Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-03-03
.JAPAN'S STATEMENT.
A Reply Made to Russia's Charge
Of Treachery.
JAPAN HURRYING TROOPS TO KOREA.
a Fear That Most Of the Japanese Horses
Are observation-disclosures Assisting
Russians In Northern Korea--Attack
on Port Arthur.

|
Washington, March 1.-The follow
ing authorized statement received yes
terday from his government is given
out by the Japanese minister:
"The Russian government has
charged Japan with having treacher-
ously obtained victory by sudden
attack upon Russia, who was bent on
maintaining peace. 1t Is further as
serted In these communicates that since
q rupture Of diplomatic relations can
never be looked upon as the opening
Of hostilities. and since Japan did not
issue a declaration Of war until the
18th of February, she has been guilty
Of a fragrant breach Of the principles
OF International law In making, as
early as the 9Th Of February, most un-
warrantable attacks on Russian men
of-war and merchant vessels.
"The answer to these charges may be
found in the action of Russia herself.
That her government never enter
tanned any sincere desire for peace can
be clearly seen from its own conduct
Throughout the whole course of the
negotiations Russia persistently re-
fused to meet the proposals made by
Japan In a moderate and conciliatory
spirit. These delays could not be con-
strued as otherwise than wanton and
unnecessary; she put off the settlement
OF the questions at issue, while at the
same time busily extending her naval
and military preparation. Her warlike
preparations in the far east since last
April, when she failed to carry out her
treaty engagement to evacuate Man
churia, are full confirmation of these
statements.
Seeing that the situation had be-
come so critical that 1t admitted Of no
further delay, the Japanese govern
ment was compelled to break off nego-
tiations that had proved abortive and
to take the necessary steps for self
protection. But the responsibility for
the challenge to war rests not with
Japan but solely with Russia.
From the standpoint of interna-
tional law 1t must be understood that
the charges made against her does not
come with good grace from Russia,
nasmuch as there are not only many
historical instances Of Russia herself
resorting to hostilities without declar-
ing war, but one case, that Of her in
Vasion Of Finland in 1908, when she
began war before there had even been
rupture Of diplomatic relations"
Japan Hurrying Troops to Korea.
London, March 1.-THE correspond
mt Of the Daily Mail at Chefoo who
las just returned there from Che
nulpo, Korea. cables that Japanese
transports carrying troops continue to
Irrive at Chemulpo at the rate Of one
! day, while provisions are being
anded near Hwang Ju. (94 miles north
vest or CKemulpo, at tine head OF the
'aidong river). where large force Of
apanese infantry has concentrated.
! serious defect has been disclosed,
he correspondent continues 1t is
cared that most of the Japanese
orses are unserviceable.
"The Japanese squadron at Che
lulpo has been strengthened. A fleet
IL battleships and cruisers has been
ationed permanently in Prince Je-
'me gulf, between Chebido island and
lie anchorage
THE Koreans are hostile to the
lpanese and they are assisting the
ussians In northern Korea"
tack on Port Arthur May BE in Progress.
London, March mo confirmation c
the report published yesterday in 7
q Daily Telegraph that the Japan 4
g had bombarded Port Arthur Febru- ,
y 20 has been received from any q
int, The wires from the scene of h
ar have been practically silent for Il
Q past "a hours and In some quarters U
is silence Is supposed to indicate
at Japan's great attack on Port
thur is actually in progress and that,
nsequently. the use of the wires has =
en- discontinued. u
I