Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-23
DENIED BY BARON EAYAsHI.
Reported Occupation of Masampho by
japanese Forces.

LONDON January 23.-There is no con-
frmation here of the reports that Japan has
occupied Masampho. Baron Hayashl. the
japanese minister, not only diseredited them,
but said that the Japanese government had
previously decided not to take any half
measures, or any steps which could be con-
strued as being prejudicial to the negotia-
tions so long as they are proceeding wv hen
japan decides to take action he added
"she will announce it frankly to Russia and
the rest of the world
According to Baron Hayashi the situa-
tioa is unchanged He continues to take
the gloomieSt view of the situation
The Russian ambassador, Count Bencken-
dorff, when questioned as to the truth OF
the rumor that the reply of Russia to Japan
was sent from ST Petersburg yesterday,
said:
1T is not true l have not yet received
any information as to what form the reply
will take when it will be sent Count
BenckendoTff significantly remarked that
he believed the question of Japanese set
Elements in Manchuria to be the most i'm
portant outstanding question.
Not a Cause for War.
'sBut this" he continued, "certainel does
not seem worth going to war about. AS
regards the japanese demand for the in
clusion of a Russian acknowledgment OF
Chinese sovereignty over Mancnuria in the
Russo-Japanese treaty that is merely a
matter of words, and surely no war ABOUT
words would be justifiable. So, am nope
fu; of a peaceful outcome OF the negotla-
tions.
''The announcement of the Associated
Press from st. Petersburg that peace IS
desired In such a high quarter Is most sig
nificant but before the royal wish can De
assured the fulfillment of several questions
must be settled. None of them, however.
in my judgment. are worth the terrible re-
course Of war
lieyed % be correct the report that the
British government did not think the ques-
ton of japanese settlements in Manchuria.
on which he laid much stress. was suin-
cient to cause war.
The British cabinet met at noon today
The main business was the kings speech at
the reassembling of parliament and the
legislative program, with probably some re-
viewing of the far eastern situation, though
the foreign Office is without any further in-
formation on this subject
Significant Ordinance at Tokyo.
A dispatch to the Central News from To-
kyo says:
IAN extraordinary issue of the Gazette
has been published, containing an imperial
ordinance approving the various coast de-
Tense regulations. and forbidding under
stated penalties the navigation of private
vessels. fishing within specified areas or the
carrying out of marine work which might
be inimical TO Japanese naval interests.
THE decree is regarded being highly
significant
The Kokumin Shumbun, in a warlike
editorial, declares that the arrival nom
arrival of Russia's reply does not affect the
situation, and says:
Every hope of securing the legitimate
demands Of Japan automatically has been
abandoned, and the government, therefore.
is compelled to take such steps and to re-
serve to itself such freedom of action as
will insure perpetual peace in the far
east"
Confirming his dispatch of yesterday say
ing that the Dowager Empress of China has
decided at all costs to fight for the free
dom of Manchuria from foreign control,
the correspondent of the Globe at Shang-
hal says China has been given full reason
to depend on the armed assistance of the
powers in the maintenance of the integrity
of the empire, quite irrespective of any
action on the part of Japan.