Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-02-23
Holds Victory to Russian
Arms is Within
Grasp.
GERMANS ENCOURAGE
Runners of Great Battle Not
Confirmed in Official
Quarters.

Berlin, Feb. 23.-The emperor OF
Russia has elected to continue the war.
His position is absolutely firm and
the German court has been advIsed j
in that sense.
The war will be pressed with the ut
most energy, the domestic situation
being now within control Of the author
tiles.
The considerations that led to the
cmperor's decision are understood to
be:
Gan Defeat Oyama.
The judgment OF the chiefs of the
army is that Oyama not only cannot
defeat Kuropatkin but stands in dan
ger of defeat himself. How cowardiy
therefore. for Russia TO ask for mer-
cy. with all the men and money es-
scntial to successful war.
All the forces of criticism now di-
rected against the government for hav-
ing fought rather than to- the legiti-
mate interests and for having failed
TO win victories would be continued
with added fury against the govern
ment that accepted a war and then be
tTayed the country.
Would Encourage RevOIutIOnIsts.
The government that would crave
peace of Russia's enemy while still
capable of winning a victory would be
giving the party of change genuine
grounds for a revolution.
The facts of the military situation,
love of country and arguments of ex-
avrN
for pressing the war hopefully.
Rumors of Big Battle.
St. Petersburg. Feb. 23.-Although
the city continues full Of rumors that
a big battle is proceeding below Muk-
den the war office does not offer any
confirmation of the reports. Special
dispatches. as we'll as can be judged
by mutilated manner in which they
are allowed TO pass the censor. por-
tend the imminence OF extensive opera
tions. The japanese are showing ac-
tivity on both flanks and the railroad
has again been damaged by a raid of
the Japanese and Chinese bandits.
German Opinion Influences.
In diplomatic circles a story is
afioat to the effect that the opinion
expressed by the German military au-
thorities based on reports from mill
tary experts al the front that the sit
uation is by no means hopeless has
greatly Influenced the emperor and en-
couraget him against the idea of con
cluding peace.
Great Naval BBttle Imminent
Paris Feb. 23.-Capt Clado. who was
mission. will leave Paris 10 rejoin Vice
Admiral Rojestvensky Immediately af-
ter the commission announces its de-
Cision.
In an interview Clado said: 'Togo's
ships represent I40 points against Ro-
jcstvcnsky's 100. thus giving the Jap
anese a manifest superiority. mainly IN
armored cruisers, Therefore, | believe
Rojestvensky will seek to avoid an en-
counter. although I consi~~- LAT a
great naval battle is ineviti- e.
Japanese After Islands.
Port Louis. Mauritus. Feb. 23.-Thcre
is an unConfirmcd report that the Jap
anese agents are negotiating for the
purchase or lease of certain islands
near the Seychelles group, for coaling
stations.
Peace Talk Causes satisfaction.
Vienna Feb. 23-Thc announcement
OF the possibility Of peace in the far
east published here was received with
much satisfaction in diplomatic circles.
but il is believed that possibly the
universal hope may have resulted IN
premature expressions
For several weeks unofficial inquiry
has been made as 10 whether Austria
should not OF would not fill the role OF
mediator and whether Emperor Fran
els Joseph. as dean Of European mon
archs. wouldn OF himself take steps 10
this end. But the emperor is not in
clined TO undertake mediation in view
OF the definite statement that Russia
would not be willing 10 listen to any
other power on the subject OF media
tion. and consequently the entire mat
ter remains unchanged.
Japan Proposed Mediation.
II is reported here that the proposal
for mediation by friendly power came
from the japanese side
JaPs Press Russians.
Tsinkhetchen. Feb oS-The Jana
nese continue - press the Russian