The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1904-01-15
SIGNS POINT TO WAR.
rokio Continues to Take No Stock in
Peace. Reports

Ching:
THE second Russian reply to the
Japanese proposals has been received
1T Toxic, but 1T is unfavorapIe and can
lot be accepted by Japan, who will, un-
ess Russia recedes, be compelled to
promptly resort to arms.
In view of such an eventuality Ja-
)an urges and expects China to main
ain the strictest neutrality, to pre-
,erve order throughout the empire, to
guard foreigners resident in the inte-
Tor and to take special care to pre-
| ;erve order in the provinces of Shan-
ung and Yunnan lest foreign powers
night seize the preteXt of disorder and
make aggressive movements therein"
| The correspondent says that the dis
oalch has deeply impressed the Chs
lese, who now believe war to be inevit-
Lble.
He ads that notes looking to the rati-
ication OF the treaty between China
ind Japan were exchanged yesterday
| afternoon.
The Daily Mails Toxic correspond
mt, cabling yesterday, says that Baron
lie Rosen, the Russian minister, sent
|. .eply Saturday TO Foreign Minister ko-
nura's communication of Friday, and
hat yesterday M. Arsenief, second sec
.etary of the Russian legation, left
lurriedly for Nagaski with important
i
iian warship to Viceroy Alexieff.
Russia Cannot Profit in Victory.
Moscow, Jan. 12.-Notwithstanding
he rumors of movements on the part
| If the Russian and Japanese armies
Ilnd nayies, war is not considered likely
| lere.
The Russilkja Vedomosti, which re-
| lects the opinion of influential mer-
chants and the educated middle class,
says:
| oster internal developments and hus-
,and her resources for weightier pur-
| pose than to seek the acquisition of
fellow Russia, involving enormous ex-
,enditures and profiting only adven-
i :urers."
The paper ridicules the report of the
depreciation of Japanese strength, ana
says:
''She has 100000 of men nearer the
scene than Russia's 100000. Japan Is
better armed and equipped, and has
powerful hackers. Russia could not
profit by victory, and the results OF
country"
New York, Jan. ia London cable
gram says that Benefit Burleigh
cables the Daily Telegraph as follows
rom Toxic:
Everything points to the approach
,f war. Personally I agree with
.or little delay before the outbreak.
Therein lies the gist of the situation.
A week, more or less, may elapse be-
.ore the drama begins in serious fash
on.
The immediate issues, first on the sea
md then on land. cannot be axagger-
ated British American naval men
| II nf fha ph.an of La
pans ships and crews against those OF
Russia. The Japanese army, If landed
n strength and handled discreetly, Will
10 admirably.
China Would Be Neutral. =
According to Pekin telegram re-
.eived by the Jill Shimo today. NJ.
Jchida, japanese minister to China,
saw Prince Ching last Thursday and
:old him Russia's reply was as unsat-
sfactory and indefinite as before. He
further said Russia was insincere in
aer desire for a pacific settlement, and
n view of Russia's duplicity there was
40 alternative left Japan, but a resort
20 arms.
Mr. uchida asked the prince what
China's attitude would be in the event
II war.
heartily for the communication and
said China would observe strict neutral-
ty.
Pacific Report Worthless.
A New York Times special from Lon
Ion says:
Wiring Sunday night the Toxic corre-
,pondent of the London Times says all
:eports about the continuance of nego-
iationS between Russia and Japan on
The basis of recognition of Japans pre-
oonderance in Korea should be regard
I'd with extreme distrust. 1t is assert
I'd on good authority that the Korean
part of the problem never was a source
IF serious difficulty. The optimistic
lone Of European news is not echoed in
! Japan, where public opinion despairs OF
any really satisfactory issue of the ne
sotiations so long as Russia refuses to
recognize Japan's right and voice in the
Manchurian problem.