Perth Amboy evening news., 1904-02-08
JAPAN'S DEFIANCE.
Tokyo, Tired of Russian Delay,
Breaks Off Negotiations.
AMBASSADORS TO LEAVE CAPITALS
Gar Goes to Moscow to Submit His
Cause to God at the Altar of Tro-
itzkO MOnastery-War Cam
not Now He Averted.

EOfH, the Russian foreign minister, uds
informed Russian Representatives
abroad that Japan has decided t.
break off negotiations with Russia and
to withdraw her minister and the en-
tire legation staff from st. Petersburg
and that upon the receipt of a note tc
this effect from the Japanese minister
Russia had ordered her minister, Bar
on de Rosen, and the legation staff to
leave Tokyo.
Today Japan will unquestionably
seize Korea, and, although Russia has
previously intimated that it would not
interfere, in view of that country's
present attitude, developments are
eagerly awaited here.
The czar is about to leave here for
Moscow, as he goes to the ancient
capital to submit his cause and fate
to the Almighty before the altar of the
Troitzko monastery, as his fathers had
done in the past, before drawing the
sword.
Although the fear was general here
that the presentation of the Russian
note to Japan might be followed by an
act on the part of the Japanese gov
eminent which would plunge the two
countries into war, the startling action
of Japan in severing diplomatic rela-
tons with Russia before the actual de-
livery of the Russian note came like
a bolt from a clear sky.
1t was believed that the receipt of
the rote might have unmasked an ul-
timatum, but that Japan should sever
diplomatic relations, a step little short
OF Il declaration of war, was almost
like u blow in the face under the pres
ent circumstances, and it is resented
accordingly. The authorities believe
this action places Japan distinctly in
the wrong before the world and more
over, after such a ''piece of impu-
dence," as it is denominated here, to
make easy an appeal to the patriotism
of the Russian people.
The news that at any moment Japan
had drawn the sword and that the first
clash had occurred would not be sur
prislng. The events leading to Japan's
abrupt action have marched with great
Iapidity. The Russian note was al
ready in the hands of Baron de Rosen,
Russian minister at Tokyo, for delivery
to Baron Komura, the japanese foreign
minister, when M. Kurino, the Japa-
nese minister here, presented himself
at the foreign Office and informed For
eign Minister Lamsdorff that his gov
eminent, in view of the delays in con-
nection with the Russian answer and
the futility hitherto of the negotiations,
considered it useless to continue dip,
lomatic relations and would take such
steps as it deemed proper for the pro-
lection of Japan's interests. In ODE
dlence to instructions, therefore, he
asked for his passports.
Exactly what else passed at this in
terview is not known except that
Count Lamsdorff expressed surprise
and regret at this hasty resolve of the
mikado's government. M. Kurino re-
ceived his passports, and after consult
ing with Sir G. s. Scott, the British
ambassador here, he returned TO his
legation, where the preparations for
his departure had already commenced.
AuOlLCL fClolOn VI tnc blluutNOA Ut
the time M. Khrino notified Count
of the course his govern /
ment had elected to pursue is that the /
reply was not In the posses
sion of Baron de Rosen, but in the tele-
graph office here awaiting transmission
anr that it was withdrawn before be-
ing dispatched. Upon the disclosure of
IatNnp'c nncifinn Tho DtIccion ortfborf
ties met the situation with great
promptness. Instructions recalling Bar
on de Rosen were forthwith telegraph
ed, and he was directed to leave Tokyo
Immediately. Count Lamsdorff's off.
cial circular to the Russian representa-
tives abroad, instructing them to in
form the governments Of the countries
to which they are accredited of Japan's
action, was then prepared.
With war imminent, orders have been |
Owen for a rigid censorship over all in |
formation relating to naval and mill
tary movements.
The Japanese legation Is a scene of
great confusion. AS if by magic all
the japanese art treasures, bronzes and
worries had disappeared, and the spa
cious saloons were bare. Servants and
attaches, who had been working all
night, were still busily packing papers
and archives. M. Kurino entered the
saloon with his habitual quick and
nervous step. His bloodshot eyes gave
evidence that he had been a stranger
to sleep, but he displayed the impassiv-
ity of his ~ace and was without trace
of excitement. There was an air of
firm resolution about him, however,
which was the only noticeable change
in his demeanor.
United States Ambassador McCor-
mick was one of NJ. Kurino's first call
ers, and later in the day many other
diplomats, among whom the minister is
popular, came to express to him their
regrets at the turn affairs had taken
In the afternoon NJ. Kurino and his
wife made a number of hurried fare.
well calls, including one at the Ameri-
omhaccv |