Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-18
THESHANGHAI DISPUTE
JAPAN DETERMINED TO BACK UP
CLAIM WITH FORCE.
Her Attitude Regarded in st. Peters
burg as Political Move-Diplomats
at State Department.

SHANGHAI August ia japanese
squadron is expected here today. Japan is
determined It is stated. that the protected
cruiser Askold and the torpedo-boat de-
stroyer Grozovoi shall leave port promptly
or dismantle.
The Shanghai correspondent OF the Times,
under date Of August II. sends the follow
ing:
The Chinese have again changed front.
The taotai today received instructions
from the wai-wu-pu the Chinese foreign
board that the cruiser Askold and the de-
stroyer Grozovoi are to be allowed a rea-
sonab period for the execution OF repairs.
at the expiration Of which period they must
either depart or disarm. The Japanese
consul yesterday intimated that Japan will
take strong measures should there be any
further delay"
ing Post says 1t is reported that Japanese
squadron is coming there in consequence
Of the failure as yet to comply with the
Japanese demand that the Russian cruiser
Askold and the torpedo-boat destroyer
Grozovoi be disarmed or quit the port.
Commenting on the foregoing. the Morn
ing Post says 1t thinks the Japanese are
not in a mood to stand much nonsense.
and points out that there are now eighteen
foreign men of-war at Shanghai. eight OF
which are American. +-
IF 1t comes to scrimmage." says the
Post, 1T will be the duty of these men of
war to keep the peace and force the taotai
to do his duty A gentle hint from the
American admiral will doubtless have q
quieting effect.
Regarded as Political.
ST. PETERSBURG, August 18.-The re-
port that Japan has sent an ultimatum to
China, threatening to repeat the Ryeshttel-
nj incident in the case OF the cruiser AS
kold and torpedo-boat destroyer Grozovoi
at Shanghai, especially after 1t was under
stood. as cabled to the Associated Press.
that Russia had already agreed to the dis
armament Of these vessels, Is regarded nero
more political than military move.
the purpose Of which Is to overawe the
Picking government and to compel 1t hence
forth to turn a deaf ear to Russia and 10
recognize Japan as the dominant power In
the far east, 1t being uncomfortable that
western power would permit Japan to carry
out her threat to engage in hostilfties IN
the neutral waters Of China.
thoroughly the effect of a display Of force
upon the Picking government. appreciate
how greatly China has been already I'M
pressed by the unbroken record OF Japanese
successes on sea and land. and are In
clined to believe that Japan's act is de-
signed to compel China to stand hrm
against Russias demands In the Ryeshi-
telni affair, to which China's first reply was
unsatisfactory.
should Russia then regard China as the
active ally of Japan the purpose Of the
United States and other powers in seeking
to limit the area OF war. to prevent disor
ders and to preserve the neutrality OF
China might be defeated. The whole stu
alton is considered to be fraught with the
possibilities Of ugly complications unless
Japan listens to the friendly counsel OF
the powers. whose advice in the case Of
the Ryeshitelni. 1t is understood. she has
declined to follow
BERLIN, August 1S.-The foreign office.
taking note Of the possible rupture between
China and Japan in connection with the
repairs to Russian war vessels at Shanghai,
expresses the view that Japan may send
small warship into the harbor to ascertain
whether the disarmament of the Russian
ships has taken place. But the officials
here do not believe that the matter has
reached a critical stage. or that a serious
situation will result. The German view,
naturally. Is that China should take the
same course toward the Russian vessels at
Shanghai as Germany did toward those
which sought refuge at Tsingtau: !
PARIS, August 1.-THE news that japan
has practically sent an ultfmatum to China
concerning the enforcement Of her neutral
ity In the case Of the cruiser Askold and
the destroyer Grozovoi at Shanghai causes
surprise but no alarm here. the impression
prevailing that China will be only too Will
ing to carry out her neutrality obligations
especially when such course favors Japan
WeIl-informed circles consider that emma
refusal to comply with the japanese ae-
strong pressure by foreign consuls. but IT IL
not denied here that China's refusal. fol-
lowed by violent action on Japan's part.
would entail serious complications.
The Feeling In Great Britain.
LONDON, August 1S-Beyond repre-
senting to China the Importance OF
preserving the neutrality OF her ter
ritory. Great Britain has taken no &C
ton in regard to the Russian cruiser AS
koid and the torpedo boat destroyer Gros-
ovoi now at Shanghai. The question Of
the disposition of these ships is looked
upon as peculiarly matter which con-
Germs Japan, Russia and China. Sym
pathy Is felt for the efforts Of Japan to
prevent the two vessels from again par
ticipating in the war.
If Russia maintains her purpose to dis
mantle them 1t is expected that Japanese
naval officers will be permitted to examine
the vessels and assure themselves that
they are really disarmed and dismantled. as
was done at Tsingtau in the case OF the
Russian battle ship CZarevitcn and the
three torpedo boat destroyers there.
Information received by the officials here
indicates that China Is deeply concerned
about her position, and IS earnestly urging
the diplomatic representatives of the pow
ers at Picking to induce their governments
to give assistance in preserving the inviola-
bility of her waters and territory outside
the limits originally declared to be the zone
of hostilities.
The Japanese legation here claims that
as China is too weak to maintain her neu-
trality 1t is essential for Japan to take
measures for her own seif-protection. The
legation does not see how the cases of the
Askold and the Grosovoi can become a mat
ter for the attention of the powers. These
vessels, the legation asserts. are violating
the neutrality of China by remaining and
rehtting at Shanghai and it Is the duty Of
Admiral Togo to deal directly with them
unless they are completely dismantled.