Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-01-08
RUSSIA
 TO JAPAN.
Reply Has Been Re.
 Ceived To-Day.
Hayaslhi Says Hope For Peaceful Settlement Is Waning--Russia Oppo- ses Principal Japanese Contentious.

Contentious.
 London, Jan S.-The text of the Rus dan reply to Japan's last note has Deen received at the Japanese legation here. It will be presented to the for eign office later in the day by Minister Hayashi
 At the legation the opinion Is held that the reply is utterly opposed to the main Japanese contentious and 1t IS thought that negotiations will be broken off.
 Minister Hayashi said to represen- fatiye of the Associated Press: "After reading the reply, allI can say is that hope for & peaceful settlement is grow ing less and less. Conditions are very grave.''
 Japan has decided not to buy the Chilean warships for which negotia- fions had been started. At the legation 1t is said that the ships bought recent 1y from Argentina are expected to sail to-day for the far east by way of the Suez canal.
 London, Jan 8. 2:03 D. m.-A special from Tokio under to-day's date, after recording the arrival of the Russian reply, adds: Diplomacy has not said it's last word, and there are still hopes that hostiiities may be averted. From the Russian legation it is announced that the negotiations continue
 TOKYO, Jan. S.-The emperor and empress gave an audience to ex-Gov- ernor Taft of the Philippines and Mrs. Taft and subsequently took luncheon with them.
 The emperor talked for some time with ex-Governor Taft and said that he rejoiced at the friendliuess between the United States and Japan He wish cd the Americans to realize that Japan was earnestly and patiently striving for peace.
 The contents of the Russian reply, s just received, are kept secret, but the impression is that it is unsatisfactory. Baron de Rosen, the Russian minister i. to Japan, and Baron Komura, Jap anese foreign minister, have conferred att the Russian legation. where Baron de Rosen is still indisposed.
 An important council has been held. at which the premier. the foreign min- ister and the ministers of war and ma- rine, together with the chiefs and as- sistant chiefs of the staffs of the army and navy, were present and in con- suItation as to the present crisis.
 The elder statesmen of Japan will probably hold conference today.
 Stocks, which had recovered some what, have fallen again.
 The general feeling here Is one of uneasiness.
 It is known that neither Russia nor Japan Is desirous of 8 winter cam paign and that both countries believe delay will help their preparations.
 The Russian government has bought all the horses obtainable in Kalgan, the greatest horse market In north Chi- na.
 A report from Peking says that Gen. eral Yuan Sinai Kai, commander in chief of the Chinese army and navy, has sent his chief foreign adviser, Charles : Denby, IT,, of Indiana, son of the ex- United States minister to China, to Pc king to investigate the report as to the probability of war, Mr. Denby hss re- ported that, according to the best opin- ions obtainable, based on diplomatic information, war cannot be averted.
 The attitude of Japan toward the re- sponse of Russia is still undeflned. Premier Katsura, the minister of for eign affairs, the minister of war, the minister of finance and the minister of naval affairs held council, when 1t was decided that the cabinet confer with the older statesmen before de- cidtng<on a course of procedure. The Japanese nation is, deeply stirred. Pub lie sentiment fayors the abandonment of negotiations, believing them to be useless, and urges resort to arms.
 1t has been learned that Russia has made new demands which 1t will be impossible for Janan to entertain.
 All the powers Ire landing troops in Korea, and British bluejackets just landed at Chemulpo are expected to go to Seoul immediately.
 Constant telegrams are passing be- tween M. Pavloff, the Russian minister to Korea; Baron de Rosen, the Russian minister to Japan, and vicerey Alex jeff.
 Governor Taft had secret confer. ence with the Marquis Ito at the United SCz tGS C0l6ptdtG LII IVhOudmA A. IS uA- derstood that Governor Taft assured the marquis that the United States will observe friendly neutrality toward Japan in the event of war and that if necessary 1t would grant the use of American ports in the far east to the Japanese fleet.
 Yokohama dispatch says that Rus sia's reply to Japan practically re- moves all hope of a peaceful settlement
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