Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-19
1T IS NOT REASSUR|NG
Russia Questions China's Sin
certify in Neutrality.
SUSPICIOUS OF JAPS.
THINK THEY ARE USING QUIET
SPOT ON CHINESE COAST.
A Base for Coaling and Provisioning
Togo's War Fleet-Czar's Experts
Are Watching-Notes.
SUSPICIOUS OF JAPS.

ST. PETERSBURG. March 49, II 80 p H.
The governments private information is
not completely reassuring as regards
China's sincerity in observing neutral at
titude. Secret advices indicate that at least
a powerful party in the Chinese government
is abetting the Japanese.
Although at first reluctant to credit these
reports, the Russian authorities continue
to receive evidence that the Japanese con-
template landing on Chinese neutral terri
tory west of the Lao river, and 1000 men
are being held especially to await develop
ments IN that direction.
Moreover, the emperors naval experts,
who have been studying carefully the pug
zle as to where Vice Admiral Togos feet
Is coaling and provisioning between its ap-
pearances Off Port Arthur, are becoming
more and more convinced that it is using
as a base some quiet spot on the Chinese
coast.
After each disappearance not word is
heard Of the fleets whereabouts until 1t
reappears
A calculation of time and distances shows
1t Is quite impossible for the feet to steam
to Nagasah or Hiroshima. take ON board
coal and ammunition and come back. It IS
also certain the Japanese warships could
not take on coal. much less heavy pro-
jectiles. at sea In the face of the prevailing
rough weather
The idea that they are using Chemulpo,
Fusan or some other place on the Korean
coasts for this purpose Is rejected, as II
is believed that II such were the case the
numerous secret correspondents and secret
agents OF the Russians in Korea would GER
taInly have reported the fact
So by process of elimination the Russians
seem compelled to arrive at the conclusion
that the vessels of the Japanese fleet must
be redlling their bunkers In some inlet on
he 0i fhnr m he
Liao-Tung or the Shan-Tung peninsula, so
far from ports and Inhabited centers that
the correspondents are unable to get wind
OF it.
ships appearing off Port Arthur is increas--
ing the conviction that many of them have
had to put back to Japan for a thorough
refitting.
A high navy officer said:
'We probably shall never know how
many of their ships were crippled or sunk.
at least until the war Is over"
The failure Of the japanese to rush their
operations evokes agreeable disappoint-
ment here, as it gives the Russians the time
necessary to complete their preparations.
A Japanese landing on the LiaoTung penin-
sula, to besiege Port Arthur. would rather
be welcomed now, as it would not be q
large force yet would weaken the frontal
attack from Korea.
1t was reported soon after the japanese
began their operations against Port Arthur
that they had seized one of the Elliot
Islands. situated in the Korean gulf. less
than one hundred miles east by north OF
Port Arthur. for use as base. and the
Tokyo correspondent of the London Times,
March T. cabled that a Japanese squadron
took possession Of Hai-Yang-Tao, one of
the Elliot group, February 20. The CORE
spondent added that the Japanese found
there only stores of coal and signaling
flags, the Russians having evacusted the
island February g.