River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1904-02-11


Russian representatives abroad that
Japan has decided to break all nego-
tiations with Russia and to withdraw
her minister and the entire legation
from st. Petersburg, and that upon the
receipt of note to this effect from the
japanese minister Russia had ordered
her minister, Baron de Rosen, and the
legation staff to leave Toxic.
Decisive Action Expected.
Toxic, Feb. S.-The severance of
diplomatic relations between Russia
and Japan appears to be only step
towards war, although when the minis
ters of Russia and Japan withdraw
from their respective posts quick and
decisive action is expected. When
Minister of Foreign Affairs Komura
on Saturday notified Baron de Rosen,
the Russian minister, of Japan's de-
termination to sever diplomatic rela-
lions he is reported to have declared
to him that Japan is tired of Russia S
delays, evasions and insincerity and
has decided to take independent action
for the conservaticp of Japan's orien-
tai interests.
Will Seize Corea.
During the final negotiations Japan's
repeated requests for an answer were
treated in most unsatisfactory man
ner. Japan waited until convinced that
it was useless to wait longer and has
now ended the discussion. The indi-
cations are that there will be no formal
declaration of war. Japan will pub
licly define it's position and purposes
and the foreign office has prepared a
lew statement which will be announced
soon. To-day Japan will unquestion-
ably seize Corea, and although Russia
has previously intimated that it would
not interfere, in view of that coun-
try's present attitude, developments
are eagerly awaited.
Declares Japan Responsible.
st. Petersburg, Feb. S.-The Official
Messenger publishes the following cir
cular telegram dated February 9Th,
which has been sent out by the Rus
sian foreign minister to the represen-
tatives of the Russian government
abroad:
Acting under instructions from his
government the Japanese minister at
the imperial court has presented note
which informs the imperial govern
ment of the decision of Japan to break
off further negotiations and recall her
minister and the entire staff at the
Japanese legation. In consequence of
this his imperial majesty has been
pleased to order that the Russian min
lister at Toxic with the whole staff of
the Imperial mission shall leave the
capital of Japan without delay. Such
government, which has not even
awaited the arrival of the answer of
the imperial government, which was
sent off during the last few days,
throws the whole responsibility for
the consequences which may arise
from rupture of diplomatic negotia-
lions between two empires on Japan"
Came as a Shock.
st. Petersburg, Feb. 8.-Although the
fear was general here that the presenta-
ton 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 actual delivery of the Russian note
came like bolt from a clear sky. 1t
was believed that the receipt of the note
,isrIt ocIyn d YY1t tY1Yoa
but that Japan should sever diplomatic
relations step little short of a dec
laration of war, was almost like blow
in the face under the present circum-
stances, and it is resented here accord
ingly. The authorities believe this ac-
ton places Japan distinctly in the
wrong before the world, and moreover
after such piece of impudence" as it
is denominated here, makes easy an ap-
peal to the patriotism of the Russian
people.
With war imminent, orders have been
given for a rigid censorship over all in
formation relating to naval and military
Preparations were also
made for the cars journey to the an
ClGuL capital, MOSCOW, WHSIe ne goes III
accordance with the traditional custom
of his forefathers to invoke Divine guild
ance. While the imperial train is pass
ing to Moscow, troops will line every foot
of the way.
Declined to Yield Four Points.
When Count Lamsdorff informed M.
Kurino on Thursday night that the re-
Spouse had gone to Viceroy Alexieff, he
did not give him copy of it, but it is
that he made known, in
general way, the Russian position. Rus
STA, while making concessions, declined
to yield on the four following points:
First, Japan's right to ask for
treaty covering the sovereignty of Man
churia; second, she insisted upon mu-
tual recognition of the independence of
Corea; third, that there should be no
fortifcation of southern Corea which
might threaten Russian communications
with Port Arthur and Vladivostock, and,
fourth, she declined to meet Japan's
wishes with regard to neutca. zone on
both sides of the Yalu river.