasaga have kept the Japan csc coors hoisted from the moment they were transferred to Japanese authorities The vessels are commanded by two Eng lishmen, Captain Boyle and Captain Lee. and the other officers are also Englishmen with the exception of five Japanese. The crews. numbering 300 men to each ship are about equally divided between Italian and English nationality. One hundred and twenty English artillerymen embarked on the vessels last night.
 The commander of the Kiasin and Kas- aga have received sealed orders which will be opened on the high sea. At the last moment. the departure of the war ships was delayed to await the receipt of money from the Japanese legation at Lon don but 1t is expected the vessels will sail early tomorrow morning
 Collision of Vessels Reported.
 London, January s.-The Kobe corre- spondent of the Daily Express sends a scare rumor to the effect that collision between the Russian and the Japanese fleets has taken place near the islands of Taushlma, in the Strait of Corea.
 This rumor Is not mentioned in any oth- CT source and, in view of the fact that the .,.x+ 4r afrfc ciy1y a aafa sorship over all news concerning naval matters, 1t may disregarded.
 VIII Continue Negotiations.
 Tokio, January s.-The Japanese govern ment has practically determined to con tinue negotiations. It Is dissatisfied with Russia's terms. but does not feel warrant ed in Issuing an ultimatum, or breaking off negotiations and will make another effort to secure their modification before resorting to force.
 It is anticipated that tae discussion will consume a few weeks, during which inte- rim a breach of the peace is improbable.
 Discussed at Cabinet Meeting.
 Washington, January S.-The far cas- tern situation was discussed at the cab inet meeting today, special consideration being given the movement of the Asistic squadron, which it Is desired shall be so shaped as to emphasize the absolute neu- trality of this country in the event of his tilities between Russia and Japan.
 At the meeting 1t was announced that orders would be cabed Rear Admiral Evans upon his arrival at Guam tomor- row to proceed thence to Subig bay, it be- ing desired that the American navy shall observe good sea manners by not going to the Japanese or Russian waters just now.
 Paris, January 8.-The Associated Press learns that, in the opinion of the French government, there Is a chance of averting a conflict between Russia and Japan as a result of concession made by Russia in her latest note. The dispatches which have come to Paris from all quarters to- day have been most pessimistic and the hopeful view of the government Is in con trast with them.
 London January S.-M Daeschner, first secretary of the French embassy in Lon don, in an interview today said the pres ent arrangements between France and Great Britain were such that 1t would be impossible to disturb them. The sec retary said that even if Korea and China joined Japan they would not be consider ed as powers within the meaning of the Russian treaty, and that, there fore, 1t was not likely that France would be called upon to interfere.
 Would Be Properly considered.
 Washington. January s.-Though nego- tiated twenty years ago by Admiral Shu- feldt state department officials say the treaty referred to by the Korean minis ter at Paris has never been invoked by the government of that country. In 1t