The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1904-01-01
JAPs VERY BUSY.
Are Making Active Preparations for 4
Wal With Russia.

~'s "~"'"v NCSVo preparation No TOR q
War With Russia.
Toxic, Dec. 80. - At the Joint on
ference OF the privy council and the
cabinet yesterday morning it was de-
cided to issue an imperial urgency or
der providing for the levying OF funds
Tor the completion Of the Seoul-Fusen
railway with all possible speed. The
rail way will be ess ential in the case of
wal O the Korean frontier.
The extra budget money will be
used in defraying the extraordinary
exr ense inevitable if Russia refuses
to recede from its present position.
Every indication here points to the
determination OF Japan to safeguard
Korea should Russia not modify its
reply. Such a step while necessarily
Involving war, would go far to neutral
ize those those preparations Russia
steadily is making for the pouring OF
troops IT the Yalu river, Tbe
characteristic cynicism with which the
Muscovites, while protesting peace,
Are Preparing for War,
fas incensed the whole Japanese peo-
pie and greatly Strengthened the in
Tuence OF the war party in the coun-
sells Of the empire.
Reports from China that the three
central provinces have 80, 600 foreign
Trained troops in readiness for emery
eDcies are regarded here with incred-
unity. While some Japanese drill ser
giants have been employed in China
10 instruct troops, their number has
beer small and the mum Der Of men un-
der their charge Insignificant. japan
Is not anxious to bring China into war
OF to do anything that would bring
into play the Franco-Russian and
Anglo-Japanese treaties. The military
authorities are confident OF the ability
OF the japanese forces to do more than
hold their own without foreign aid in
the event of hostilities.
Gar for Peace.
st. Petersburg, Dec. 3O.-The con-
CELSIUS Of opinion among those as so
ciated with the gov eminent, but not
responsible therefor, is that the car is
30 peacefully disposed that he will
na Ike such concessions to Japan as are
necessary to prevent war provided
that no unforeseen events force the
hsnds of the gov governments concerned.
At the same time the car. it Is point
ed out, agrees with those who believe
that preparation for war Is the best
safeguard Of peace, and that apparent
willingness to allow matters to be
subm,.ted to the test Of arms is more
likely to lead to, a satisfactory compro-
mise than an exhibition OF overmuch
peacefulness.
Russia Makes Exc
Pekin, Dec. 30.-Lien Fang, first sec
rotary to the board Of foreign affairs,
yesterday, visited Russian Minister
Lessar and requested Information con-
corning the intentions of the Russian
governm emit regarding the evacuation
OF Manchuria.
Minister Lessar said that nothing
could be done az present with a view
to evacuation for two reasons. In the
first place, the minister pointed out
that the cold weather made it impos.
sible to remove the troops from their
present positions, and there were nc
accommodations to be had elsewhere
and In the second place, it would en-.
danger Russia's interests to undertake
CIV acuation. during the progress OF the
negotiations bet ween Russia and jap
an, for the reason that Japan might
seize the opportunity to invade Man
Churia.
The Chinese government is sc
alarmed at the prospect Of the stu
alton seemingly involved in the pros
rective raj that it would prefer tina,
Russia remain in control Of Man
churia.
Bear Wants Beet.
Kansas City, Dec. 3O.-The Russian
government has just placed an order
it'll local packers for a million and q
halt pounds OF meat for immediate
shipment to San Francisco.
San Francisco, Dec. 30.-The Bulle.
tin says that the firm of Getz Bros. e
Go. has contracted with the Russian
government to supply the latter with
5000, 900 pounds of beef, and that the
firm. Is making demands upon all the
big packers in the West.