The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1904-03-03
TOLD RUSSIA WAR WAS ON AND
is NOT TO BLAME FOR EN-.
EMY'S IGNORANCE.

q rupture of diplomatic relations can
never be looked upon as the opening
of hostilities, and since Japan did not
issue declaration of war until Feb.
II, she has been guilty Of fragrant
breach OF the principles of interna-
tional law in making as early as Feb
8 most unwarrantable attacks on Rus
sian men-of-war and merchant vessels.
"The answer to these charges may
be found in the action of Russia her
self. That her government never en-
tertained any sincere desire for peace
can be clearly seen from it's own con-
duct. Throughout the whole course Of
the negotiations Russia persistently
refused to meet the proposals made by
Japan in moderate and conciliatory
spirit. By delays that could not be
construed as otherwise than wanton
and unnecessary she put off the set
Element OF the question at issue while
at the same time busily extending her
naval and military preparations.
Confirmed by Preparations.
Her warlike preparations in the far
East since last April, when she failed
to carry out her treaty engagement to
evacuate Manchuria, are in full con-
ftrmation Of these statements. Dur
ing that time the increase made in her
naval strength in the far East was as
follows: Three battleships, one ar
mored cruiser, five cruisers, seven de-
stroyers, one gunboat and two vessels
for laying mines. Total number of
vessels nineteen, with a total tonnage
of 82.415.
In addition to these vessels the
RUSSIAN government sent torpedo de-
strOyers in sections by rail to Port
Arthur, where the work of putting
them together has been fastened and
several OF them have already been
completed. Furthermore two vessels
of the volunteer fleet were armed at
Vladivistock'
RUSSIA also ordered a squadron of
SO,0O0tons to the far East, and between
June and February augmented her
land forces by 10000 men and planned
to send over 100000 more, if Unnecessary.
During this period Port Arthur and
'Vlad1vostock were being strengthened
and forts were built at Hunchun, Lao
yang and other strategic points, and
munitions of war were rushed to the
far East. The note then says:
Sought to Compel Submission.
Prom these military and naval
preparations of every description
made during the conducting of the ne
EQUATIONS, it is indicated that Russia
was not inclined to settle the ques-
ZION then under discussion between
nerself and Japan, but sought by mill
tary preponderance to force Japan in
to submission
The note then says that in January
Russla's military activity was intensi-
he'd and troops were sent to the Ko-
rean frontier, and on Jan "a Admiral
AllexlH issued formal order to the
forces near the Yalu to prepare for
war. On Feb. 1 the commandment at
Vladivostock notified the Japanese
agent that state of siege might be
proclaimed pr at any moment, and about
the same date the warships at Port
Arthur made demonstration bv leav-
ing port, while troops were advanced
IN large numbers from Liaoyang to-
ward the YHlu. The situation became
so critical that Japan was compelled
to take steps for self-protection. AL
though Japan broke off negotiations
she claims Russia is solely responsi-
Dlllty Tor the challenge to war.
On Feb. Japan announced to Rus
s1a her decision to terminate the pend
ing negotiations, sever useless diplo-
matte relations and to
Take Such independent Action
as she might deem best to defend her
position menaced by Russia and to pro-
tect her established rights and legit-
innate interests.
The term independent action nat
uralIy included the opening of hostili-
ties. The fact that Russia was unable
TO understand it in that light. is. of
course, no reason why Japan should
be held responsible for the misinter-
probation made by Russia. It is the
almost unanimous opinion of interna-
tional jurists that a declaration Of war
IS not an indispensable prerequisite to
the opening of hostilities. Indeed it
mas been the common practice in re-
cent wars to declare war after hos
Utilities have been begun. Japan's ac-
lion, therefore, is not open to the least
crltlslsm in this regard. From the
standpoint of international law it must
be understood that the charge made
against her does not come with good
grace from Russia, inasmuch as there
are not only many historical instances
OF Russia herself resorting to HOSTILE
ties without declaring war. but one
case, that of her invasion of Finland
IN lSOS, when she began war before
tnere mad even been a rupture of
diplomatic relations"
BATTLE WITH MO0Neu,NEps