Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1904-02-25
Three Thousand Russian Troops Reported to Have Been Drowned
While Crossing Lake Baikal-A Anti American Feeling
Grows More Intensg in Russia

500 reserves in Kiao-Chou were
slender precaution for the preserva-
zion of the neutrality of that district.
This was no time, he added, to weak
en- German representation diplomat
ically of miiitarily in the Far East
Make General Mix-Up.
Paris, Feb. 81. - There is increas-
ing talk throughout Europe of the
possibility OF France and Germany
finding themselves arrayed as allies of
Russia against Japan and Great Brit
ain.
Officials in Russia continue to count
on Germany's unreserved support,
and discuss openly the possible
change of the equilibrium of Europe.
The increasing possibility of war
with Great Britain is discussed with
out reserve in Russian military cir
cles.
To Hold China in Check.
Washington, Feb 81. = Having Sc
cured the pledges of the powers that
China is not to be disturbed by either
the Russians of Japanese, diplomats
now claim that it will devolve upon
the United States and the other
powers to see that China maintains
absolute neutrality in the contest.
Large numbers of Chinese troops
are being hurried to the borders to
prevent any struggling. These troops
will be far removed from communica-
ton, and experience has shown that
the Chinese soldier is not subject to
much discipline. He generally fights
when he feels like it, and he attacks
the persons nearest to him.
Because of this it is possible that
the United States, with the other
powers, will be obliged to have in
readiness expeditions to keep the
Chinese soldiers in order and :,
Preserve the Neutrality
of China. Having this in view, 600
marines are now in San Francisco
and will sail for Olangampo, in the
Philippine islands, on the transport
Buford on March 1 The administra-
ton has given out that the marines
are intended to relieve a like number
of marines in the Philippines. It is
learned that great number of ma
1
future to the United States.
All the Pacific transports are being
detained at San Francisco in order
that they may be ready in the event
sudden emergency should demand the
sending of an expedition to China
No troops can be spared from the
Philippines,
The warships on the Pacific station
have been coaled and ammunition put
aboard in order that they can leave
at a moments notice should occasion
arise in the Far East.
With the receipt Of Russia's reply
the officials at the state department
say that the critical stage" of the
negotiations are ended; that Russia's
reply will merely need an "acknowl-
edg1nent.'
The Integrity of China" note has
resulted in a great diplomatic triumph
for Secretary Hay and President
Roosevelt
Rumors of Wholesale Drowning.
Prague, Feb. 21.-Fresh disaster to
the Russian land forces is announced
in the following dispatch to the Marc.
DIM Listy from its ST. Petersburg cor
respondent:
TWO regiments of Russian pioneers
and one regiment of railway troops,
altogether numbering 5000 men, have
| been drowned while crossing Lake
Baikal. No particulars of this dis
aster to the Russian troops marching
to Manchuria are given.
Recent dispatches have said that
the Ice on Lake Baikal was breaking
lip IA spots, due to heavy storms, and
That this was delaying the railroad
the Russian troops were trying to
build across the lake.
This railroad was tested few days
ago. aud it Is thought that the Rus
SLAMS were taking a troop train over
the lake when the ice broke and train
sank.
Anti-Anerican Feeling Grows.
st. Petersburg. Feb. 81. Anti
American feeling here Is growing
more intense daily, and although It is
said at the American embassy that
nothing is known about it, the au-
thorities took special precautions dur
ing last weeks public demonstrations
TO safeguard the embassy from insult
or attack. The animus against Eng
/ land is far less bitter than 1t is
1 against America, as the English were
| acknowledged enemies. while the
Americans were supposed to be
friends
Significant Move by l-oubet.
Paris. Feb. q. President Loubet is
making arrangements for an immedi-
ate visit to st. Petersburg to exchange
courtesies with the czar, thereby pay
ing back the visit Of the car to
Il France. Il ID regarded as significant
that Loubet should choose such ! mo.