The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-01-13
SUMTER S. c.. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY b. 1904


Pekin to investigate the report as to
the probability of war. Mr.. DENLY
has repored that according to the best
opinions obtainable, based on diplo-
matte information, war cannot be
averted.
RUSSIAN CRUISER LEAVES
BREST.
Brest, France, Jan. THE Russian
cruiser Almaz, of 1885 tons, leaves
here tomorrow for the far East.
SITUATION IN ST. PETERSBURG.
St. Petersburg, Jan. THE foreign
ministry has received a dispatch from
Toxic saying that Baron de Rosen, the
Russian minister, presented Russia's
reply to the Japanese Cabinet yester-
day.
The Russian officials were invisible
today, owing to IL being the Russian
Christmas holiday. The situation
appears to be unchanged. Diplomats
today reiterated that war with Japan
was not likely. The people generally
are showing uneasiness. All classes Of
the unofficial would welcome any
peaceful solution. The crisis occasions
remarkably little comment among the
| general public.
AMERICAN INTERESTS IN
COKEA.
Washington, Jan. 7.-United States
Minister Allen, at Seoul, Corea, has
cabled the State department., under
today's date, that the Russian marines
who were landed at Chemulpo, and who
were refused transportation to Seoul
over the Japanese Railway, have
reached the capital, marching over
land.
It is understood that the purpose in
sending American marines in such
haste to the Corea capital ahead of all
European marines was because of a
desire to protect not only the Ameri-
can legation at the Corean capital,
but also the poperty of the Chemulpo
Electric Railway and the electric light
works, in both of which Americans
are interested largely.
There are other large American in
terests in Corea, in fact, iteis said at
the State department. that they are
perhaps more important than those Of
any other nation.
TAFT AND MARQUIS ITO.
London, Jan. 8.-The Daily Mails
Toxic correspondent says: "Governor
Taft had secret conference with the
Marquis Ito this afternoon at the
| United States consulate in Yokohama.
I understand that Governor Taft as
sured the Marquis that the United
States will observe a friendly neutral
ity towards Japan in the event Of war,
and that if necessary it would grant
the use of American ports IN the far
East to the Japnese fleet -
A NAVAL BATTLE IMMINENT.
Port Arthur, Jan. Via Che Foo,
Jan. Several ships left here at mid
night for the purpose of intercepting
a japanese squadron of four iron
clads, which, it is understood, is now
approaching Corea, for the purpose of
stopping six japanese coal-laden ships
from Japan, destined for Port Arthur,
and cancelling their charter to Rus
sian firm here.
There is a normal movement of
troops in both directions on the rail
way.
The Port Arthur defenses are com
plete, and the authorities are conf
dent.
London, Jan. 8.-The insurance OF
the Japanese cruisers Niasin and 'Kas-
aga, which were built at Genoa and
bought from the Argentine Govern
ment, has been completed after con-
siderable difficulty. The policies have
been so arranged as to permit the
cruisers to go by the way of the Suez
Canal, Cape Horn or Cape of Good
Hope routes, as the circumstances of
the moment may dictate.
Paris, Jan. 8.-The Associated Press
learns that, in the opinion of the
French Government, there is still a
chance of avoiding conflict between
Russia and Japan. as a result of a
concession made by Russia in her latest
note.
The dispatches which have come to
Paris from all quarters today have
been most pessimistic, and the hope
fulness of the Government is in strong
contrast with them. It appears that
Russia's concession relates to the re-
cognition of the peponderance of the
interests of Japan in Corea. This has
been the crux of the question between
the two Powers up to the present
moment. Just how far the concession
goes it is impossible to learn, but the
effect in Toxic, according to the in
formation obtained, has been more
satisfactory than the press dispatches
show, and it is believed the negotia-
tions will continue.
CONFER WITR LORD LANDS
DOWNE.
London. Jan. 8.-A special dispatch
from Toxic. under today's date. after
recording the arrival of the Russian
reply adds: