Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-15
MOVING WITH METHOD
Japs Now Have 100000
Troops for Action.
PORT ARTHUR BATTLES
SOLDIERS SENT TO BASES UNDER
COVER OF DARKNESS.
Expect Vantage From Russian Dissen-
sion Over Alexieff's Extraor.
dinary Powers.
PORT ARTHUR BATTLES

the government. An intense war feeling
prevails among all classes. although there
is an apparent absence of excitement.
Among the striking features Of the situa-
ton are the strict censorship which is ex-
ercised over all cablegrams and the close
eoncealment of military and naval move
ments. 1t has been the government pol
icy to have the news Of naval conflicts
come as complete surprise.
Japs Secretive About Movements.
The Japanese themselves did not know
the destination of the warships. The news
Of the japanese successes has caused sup
pressed exultation. The only demonstra-
tions have been made by newsboys, wear
ing bells, who are constantly scurrying
their way about the city with extras"
which are issued frequently by the pa
sional shouts of "Bansa" {the Japanese
hurrah) are heard on the street.
Russians Begin to Leave.
A torchlight procession in honor Of the
Japanese triumphs was called for Wednes-
day evening at Nagasaki, where there is a
large colony Of Russians. When the Jap
anese began to assemble with lanterns the
police intervened and dispersed the crowd
without the occurrence of any disorder.
The Russians in Japan are not terrified by
the situation, but, nevertheless. acting on
the advice of their consuls, they have be-
gun general exodus.
100000 Jap Troops Ready.
The mobilization of the Japanese army
has been carried out metnodically. 1t is
estimated that 100000 troops are now ready
to be placed in the field without impairing
the national defenses. The movements of
the troops are surrounded in secrecy. They
are being moved at night toward their
bases, Sasebo. Kure Mill and Yokusuka,
and the lights of ordinary trains are extin-
guished when in the neighnOrhood of troop
trains.
Members of the reserve force Immediately
step into the places of the outgoing regu-
lars. Their organization is perfect and
full equipment is ready for zach one OF the
reserves.
Hundreds of hotels. tea houses and tenn
pies have been requ1sitloned IN TOKYO ana
other divisional centers. kSH the steamers
of japanese merchant lines are being rap
idly converted into auxiliary cruisers, arm
ed with quick firing guns and fitted with
tOpedo tubes.
Military Intentions Kept Secret.
The government officials refuse to give
out any information regarding their mill
tary intentions. They expect to profit by
dissensions in the Russian council OF state.
1t is believed that the extraordinary powers
conferred on Viceroy Alexieff will lead to a
clash between Foreign Minister Lamsdorn
and Gen. kropatkin, especially as the lat
ter Is unfriendly to Alexien.s The result or
a disagreement between these two Russian
leaders here would end in a military mud
die.
The Japanese are convinced that the Rus
slams will be unable to concentrate ana
maintain 5000 troops at any important
point of military operations.
Dynamiting Russian Railway.
10
the possible dynamiting of the Russian rail-
road in Manchuria. Thousands OF Japan
ese, who are practically undistinguishable
from Chinese, are working In Manchuria'
and would willingly risk their lives to aid
their country's cause. A large body or
troops is due in Nagasaki on Saturday to
embark on transports for Korea
protective boom of mines has been
placed about the entrance of Nagasakf har-
Dor. Yokohama, also, is guarded by mines.
Several Russian merchant vessels which
have been captured and held as prizes have
been taken TO Sasebo, where they are well
guarded. All passage steamers are closely
inspected by a f1otilla of torpedo boats.
Nine transports fitted with stables were
lying at MoJ on Saturday, February 13.
Success of American Initiative.
PARIS. February 15.-The foreign office
today confirmed the announcements made
and France approve of the United States
note on the subject of Chinese neutrality
with reservation excluding Manchuria.
The success of the American initiative to
secure the neutralizatin of China and the
limitation of the area Of operation continues
to absorb Official and diplomatic attention.,
the results effected being considered para
mount to the actual war operation.
No Further Agreement Necessary.
1t is said that the second American note
and the various replies will constitute an
accord of the powers, without signing
further agreement.
The American officials here expect Russia
to issue a declaration similar to that OF
Japan, favoring the principles of the ac-
cord but the French foreign office under
stands that Russia's brief approval already
given constitutes Russiags response.
Russian Consul at Chemuipo Guarded.
delayed In Transmission.)
SEOUL, Wednesday. February 1O.-The
Russian consul at Chemuipo is now guarded
by Japanese troops Today all the other
Russians in the city have been ordered into
ole large house, wnere they will be detatn-
ed, awaiting the action OF the authorities as
10 their disposition. The Russian minister
at Seoul has been requested by the Japa-
nese minister through q neutral legation to
withdraw, and he has conEented to do %.
He will probably leave Seoul tomorrow.
Many Russian Wounded on French
Cruiser.
There are now on board the French
cruiser Paschal PA Russians. of whom two
commanders, fourteen officers and thirty
one men are wounded. Six wounded men
have already died. It is now known that
the Russian cruiser Variag had forty men
nf1rf
recent gagement off Chemulpo. This off,
Ger was midshipman named Niron and not
Muro, as stated erroneousiy in a previous
dispatch
Detail Of Variag Casualties.
The Variag had sixty-four men wounded.
among them Captain Rudenf. who was in
command of the cruiser. His wounds are
not considered serious.
The Russian dead. with the exception of
the young officer. who fell on the bridge.
Continued on Eighth Page.)