Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-02-05
MORE WAR TALK.

that the Russian response to the latest
.Japspese note vas sent to Toxic last night.
The feeling in the higher circles continues
10 he that Russia has offered substantial
concessions, but that she cannot meet
,Japan's wishes regarding Manchuria OF
agree to japanese Notifications in south
ern Korea. 1t is intimated in certain
unofficial quarters that if Japan should
offer counter proposal that Russia
guaranteed China's Manchnria treaties
Irrespective of ihe ultimate sovereignty OF
the province, there might be chance OF
reaching such compromise. 1t is argued
that this settlement would safeguard the
existing commercial interests Of all the
powers in Manchuria, and it is contended
that if Japan demands more, in the last
resort, this would betray to the world her
Interior ambitions on the continent OF
Asia, which would be inimical to the in
terests of not only Russia but of the very
powers which now sympathize with ia
pan.
Much anxiety and doubt prevail in ST
Petersburg with regard to the future, but
one thing is certain-Russia will not de-
clare war, nor will she initiate hostile
action if the negotiations break down.
Russia will remain quiescent until attack
ed.
Yesterday in St. Petersburg was reck'
oned the eve of the end. Last night
Russia's answer probably started to
Admiral Alexief, to be handed by him
to Baron Won Rosen for presentation to
Baron Komura. From now on the
matter of war or peace lies in the hands
of the Mikado's government. The exact
condition of sentiment at st. Petersburg
at this critical moment, is one Of
defiance. Russia is like big beal
reused with difficulty from a winter
sleep, and very angry at having been
prodded into action. The bear feel;
nightly like fighting.
Advices from Korea say that the feel
ing of panic is general there and that
depression prevails at all the seaports,
where massacres of foreigners eventually
are apprehended. The Europeans are
preparing to send their families to
| Shanghai. Every steamer from Japan,
it is added, conveys to Korea many
japanese officers and soldiers in disguise,
and their presence in such numbers is
regarded by the Russians as being a
secret occupation of Korea.
The Novoe Vremya of st. Petersburg
yesterday published long editorial arti-
Gle on its Port Arthur correspondence.
The views of this correspondent may ap-
pear fantastic, but the paper says, never
theless, taat America is the real foe
screened behind Japan. The British,
the paper continues, have assumed the
task Of betraying Europe by trucking
TO the United States, and speeches at the
recent banquet of the Pilgrims Society
are cited as examples ofBritish servility.
In conclusion the Novoe Vremya says ::
"When Great Britain has quite gone
over to the United States the rest of Eu-
rope will realize the urgency of united
action against America.
The japanese government has been
informed that the Russian feet has left
Port Arthur. Its destination is not
known. The japanese commercial agent
at Vladivostock was notified Wednesday
by the commander of the Russian garri-
sou, that he might at any time, in ac-
cordance with orders from ST. Petersburg,
have to proclaim a state Of siege.
Troops are steadily moving in the di-
rection Of the Yalu, aud the Chinese
residents of Yingehou are preparing for
flight. The belief is prevalent that Rus
STA is seeking to provoke Japan to take
the initiative.
A dispatch to Reuter- Telegram Com
pany, in London. from Toxic says:
''The general impression here is that all
hope of peace isgone." The elder states
men had a conference Yesterday after
noon, at which the emperor was present.
1t is believed a weighty decision was
reached"
A dispatch from Seoul, Korea, says
that about 5000 Russian troops have
sailed from Port Arthur and will endea-
vor to land at Chemulpo, the port Of
Seoul, today.
"War or peace will come today" This
is the general opinion in the diplomatic
corps at Washington. Both at the Rus
sian embassy and at the japanese lega-
ton the situation in the far East is de-
scribed as grave.