The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-09

the London morning papers attach
great Importance first to the declara-
tion of French policy contained in an
interview with the first secretary of
French embassy in London that the
present arrangement between France
and Great Britain was such it could not
be disturbed and that even if Corea
and China should join Japan they
would not be looked upon as powers
within the meaning of the Franco
Russian treaty, which statement is held
to greatly strengthen the British gov
ernment's efforts in favor of peace;
and. second, to the report of Major
Nathan of the British army on the in
efficiency of the Siberian railway as
likely to have great influence with the
Russian government in deciding the ul
innate question of peace or war.
According to the Daily Nails Toxic
cerreSp Spondent the Russian reply pro-
poses, among other things, to transfer
the seat of negotiations to ST. Peters
burg, and the Japanese newspapers de-
nounce this as a maneuver to entangle
Japan in the web of Russian intrigue.
He adds the boats at Chollado, Korea,
are increasing and that the officers of
Japanese steamer Shini Maru, which
left Port Arthur January 4 report that
there were then so warships and three
first class torpedo boats inside and five
battleships outside the harbor Dredg-
ing was proceeding night and day in
LlG we pO1tlOAi VI tLiC OO1s Wv
ing to the breakwater the port is al
most icebound-
The correspondent says the dispatch
from Seoul to Japanese newspapers rep
resent the emperor of Corea as vacil-
lating and unable to adopt a definite
policy.
A dispatch to the Morning Post from
Chefoo says that China has granted
branch railway in Manchuria from
Shinmencho through Mukden and Lao
yeng to Antung, which will reach
through a ravine four miles below
Shaho.
In an editorial article the Morning
Post contends that this railway is to be
built with the purpose of enabling Rus
Sia to conquer Corea and to keep the
country. This pretense of a "conces-
siOn, the Morning Post says, shows the
| intention to keep Manchuria and ac-
quire Corea, but to preserve a form of
Chinese suzerainty.
CRISIS IS AVERTED.
Paris, Jan. 9.-Of1cial adviceS receiv-
highest authority that the Russo-Jap-
anese war crisis has been averted at
least for the present and the situation
being brought distinctly within the
lines of diplomatic adjustment Re
ports chiefly from Toxic, but also from
st. Petersburg, give a clear view of
the circumstances leading UP to the
sudden Improvement of the situation.
1HGy SHOW lIldI the INQSSidu dIlSWE-
actually reached Toxic the night of
January 6, and proved to be the turn
ing point. Prior to its receipt Japan
had been making strenuous prepara-
tiOns for sending two divisions TO
southern Korea, The official report aS-
tablishing these preparations is beyond
the slightest question, but the nOte-re-
ceived on the 6th, disclosed to Japan
for the first time that Russia fully
conceded Japan'S paramount rights in
southern Korea
Russia's concession thus gave Japan
practically what she@ had been pre-
pairing to assert by force and accord
ingly military activity was suspended,
as Russia'S concession made unneeeS-
sary Japan'S forcible assertion of a
paramount position in southern Korea
The three days succeeding January 6,
gave an opportunity to the authorities
at Toxic to consider and recognize
Russia's position, Whether it will be
satisfactory the reports have not dis
closed, but the suspension of the mill
itary activity is regarded as removing
the most dangerous aspect and as CIV
! ing hope that Japan is likely to receive
Russia s answer in a conciliatory spir-
it.
1t is not known whether Russia's con-
cession goes to the extent of relinquiSh-
ing her contention for a neutral zone
across northern Korea. but 1t is under
stood that It relates chiefly to giving
definite assurance of Japan's rights in
southern Korea. Although reports of
mediation continue to circulate. the
authoritative statement was made to-
day that no steps have been taken by
France towards mediating. 1t is
pointed out that such a movement, if
addressed to Japan, probably would
originate with Great Britain, owing to
their closer political relations. Foreign
Minister Delcasse is expected to return
to Paris from Nice today or tomorrow,
but his coming is not significant as re-
lating to the pending situation.
The entire official and diplomatic
community showed great relief today
from the severe strain of recent days.