The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-08
BEAR THOUGHT
JAPS BLUFFlNG
ACTION DECLARED A PIECE OF
IMPUDENCE.
Break in Diplomatic Relations Equiv
alent to a Declaration of War by
Japan-Doubt if Russian Reply
Had Left ST. Petersburg-Man-
chluian Sovereignty the Main Ques-
ton at Issue.

ST. Petersburg, Feb. S.-Count
Lanlsdorff, the Russian foreign min
lister, officially has Informed the Rus-
sian representatives abroad that Jap
an has decided to break off negotla-
tons with Russia and to withdraw the
minister and the whole Japanese lega-
ton staff from st. Petersburg.
The Official NJ essenger publishes
the following circular telegram, dated
Feb. 6, which has been sent out by the
Russian foreign minister to the rep
reSentatiVes of the RUSSIAN gov
ment abroad
Acting under instructions from his gov
eminent, the Japanese minister at the I'M
perial court has presented note winch
informs the imperial government OF the
decision of Japan to break off further ne
gotiations and recall her minister and the
entire staff of the Japanese legation.
In consequence of this his imperial mai
esty has been pleased to order that the
Russian minister at Toxic, with the whole
staff of The imperial mission, shall leave
the capital of Japan without delay.
Such an attitude on the part OF the To-
l;io government, which has not even
awaited the arrival Of the answer of the
imperial government, which was sent OFT
during the last few days, throws the whole
responsibility for the consequences Whlch
may arise from a rupture of diplomatic
negotiations between two empires on ia
pan.
Orders have been given for rigid
censorship over all information rela-
tive to naval and military movements.
Preparations also were made for the
czar's journey to the ancient capital,
Moscow, where he goes in accordance
with the traditional custom of his
forefathers to invoke divine guidance.
M. Kurino, the Japanese minister,
and the legation staff will leave at the
earliest possible moment.
The current business at the Japan
csc legation, it is believed, will be
turned over to the British embassy,
altho it was thought possible. in view
of the fact that Great Britain as Jap
ans ally might be drawn into the
quarrel that United States Ambassa-
dor Mccormick might take charge.
-Four Points Of Dispute.
When Count Lamsdorff informed
NJ. Kurino on Thursday evening tina
the response had gone to Vicero9
Alexieff he did not give him a copy
of it, but it is understood that NJ
made known in a general way tht
Russian position. Russia, while max
ing concessions, declined to yield Oh
the four following points:
First-Japan's right to ask for a treat.
covering the sovereignty of Manchuria.
Second-She insisted upon mutual rec
ognition of the independence Of Korea.
Third-That there should be no fortih
cation Of southern Korea, which Nigh
threaten Russian communications VIII
Port Arthur and Vladivostok.. -.
Fourth-She declined to meet Japan
wishes with regard to a neutral zone o
both sides Of The Yalu river.
Passports Demanded.
The events leading to Japan
abrupt action have marched wit
great rapidity. The Russian note al
ready was in the hands of Baron d
for delivery to Baron Komura, tn
Japanese foreign minister, when,
4 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Nj. ku
rino presented himself to the foreig
office and informed Minister Lams
dorff that his government, In view
the delays in connection with the Rus
sian answer and the futility hithert
of the negotiations, considered 1t ust
less to continue diplomatic relation
and would take such steps as
deemed proper for the protection
Japan's interests. In obedience to II
structions, therefore, he asked for n
passports.
Another version Of the situation
the time M. KurinO notified, Cou
. I,amsdorff of the course his COVER
ment had elected to pursue is that tt
Russian reply was not In the posse
sion of Baron de Rosen, but In tt
telegraph office here awaiting tran
mission, and that it was Withdraw
before being dispatched. Upon t
disclosure Of Japan's position the RI
sian authorities met the situation Wi
promptness.
Russia Indignant.
It was believed that the receipt