Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-02-05
RUSSIA'S ANSWER IN.
Tokyo Government Can Now Decide
 for Peace or War.

for Peace or War.
 ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 5. The nese note was sent to the Japanese government at Tokyo last night after having received assent at the hands of the czar. .-t
 It is understood that when Foreign Minister Lamsdorff presented his views to his majesty he expected an tmmedi- ate decision, but the czar informed Count Lamsdorff that he would take the matter under very deliberate con- sideration.
 It is thought that the czar consulted with Viceroy- Alexeieff by wire, thus avoiding delays after the decision was drafted, as in the cases of the previous notes. Hitherto the cZar's instructions drafted here were sent to the yiceroy, who had the privilege of communicat- ing his objections before forwarding them to Baron de Rossn, the Russian minister at Tokyo.
 The feeling in the higher circles con- tinuss to be that Russia has offered substantial concessions, but that she has not met Japan's wishes regarding Manchuria or agreed to Japanese for tifications in southern Korea. a
 1t is intimated in certain unofficial quarters that If Japan should offer counter proposal that Russia guaran- tee China's Manchurian treaties, ire specttvs of the ultimate sovereignty of the province, there might be a chance of reaching such compromise. It is argued that this settlement would safeguard the existing conner ciaI interests of all the powers in Man. churia, and it is contended that if Ia pan demands more in the last resort this would betray to the world her ul- terior ambitions on the continent of Asia, which would be inimical to the interests of not only Russia, but of the very powers which now sympathize with Japan.
 Much anxiety and doubt prevail here 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 at tackled.
 The Novoe vre9nya of St. Petersburg says America is the real foe screened behind Japan. The British, the paper l continues, have assumed the task of betraying Europe by trucking to the 1 United States, and speeches at the re- cent banquet of the Pilgrims society are cited as examples of British ser l vility. Tn conclusion, the Novoe l Vremya says:
 1 When Great Britain has quite gone 1 over to the United States the rest of | Europe will realize the urgency of united action. against America" 1 A telegram received here from Port Arthur says there is no announcement there of the mobilization or the calling out of the reserves, but that every thing is in readiness and that there are almost half million troops in Man. churia The message adds that the mobilization of the Japanese forces has not produced a deep impression in Port Arthur.
 The figures given for the Russian troops in Manchuria are considered l here to be exaggerated by at least one- l half, but it is understood that 6O,0O0 Russian soldiers are on their way or under orders for the far east.
 Nothing is known here officially re- 1 garding the reported departure of the Russian fleet from Port Arthur. The report is attributed to the fact that possibly a few of the ships have gone on short cruise. l It is reported here that several thou sand Russian troops will reach Korea today from Port Arthur if not stopped by the Japanese fleet. Several war; ships accompany the transports, and 1t is believed that their destination is Seoul. The troops will lard at or near 1 Chemulpo.
 The troops go to Seoul by request of the Korean government, and they are probably forced in this action by a re- port that Japan has 5000 troops al- ready there in disguise.
 The press attacks on the policy of the United States continue, and the conviction is widespread that without the secret encouragement received from Washington Japan would long ago have accepted the Russian proposals.
 It is being pointed out insistently in the Russian press that in the event of war America would largely profit by l rTnpJvinu food stufps for inc far na sf