The San Francisco call., 1904-02-15

TOXIC, Feb. 140JaDan rs oeeply
stirred and bitterly resentful over the
sinking Of the merchant vessel Zensho
Maru by four Russian cruisers, which
on Thursday attacked the Zensho Maru
and her companion, the Nakamura
Naru, while they were on their way
from Hakata TO Otaru, on the island
OF Haklkaido. The attack Of the Rus
SLAMS is declared 10 have been wan
ton crime, uniustifed under any cir
cumstances, even assuming that the
Zensho Maru disregarded signals. which
Is denied.
The Foreign Office issued the follow
ing statement regarding the sinking OF
the Zensho Maru:
Two japanese merchant vessels, the
Zensho Maru and the Makamura Maru,
tonnage 40 and 200 respectively, while
sailing from Hakata for Otaru. were
suddenly attacked by four Russian
cruisers from Eladivostok on February
IL when ten miles of Jansangtu. Fire
was opened without any order being
given the vessels TO surrender. The
Nakamura Maru succeeded in escaping.
The other vessel was surrounded by
the cruisers and sunk. All on board
were either killed or drowned"
II is said the japanese Government
is planning reprisals. Several Russian
ships that have been detained In order
70 prevent reports OF the movements
OF the japanese reaching the enemy
viii now, il is said, be sent to the prize
courts and all probably viii be con-
fiscated.
The presence of Russian squadrons
in Northern japanese waters centers
all interest there The country is isO-
lated and it Is difficult to obtain salts
factory reports from there.
RUMOR OF COMMANDMENT.
variety OF rumOrs are stirring
TckiO. one says that Matsumaye has
been bombarded and another that Jap
anese cruisers have engaged the Rus
slams. The Government has not con-
firmed anything except the Zensho
Maru incident.
Il is doubted that Matsumaye has
been bomb8rded, because it is un-
defended. It is regarded as probable
that the Russian fleet either returned
tO NladivOstOk after completing a
movement planned to divert the Jap
anese or else passed through the Tsu-
CARA Straits. moving southwark
The japanese cruiser squadron is
scouting in the hope Of locating the
Russian feet. If the Russians should
attempt TO effect a junction with the
Port Arthur feet the Japanese will
attempt TO block the way and force an
engagement.
The japanese Government has de-
cided TO accept the parole Of France
for the Russian prisoners captured at
Chemulpo. at the time of the sinking
Of the Nariag and Korutz provided
they be sent 10 Shanghai. Russia en-
cages not TO let them come north of
Shanghai until the end of the war. An
exception is made in the case of twenty
wounded men aboard the French
steamer Pascal They viii be taken to
Chefu and placed in a hospital.
Baron de Rosen, the Russian Minis
ter. withdrew from the capital at 9
o'clock Thursday night. Lines of
mounted police guarded and kept
clear the streets from the LEGATION to
the Shinbashi station, where the Min
lister entrafned- The crowds were not
difficult to handle, but were good
naturedly intent on celebrating the
success Of the japanese navy. The
diplomatic staffs and many friends.
both japanese and foreign, assembled
at the station and bade Baron de
Rosen farewell. with a ceremony
somewhat mOurnful. The police
guarded the train and accompanied
the Russian Minister and party to
Yokohama, where il embarked on the
French steamship Yarra, which sailed
a. = y NlONh IlAdy
PAFDOFF LEAVES VOLUNTARILY
The japanese Government denies
that Pavloff, Russian Minister to
Korea, withdrew from Seoul on Fri
day under japanese pressure, claiming
that MS withdrawal was entirely vol
untary. II Is said that Pavloff
through the French Minister, init
mated a desire 10 leave Seoul and en-
trust Russian affairs to the care of
Inn L.
French guard around the legation.
The japanese Government acoui-
esced in this arrangement and ar
ranged so that when Pavloff left the
legation to-day soldiers instead Of DO
lice guarded the route to the station.
"nere special train TO Chemulpo was
supplied. An officer escorted Pavloff
10 Pascal The japanese feet was
give instructions not to interfere
with PaVlOf's departure. From Pas
cal PavlOn viii go TO chefu.
The foregoing disclaimer by Japan
indicates that. despite the fact that
Korea Is largely dominated by the
japanese military force, the Govern
ment has no intention at present Of
assuming territorial possession.
Wednesday nights celebration over
the naval victory at Port Arthur far
exceeded that Of the day in noisy en-
thus.asm. Early in the evening i'm
promptu professions Of thousands OK
men began to form and paraded
through the principal streets and
surged about the public buildings and
the palace. carrying bannerE and
cheering wildly The Russian legation
was dark and silent. No unfriendIy
demonstration was made there by the
immense crowds constantly passing II,
but ,aron de Rosen's associates plain
j. heard the din and moi Of = e tri-
unphant people. Bands. drums and
horns added volume to the cheers of
the noisy populace. Every reveler
carried a lantern, flag or transparency.
The people have been restrained and
calm for so many months that they
are pouring out their long pent-up
feelings into a wildly enthusiastic cell
ebration Of victory. II was Manila
Ladysmith and Santiago nights du-
plicated, with an Oriental setting.