The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-12
FEAR A DASH.
Russians Apprehensive of o
Sudden War Move.
Troops Are Being Concentrated
Along YaIu River.
VIGILANT WATCH KEPT
Whole Russian Fleet Is in
Fighting Trim.
Japan Has Taken Final Step in
Negotiations.
HURRYING TREATIES.
United States Anxious to Close
Deal With Pekin
Before There Is an Outbreak of
hOstilities.
United States Anxious to Close
Deal With Pekin
Before There Is an Outbreak of
hOstilitieS.

Port Arthur, Jan. 12-It is reported
here that owing to the threatening news
received from Korea, the commanding
officer of the Seventh Russian brigade,
has gone to the Yalu river to select
temporary camps and effect a concen-
tration of troops
Owing to the apprehensions of a dar-
ing dash on the part of the Japanese at
Port Arthur, the authorities here have
taken extraordinary precautions in and
about the town and along the whole line
CT the Manchurian railroad.
Rumors were circulated some time ago
that Japan intends to take advantage
of the festivities incident to the Russian
Christmas and surprise the warships
here. Consequently, vigilant watch
was kept night and day. The whole
Russian fleet is now in fighting trim.
A FINAL CONFERENCE
Toxic Jan. 12.-The final conference
before the throne to decide upon the
response to Russia began at O'Clock
this afternoon. It was attended by all
the members of the cabinet, five of the
elder statesmen, Admiral Ito and Ijuin
and General Kodama
Yamamoto, representing Premier Kat
sure who is indisposed. had private
audience with the emperor. Foreign
Minister Komura and Marquis Ito al
so conferred privately.
The formal conference before the
throne was of long duration and it's re-
suit is unknown. 1t is said, however,
that the response which was drafted
yesterday was approved and that it
will he da1ixaraa To 7o
Rosen, the Russian minister.
This answer of Japan, is regarded as
the final step in the negotiations. Pub
lie interest in the outcome is at fever
heat and developments are anxiously
awaited.
CHINA IS GIVEN WARNING.
London, Jan. 12.-The Chinese min
lister at Toxic. at the request of the
japanese foreign office, has telegraphed
the following to Prince Ching:
The second Russian reply to the jap
anese proposal has been received at
Toxic, but it is unfavOrable and cannot
be accepted by Japan, who will, unless
Russia recedes, be compelled to prompt
ly resort to arms.
In view Of such an eventuality japan
urges and expects China to maintain the
strictest neutrality, to preserve order
throughout the empire, to guard for
elgners resident in the interior and to
take special care to preserve order in
i w.
lest foreign powers might seize the pre-
text of disorder and make aggressive
movement therein"
The correspondent says the dispatch
has deeply impressed the Chinese who
now believe war to be inevitable.
He adds that notes looking to the
Tatlncatlon OF the treaty between China
and Japan were exchanged yesterday
afternoon.
MORE SERIOUS THAN REPORTED
Berlin, Jan. 12.-The St. Petersburg
correspondent of the L.okal Anzeiger
gives much more serious view of the
far eastern situation than has hitherto
emanated from the capital
The correspondent claims he has au-
thentic information that those in off
cial circles entertain a greater concern
over the difficulties between Russia
ana Japan than they have heretofore
allowed to become known to the public
ana ne says he suspects that the utter
ances of the press have been optimistt-
cally colored in order to conceal this
official disquiet
The correspondent goes on to say
that the czar takes the keenest interest
IN bringing order into the complicated
situation and that he insists that an
lie. --''e'0 pU'-
Recently Count Lamsdorf. the for
elgn minister; General Kuropatkin.
minister of war and NJ 4 Vasa cboir
man of the committee on east Asistic
aHalrs, assembled in the palace to
oraW up communication which will
soon be published in the government
messenger. This communication will
give complete story of NEGOTIATIONS
with Japan, including the latest de-
Velopments. The correspondent saws.
Ihe car wishes, as he told Count
LamsdorH that while the truth should
De given to the public, he is personally
against war and refuses to believe
that 1t will come. He hopes to con
vince Japan that Russia's wishes are
reasonable and must be respected. -
accordingly the communication en-
braces five points:
First-Japan will get various con-
cessions in Korea.
''Second-In South Koras +ho T..
anese can act not only in their econou-
&c interests but they can adont sra
interest. ''ii eiieii
Ihlrd-RuSsia allows japan full conn
merclal freedom of action in north
Korea, but japan must not narDoan-
entity occupy fortified towns either to
the north or to the south neither on the
coast nor to the interior
Fourth-A neutral zone 50 lxilonoetars
broad IS to be created between Korea
and Manchuria along the Yah and
Iunen rivers, in which neither Russia
nor japan can establish fortified Dosi-
tons: also that the strait between
Japan and Korea shall be neutral tb,,e
sian vessels - nus
F'ifth-In reference to Mancb,,ri.
Russia accepts no conditions Int a.
elares that she is ready to permit Janan