The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-01-19
AIexief Cannot Move Without
 CzaTs Approval
RUSSIA HAS ALL TO LOSE
Two Main Points of Difference Seem Now to Exist Between Japan and Russia Relating to
 Neutral Strip.

St. PeterSDurg, January H.-Ihere is strong indication that through the czar' $ personal acts, the peace treaty is com pletely in the ascendent. M. Besebraseff, the head of the war party. has gone abroad.
 Foreign Minister Lamsdorff. who from completely rehabitated, and viceroy Alex ceff has been made subservient to the foreign office in the Russo-Japanese ne- gotations His extensive powers are cur tailed and he can make no move without the Czar's personal approval.
 In fact the fresh assurances conveyed through Ambassador Cassini to the au- thorities at Washington of the recogni- tion of the rights acquired by the Chi nese treaty is largely attributed to Count Lamdorffs influence Diplomatic circles regard Count Lamsdorffs conduct of ne- gotiations as under the Czar's direction as a very hopeful sign. Another strong influence on the side of peace has been the attitude of M. witte, president of ing his energy to avoid a conflict.
 At the recent meetings of the council of state M. Wittee, with his old time eo- quence. pleaded the cause of peace, point ing out the disastrous consequences of war to Russia and declaring that Russia had everything to lose and nothing to gain. It is predicted that it peace pre- vails M. Wittee will again become great power in the government.
 
 Two Points of Difference.
 St. Petersburg, January 1S.-The Asso- ciated Press correspondent on high au- thority is able to give the following as the present status of the negotiations be tween Russia and Japan;
 Russia recognizes Japan's aredomi- nance in Korea and Japan recognizes Russia's special possession in Manchuria. There are two main questions still at issue, the Russian demand TOT a neutral zone on the Korean side of the Yalu river which Japan met with proposal for the same neutral strip on the Man churian side.
 Japan also asks for certain guarantees concerning Manchura, which Russia thus far has declined to grant. It Is pointed out, however, that the assur- ances given few days ago by Russia re- garding open ports in Manchuria and re- spect for treaty rights a concession on her part The following statement was made by Mrf Murine, the Japanest min ister. to the Associated Press corres- pondent:
 War would now be only disastrous to both countries Owing to the geograph- ical situation, an armed conflict would result In a great drain of the men and treasury of both Japan and Russia, with out being decisive. Besides I believe it would not be worth while to go to war on the qusetions still in dispute"
 Troops Not Boisterous.
 Washington. January 1S.-As no mention is made in official dispatches received either by the state or navy department from Seoul or Chemelpo reiecting on the conduct of the marine guard at the Co., rean capital, the officials here feel quite sure that he reports of boisterous behav- for on their part are without foundation.
 It Is believed her that this story was put afioat by the native press, acting un- der foreign influence to discredit the Am erican marines whose early appearance at Seoul was very much resented by some of the powers interested in the far eastern situation.
 Reports Are Unfounded.
 Seoul. January 1S-The government de- clares that the reports of disturbances on the northern frontiers to be unfounded, but it seems to think that rising of the people is possible
 Want More Troops.
 Washington, January lS.-Minister Allen at Seoul Korea has made a request of the state department that the legation guard be increased. The ministers re- quest has been sent to the navy depart ment which is considering means of send ing more marines from Cavite to Chae- mulpo It will require about week to reinforce the present guard.