The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-08

tlony Wn1cn makes parliament the sole body capable of declaring war.
 Socialists Have Control.
 At the present time the French parlia- ment is strongly made up of socialists and one of their cordina1 principles is dis armament, arbitration and the avoid ance of warfare. This element holds the balance of power in the French parlia- ment. Outside of the action of France, great interest centers in the course of the other powers toward the be1ligerents. The Associated Press has been inform ed by the highest German authority in France that Germany will maintain an attitude of neutrality. Although her sympathies lean towards Russia, she has no intention of aiding Russia materially, for she believes that Russia will be vic- torious.
 It is said that Germany has no inten- tion of seizing Shan Tung and 1t is declar- ed to be ridiculous to suppose that she proposes to occupy any point In Denmark Austria, 1t is believed, will follow the course of Germany because of the triple alliance, and from her neighborly intep- ests with Russia, particularly in the bal ance.
 Italy Will be Neutral.
 Italy is expected to maintain practically the same position as her associates In the alliance although since the agitation re- sulting in the emperor cancelling his trip to Rome, there has been notable lack of enthusiasm in Italy for Russia.
 The Balkans are considered the uncer- tain spot of Europe. As a result of pre- occupation of Russia in the far east it is known here that she has been careful not to draw upon the troops in European Russia to any great extent for service in Manchuria. because of the prospect that Turkey and Bulgaria will engage in war during the spring.
 Austria will bear the burden In the greater degree of preserving peace in Europe. In this, however, she will be earnestly supported by France and Great Britain and 1t Is hoped by Germany and Italy.
 JAPAN'S DEMANDS e
 WERE VERY MODERATE.
 London. February 8.-The Times this morning asserts that the Japanese de- mands were of moderation that will astonish the world when they are dis closed. Japan did not even ask Russia to promise to move a single soldier from Manchuria or to renounce single right in Manchuria-
 The Daily Graphic. dealing with the same subject, asserts that the original draft of the treaty submitted to Russia was drawn up by Baron Komuro in con sultation with Baron DeRosen.
 Personally Very Popular.
 Personally, Baron DeRosen is very pop ular among his colleagues, and many Jap anese regret the circumstances necessi- tating his departure. The Japanese gov ernment is showing the members of the Russian legation every consideration. Po- lice guard the entrance to the legation, and will escort its members to Yoko- homa. The steamer Yarr, on which the le- gation is to sail, will also be closely guarded at Kobe and Nagasaki in order to prevent any unpleasant incidents. All the Russian commercial concerns are pre- pairing to close and transfer their af fairs.
 Japanese Minister Kurino has been in- structed by the Japanese government to withdraw from St. Petersburg by We'd nesday. It Is anticipated here that he will withdraw sooner.
 The government preliminary estimates places the amount of money which 1t is possible to raise by the sale of war bonds at 800. GOO, 900 yen. The government is much gratified at the financial prospect.
 Will Not Accept Mediation.
 Paris, February S.-The Figaro this morning publishes a statement that M. Motono, the Japanese minister, says Japan will not accept an offer of media ton from whatever source 1t might come.