The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1904-02-09

punlsnments.
Therefore il is said to be within the
probabilities that some kind of con
ference will follow a Russo-Japanese
war. The Unitel States has always
held aloof from combination in such
cases: but, as in the case of the nego-
tiations which terminated the Boxer
troubles. the policy has been to worI,
on parallel lines when such a cause is
for the common good
A dispatch from Peking says de-
tachment of Russian troops have ar
rived there bringing the legation guard
of Russia up TO its full strength.
In response TO Il memorial from Yuan
Shat Kai, commander in chief Of the
army and navy, informing the gov
ernment that war between Russia
and Japan had virtually begun, re-
newed orders were sent to the provin-
cial authorities enioining them to ex-
ercise the most strict measures to pre-
vent lawlessness.
Preparations for the dispatch of
troops to guard the frontier of Chill
province continue.
The Chinese legation reiterates that
China viii maintain an attitude of
strict neutrality and is confident that
whoever is the victor Manchuria will
remain Chinese in consequence of the
treaties by which ports were opened
to the commerce of all nations.
A dispatch froeh Tientsin says a
Russian force is reported at Kalgan,
in Pechili province, ITO miles north
west of Picking and near the great
wall, and that preparations are being
made for the flight of the Chinese
court and the removal of the imperial
treasure as it is feared that Russia
will descend upon Peking.
That Japan has fully determined on
war is evident from cablegram re-
ceived at the navy department from
Lieutenant Marsh, saying that Japa-
nese naval division had left for
Chemulpo, the port of the Korean cap
ital. The seizure Of Seoul, the general
naval board believes, will be Japan's
first act of war
Count Cassin, the Russian ambas-
sador, called by appointment on Sec
retary Hay, and the two were in con-
ference for nearly an hour. The am
bassador was again assured that this
government could be depended on to
maintain the strlctest and most COM
plete neutrality In the event of war.
Count Cassini gave Mr.. Hay a brief
summary of the negotiations. He in.
formed the secretary that Russia was
convinced that Japan had all along
been anxious for war and that her
breaking off of diplomatic relations at
the moment when Russia was putting
forth her utmost efforts to make con-
cessions that would preserve peace
was an evidence of bad faith.
In Russian circles it is not expected
that Japan win formally declare war,
but that she will attempt to catch Rus
sia unawares 1t is declared that the
Russian army and feet will be found
ready and waiting, that Russia will
not assume the offensive until she has
been attacked, but that after that there
will be no delay.
A London cable says that Russia de
HberateIy precipitated the crisis by Sc
cretly dispatching few days ago from
Port Arthur transports loaded with a
full division Of troops, escorted by a
feet and landing them near the Yalu
river, thus occupying northern Korea.
A Chefu dispatch says sixty Japa-
nese transports are landing troops at
various ports in Korea, from Masam-
pho and Fusan on the south to Kun
sau, Mpltpho and Chemulpo ON the
wpst,
Seoul is to be occupied, and the land
ing ss being covered by the torpedo di-
vision! The main body of the .Iapa-
nese iieet VIII sail In the direction of
Port Arthur.
The Japanese have moved their ships
to Masampho, where their marines
took possession of certain Russian