Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1904-02-18

The Paris Figaro publishes a dis
patch from its 81 Petersburg CORES
pendent. who confirms, without giving
the source of his information, the re-
ported attack OH Hakodatc, Japan. by
the YladivoStok division of the Rus
sian fleet. He states that II report Is
current In st. Petersburg that before
b0mharding IIakUdate the Russian
WarshipS encountered "A feet OF Japan
csc transports, and sunk several oil
them.
News in London allegc that there has
been battle between the Russian and
Japanese forces along the Ialu river,
The former moving south from the
Nalu. encountered the OutpostS OF the
Japanese army on their march north
from Ping Yang. sharp skirmish fol
lowed. i'm which eighty officers ana
men Of the Japanese army were made
prisoners. The report further states
that the main army of the Japanese Is
now closing in. and it is expected that
two large corps viii be plunged into
terrific battle. upon which may turn
the outcome of the war The Russian
army along the Nalu is the largest the
car has in the east numbering $4,000
men, The Japanese have 10000 men
in Korea. 10000 OF whom are north OF
Seoul, and are either near the scene OF
battle or can he hurried thither. III
both armies are cavalry and light ar
tillery. but the Russians have decided
IL the better of il in both these
branches.
The British government has inquired
if the Danish govCrnp'ent is prepared
10 defend Dcnmfksy neutrality. es.
pecially the important sea routes. Den
mark replied i'm effect: I'VE will de-
fend ourselves" The construction
placed OH this inquiry is that Great
Britain appreciates the danger Of Rus
sin occupying Danish fortresses in the
event OF complications between Great
Britain and Russia over the far east
crn question. In consequence of the
possibility OF such an outcome the
Danish war department has ordered
the army reserves 10 be ready for
mobilization. throughout Denmark,
within twelve hours. All the regiment
al offices are open day and night.
The first rumor Of the bombardmcnt
Of IiakOdate by Russian warships was
sent to London by the Tien Tsin cor
respondent Of the Standard. and pub
lishcd February l.. Doubt has been
east or the authenticity of the report
md Il has never been confirmed from
either Japan or 81. Petersburg. There
is Geographic communication between
Hakodate and Toxic
Secretary Hay has added another TO
his long list of diplomatic tr'ulnphs
and the United States is once more en-
abed by his diplomacy to head the ma
items in Il concurrent effort to preserve
the integrity OF China. Mr.. Hays
note OF February 10 to Russia and
Japan. urging them to contine hostili-
ties within as small an area as pos.
siblc and 10 respect the neutrality and
administrative entity of China. will he
accepted by Russia as well as by
Japan. and all nations will join the
Washington government in inviting
the cOmbatants to agree TO the propo-
sition.
ut Is extremely probable that the
United States-and each of the great
powers-will do actual fighting before
this war Is over The United States
has taken strong ana courageous po-
sition." DR. Toyokichi Iyenaga. now
In Chicago. formerly secretary In the
foreign department. of the japanese
government. made the above predc.
ton. "All along | have been saying
that the United States and England
should join with Japan in settling this
far eastern question in the interests Of
modern progressive civilization. The
United States has donc just what
Japan has wanted. President Roose-
welt and Secretary Hay by proposing
To limit the question. have taken II
very strong stand. The only way To
prevent general war in which all
the nations would be fighting will be TO
carry out the proposal which has been
made by the United States.
who can tell now whether II will
he accepted by Russia or not? II Ii
Is not. the interests Of the United
States are so great and the stand has
been so strong. that II would not do to
say the United States Is not likely TO
be called to arms in the orient"