Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-02-04
A Clash Believed TO be Inevitable.

London, Feb. AIN all quarters it is
admitted this morning that war in the
far East is a decided possibility, while in
many circles it is declared that a clash
between the forces of the Gar and the
Mikado is inevitable. All reports from
the scene indicate that both countries are
proceeding with preparations for wal
with all haste. A dispatch from Toxic
this morning states hat all the Russian
warships, which have been collected
about Port Arthur, have, with the ex-
ception of one, sailed for an unknown
destination. This report indicates that
the Russian and japanese warships may
meet in the open sea at any time, and,
with the minds of both sides inlamed as
they are, a battle may occur without
waiting for a formal declaration of
war.
In some quarters, it is thought the
action of the Russian fleet is merely as a
safeguard to the troops expected to be
sent to the mouth of the Yalu, and that
the ships will proceed no farther.
Others, however, express the belief hat
the ships will proceed on down the Korean
coast to be on hand should Japan com
nit any overt act which could be con-
strued into a hostile move. Word was
received in Toxic, this morning,
that the Russian commander at Vladi-
vosctock has issued a request to all the
japanese residents of the place to leave.
The officials at Paris, who have through
out the negotiations been inclined toward
an optimistic attitude, now see consider
able danger in the impotence of Japan
and fear that this impotence will force
the Mikado's officials to take some step
which will hasten a hostile elimination.
The m ray of hope in the situation is
the possibility that the Russian reply
which will probably be sent tomorrow
will, contrary to expectation, be decided
lY favorable to Japan
London, Feb. 4.-Your correspondent
at Toxic wires that he had an interview
today with a high government official,
who told him that the reports of imminent
war in the far East are grossly exagger-
ated. The official said: '.The present
bellicose reports which are being cir
culated, have no foundation, the situa-
lion is no more serious now than at any
time during the post fortnight in fact,
it is less so, in every way"
London, Feb. A special urgent
cable to the Evening News from Pekin
says: "Oficial information has been re-
ceived here that the japanese govern
ment has decided to refuse any further
negotiations with Russia and to take &C.
ton at once" This is interpreted here
as meaning that war in the far East has
begun.
St. Petersburg, Feb. 4.-The govern
ment officials today stated that the Rus
sian feet had left Port Arthur merely to
avoid the ice. They are anchored with
in sight of land.
Washington, Feb. 4.-The State De-
partment has been advised by cable that
the japanese residing in Vladivostock,
Siberia, have been warned to be ready to
vacate at short notice.
The general tenor of all the depart
meut's information today regarding the
situation in the far East is more warlike
than it has been for several days.
A dispatch from Minister Griscom at
Toxic confirms the press reports that the
Russian fleet has sailed from Port Arthur.
Berlin, Feb. AT the court ball last even.
ing a diplomat conyersiDg with Emperor
William expressed admiration at Russia's
moderation. The Emperor replied /: "Yes,
Russia's patience" This statement by the
Kaiser confirms the report that he sympa-
thizes with Russia. and would consider a Rus