Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1905-04-25
Declare TIME FOR
Il
ACTION HAS ARRIVED
JAPANESE PAPERS DISCUSS vIo-
LATIoN OF NEUTRALITY
BY FRANCE.
GOVERNMENT SHOULD
ASK AID OF ENGLAND
France Sends Instructions to Governor
General of Indo- China-London Re
port Says Russian Fleet May Have
Been Divided.

Toxic. April 19.-Discussing the pres
ence of vessels of the Russian second
Pacific squadron at Kamranh bay, on
the east coast of French China, the
Jill Shimpo declares that the use of the
Island of Madagascar by the Russian
squadron was a direct and prolonged
violation of the principle of neutrality,
but on account of the distance Japan in
that instance simply lodged protest.
The paper, however, insists that Russia
is now using Kamranh bay as base for
action against her opponent and says
she intends to use it as the point for eff
fecting junction with the remaining
division of the squadron.
''If the use of Kamranh bay Is contin-
ued," the Jill Shimpo adds, Japan
must regard Its neutrality as completely
ignored and Japan will not be obliged
to respect its neutrality. Violations of
neutrality in distant ports are not i'm
portant, but when close to the zone OF
war it Is impossible to view them with
the same leniency."
The Jill Shimpo further declares that
France is lending the Russians efficient
assistance, thus actually joining issue
with Russia against Japan, and that it
is now necessary for Japan to notify
Great Britain and obtain her coopera-
ton according to the terms OF the Anglo
Japanese alliance.
Urges Action Be Taken.
Protests the paper asserts, ARE un-
availing. The time for action has come"
The Nichi Nichi says France has been
party to keeping the location of the
Russian squadron secret and adds that
France does not observe the 24-hour
rule. But, the Nichi Nichi continues,
the spirit of neutrality affords no ex-
cuse for extending such hospitality to a
belligerent squadron and it expresses
the hope that France will take steps to
abide by her obligations and duties as
g neutral power.
The Asahi Shimbun asserts that
France has deliberately kept the pres
ence of the Russian squadron secret.
The paper expresses regret at the fact
and hopes the government Of Japan will
act decisively.
New Zone Of Defense.
The navy department Tuesday de-
clared Tsugara straits zone Of defense,
with the usual maritime restrictions.
France Sends Instructions.
Paris, April 19.-The French govern
ment has taken every precaution to Sc
cure the observance of neutrality in
French waters in Indo-China. To this
end instructions have been sent to NJ,
Beau, governor general OF Indo- China,
again calling his attention to the regu-
lations concerning the observance OF
neutrality issued at the outset Of the
war. These are identical with the neu-
trality rules in force during the Spanish
American war. It Is believed that Ad-
miral dc Jonquieres, commander of the
French naval forces at Saigon, in pro-
ceeding to Kamranh bay, where part Of
the Russian second Pacific squadron
has been seen, is following the governor
/ generals Instructions. The officials
here have no information concerning
the length or circumstances of the stay
OF the Russian vessels at Kamranh bay
and therefore they are unable to deter
mine whether the ships are actually
within the territorial limits of French
waters.
Saw Vessels Coaling.
Singapore, April 19.-The steamship