Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1904-02-04
TWO REPORTS SAY THAT ITS
CONTENTS WILL BE SAT-
IsFAoToRY.
BUT WARllKE TALK CONTINUES
ADvIcES FROM ST. PETERSBURG
AND TOXIC ARE PESSl-
MYSTIC.

Paris, Jan 81 - The Matin learns
that when the Russian reply is sub
mitted, which will be before next Mon-
day, the present tension will cease.
The czar is endeavoring to have the
| reply so couched as to indicate the
maximum concessions Russia can
make without loss of prestige.
viii Be Satisfactory.
| Washington, Jan. 81. On the au-
thority of the British ambassador at
St. Petersburg it is announced that the
Russian reply, which Il it expected
will be delivered today, is satisfactory.
| Although no further details are now
obtainable, it is assured, if the infor-
nation of the ambassador is correct,
that Russia has made certain conces-
sions and that Great Britain will pre-
vail on Japan to accept them as salts
factory.
The statement Of the British am
bassador went from st. Petersburg to
the British legation at Toxic, where
Mr.. Griscom heard of 1t and cabled the
news to the state department.
No Reply Until Next Week.
| St. Petersburg, Jan. 31.-There Is
almost no hope of peace on account OF
the conviction in imperial quarters
that Japan intends under any circum-
stances to force war. The terms OF
Russia's reply are being kept secret,
but those who are best informed state
that it will not satisfy the Toxic gov:
eminent. There is faint possibility
that the car at the last moment will
declare for peace at whatever cost to
Russian prestige.
The authorities here now say that
the Russian reply to Japan will not
be transmitted until next week. It is
said that the delay was necessitated
in consequence of the extreme care
taken In drafting the document. Vice.
roy Alexie1's views also are awaited
before it's transmission to the car.
1t Is fully realized here that the for
warding of the answer will mark an
other critical stage in the negotiations,
everything depending on Japan's at
titude. 1t is feared that despite pa
cific Influences, the hands of the au-
thorities may be forced on account OF
the excitement Of the press and peo-
pie.
Japan Gathers slnews.
Toxic, jan 81. - Following the ex-
ample of the imperial household, the
famous Daimios, Mort and Shimazo,
and others equally notable, are jealous
ly subscribing the excheQuer bonds.
All military, financial and other prep
arations are completed and Japan is
ready to strike at moments notice.
From the immediate vicinity of the
Imperial cabinet the following state
ment has been received:
Taking the whole situation into
account 1t is difficult to see how
peaceful settlement is to be attained.
Russia neither intends nor expects
that contest with Japan would ulti-
mately be avoided. For the present
the Muscovites wish to gain time for
further preparations, but their final in
tention is doubtless war;"
Japs Fire on Russian Steamer.
London, Jan. 81. ~ The Chefu cor
respondent Of the Daily Mail says a
foreigner who has arrived there re
ports that the Russian steamer Argul
| upon which he was passenger frol
Nagasah to Port Dalny, was fired al
by a Japanese warship outside Of
Chemulpo harbor. Three shots were
hred across the Argun's bows, but no
further attempt to stop her was made.