Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1904-02-11
CLASH Of ARMS
IN THE FAR EAST
Two Great Nations Stand on
the Point of Actual
Conflict.
The FIRST GUN is AWAITED
Both Countries Have Recalled Their
Official Representatives-Action of
Japan in Severing Diplomatic Rela-
tons "a Blow in the Face"

tons "a Blow in the Face"
Toxic, Feb. Sit IS clear that dip
iomatlc relations between Japan and
Russia have been broken off. Baron
de Rosen, the Russian minister, is
expected to depart in q few days.
His preparations tor departure are
progressing The Russian legation
expected its government to break the
silence yesterday, but no communica-
ton was received, except one an
nouncing that troops have been dis
patched to Seoul. The populace is
not aware of the Diplomatic proceed
ings and, although it is generally
known that the country is on the eve
OF war, the people await the crash
with the same calmness that marked
their demeanor in the preliminary
stage of the controversy.
Paris, Feb. 8.--The Figaro this
morning publishes statement that
M Montono, the japanese minister.
says Japan will not accept an offer
Of mediation from whatever source 1t
might come. .E ....
London, Feb. S.-The Times this
morning asserts that the Japanese de-
nands were OF a moderation that will
sstonish the world when they are dis
closed. Japan did not even ask Rus
sia to promise to move a single SOL
der from Manchuria, or to renouncs
a single right in Manchuria.
The Daily Graphic, dealing with
this subject, asserts that the original
iraft of the treaty submitted to Russia
vas drawn up by Baron Komura in
consultation with Baron de Rosen.
st. Petersburg, Feb. 8. Although
the fear was general here Saturday
that the presentation of the Russian
note to Japan might be followed by
an act on the part Of the Japanese
government which would plunge the
two countries into war, the startling
action of Japan in severing diplomatic
relations with Russia before the ac-
rual delivery of the Russian note,
came like a bolt from clear sky. 1t
was believed that the receipt of the
note might have unmasked an ulti-
matum, but that Japan should sever
diplomatic RELATIONS, a step little
short Of declaration OF war, was al
most like blow In the face under the
present circumstances, and it is re-
scented accordingly. The authorities
believe this action places Japan dis
tinctly in the wrong, and moreover.
such piece of impudence" as it
Is denominated here, makes easy an
appeal to the patriotism Of the Rus
sian people.
The news that at any moment Japan
r. = INV. hot h.n
first clash had occurred would not
be surprising. The events leading
to Japan's abrupt action have march
ed with great rapidity. The Russian
note was already in the hands OF
Baron De Rosen, the Russian min
lister at Toxic, for delivery to Baron
Komura, the Japanese foreign min
lister, when, at o'clock Saturday af-
ternoon M. Kurino, the Japanese min
lister here, presented himself at the
foreign office and informed Foreign
Minister Lamsdorff that his govern
ment, in view of the delays in con-
nection with the Russian answer and
the futil,ty hitherto Of the negotia-
tions, considered 1t useless to continue
diplomatic relations, and would take
such steps as 1t deemed proper for
the protection Of Japan's interests.
In obedience to instructions, there
fore, he asked for his passports.
Exactly what else passed at this
interview is not known. except that
Count Lamsdorff expressed surprise
and regret at this hasty resolve OF
the mikado's government. M. Kurino
received his passports, and after con-
sulting with Sir c. S. Scott, the
British ambassador here, he return
ed to his legation, where the prep
arations for his departure had al
ready commenced.
With war imminent, orders have
been given for rigid censorship
over all information relating to naval
and military movements. Prepara-
lions were also made for the cars
journey to the ancient capital, Mos
COW, where he goes in accordance
with the traditional custom Of his
forefathers to invoke divine guidance.
While the imperial train is passing
to Moscow, troops will line every
foot of the way.
Official Statement from Toxic.
Toxic, Feb. 6.--The Japanese note
in response to the Russian note OF
January had been RENTED to the
Russian minister at Toxic on the 18th
of January The Japanese govern
ment had insisted that a prompt re-
Spouse be made to it, owing to the
gravity of the situation. Not receiv-
Ing the answer requested, M. Kurino,
the Japanese minister at st. Peters
burg, has made to Count Lamsdorff
on several occasions recently repre-
sensations in order to secure an
answer from Russia. Not having OBJ
tained the answer, he asked him to
indicate the earliest date for the re-
ply. Count Lamsdorff, while promis-
ing to make a response as early as
possible, has not been able to indi-
cate when the response could be
transmitted to the Japanese govern
ment.
"The Japanse government having
vainly waited, on it's part. the Russian
answer for more than three weeks.
and having been moreover informed
that Russia was making active prep
arations for war and was concentrat-
ing her troops and her naval forces
towards Korea, II Is under the neces-
sity of breaking it's negotiations with
Russia and resuming its liberty OF
action"
DISTURBANCES IN KOREA.
Seoul. Feb. 4.--Serious disturbances
are reported in the country surround
ing Fonghaik, Thousands OF armed
men have declared that they are not
Korean subjects. The malcontents are
divided into three separate organiza-
tions. 1t is thought that general In
surrection will occur next spring For