Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-03-25
Japan Causing Apprehension.


in receipt of persistent reports that the
Japanese are preparing to land on
neutral Chinese territory on the west
coast Of the Gulf Of Liao-Tung, either at
Tien- -Kian- Cheng, in Kin-Chau Bay, or
at Hai-Kwan. Although slow to believe
that Japan deliberately contemplates a
violation Of her pledge to respect neutral
Chinese territory, the reports received
at the ministry Of war are so specific
that they compel consideration. The
presence OF spies along the Shan-Hai-
Kwan road has been established, and
Russian agents report that there is every
indication of an intended landing on the
west coast of the Cult of Liao-Tung.
The information conveyed by these agents
seems to coincide with other information
indicating complete change in the
japanese plan Of campaign or of its en-;
trance into second stage practically
involving the abandonment of further
heavy landings of troops in Korea.
The Russian military authorities have
felt themselves compelled to consider the
foregoing possibility and to take the
necessary precautions. The international
complications which might arise out OF
Japanese landing on neutral Chinese ter
ritory have also received careful consid-
Grafton, for although il is specifically de-
clared thatit is not believed Japan would
dare to violate disagreement in response
to the note of United States Secretary OF
State Hay, as we'll as in Japan's other
public professions, there is reason TO at
firm that the Russian line OF conduct in
such contingency has already been de-
cided upon in principle. The assurances
obtained from Peking require that the
Chinese authorities should oppose with
their army such step on the part OF
Japan.
A high Bussian official said
at would have worse consequences for
other powers than Russia if japan should
enter neutral territory, for such step
would obyiously he forthe purpose nf in
weighing China into the fight. If Japan
should be successful In this, there would
be an uprising against foreigners which
would be tenfold greater than the Boxer
affair. The mere Possibility is pregnant
with all sorts Of dangers, but we can
hartlly believe that Japan will venture
to violate the neutrality of China as she
did that of Korea"
A telegram received in Paris from
Moscow cantains a statement by a
friend Of Gen. Kuropatkin, which is de-
clared to be faithful expression of the
generals own views. After pointing out
that the Russian feet is, for the mo-
ment, useless, except when the Japan
csc are before Port Arthur, Kuropatkin's
friend says: ''This inferiority will not
last forever, and the time will come when
our feet will be powerful assistance.
I expect the end will be reached in Au-
gust, before our new squadron puts to
sea from Cronstadt. The navy yard
forces are working day and night, re-
gardlcss of expense, and the number OF
workmen has been trebled. The fleet
will be accompanied by coal ships, and
together with the squadron of Admiral
Wierinksat, at present in the Red Sea,
will give us in the Pacific supplement-
ary contingent of eight battleships, seven
cruisers and thirty-two torpedo boats
This force will be sufficient to raise
the blockade of Port Arthur, and
the balance of naval power on the Pa
cifc will be reversed. To every japanese
ship We will be able to oppose shiE
and half. We then shall claim of oul
sailors important and decisive work. A
that same moment we hope, with th'
!; help of the Almighty, to have driven th'
japanese out of continentand to the sea
We shall expect two things of our fleet
first, to sink all OF the japanese trans
ports which will do what they can Il
take back the scattered regiments; secon'
to cover our transports laded with Rus
sian troops. We shall 90 to Japan
remember that. Europe may intervene
NAV talk mediation, or act how an
when she pleases. We shall not concerl
ourselves about Iher. 1t is at Toxic an
nowhere else weshall sign the condition
Of peace.
The correspondent who sends this tele
gam adds tsThats what Kuropatki
! said. Ivouch for the truth Of these state
ments, Of which the chancellories ca
make their own profit"