The Irish standard., 1905-04-22

New points Of interest are shown in the
map sl dnGiiudng TSugaru strait which Japan
Lingayen bay. where mysterious steamers
have anchored. Kamranh bay, the pro-
longed occupation of which by the Russian
fleet has caused Japan to make charges
against France Of violation Of neutrality,
also is pointed out. Lingayen bay is 125
miles north of the entrance Of Manila bay
and the japanese mainland and is the pass
age through which the Russian fleet prob
ably will attempt to reach Vladivostok.
the aid of that country whenever France
comes to the assistance of Russia. This
time, in the opinion of the most con-
servative, has now arrived.
Surprise to Diplomats.
The action of France in thus permit
ting the glaring violation of neutrality
is inexplicable to many diplomats, and
at the various embassies no one can be
found who is willing to offer any sort of
theory. One tentative explanation is
that France, by threatening a world
wide war, would really make her peace,
because, as a matter of fact, neither
France nor England desires war. In
the meantime the admiralty is busy and
it is understood the warships which
were sent south from Hong-Kong coin
cident with the announcement of Rojest-
vensky's entrance into the China sea
will be strengthened by the dispatch of
other boats now in Asiatic waters. In
structions are believed to include care
full watch on the French squadron now
off Saigon.
Japan Ready to Act.
Toxic, April 2O-The news that Ro-
jestvensky has mace a naval base of
Kamranh harbor and has no intention
of sailing before May has created a
profound sensation here, as it is re-
garded as plain notice that France has
come to the aid of Russia. That France
would give covert aid was expected after
the Madagascar incident, but open vio-
lation Of neutrality was not anticipated.
Officials refuse to state what action will
be taken, but communications are al
ready passing between Toxic and Lon
don, and England will doubtless be
called on to fulfill her part of the con-
tractual alliance unless France takes
the back track and summarily orders
Rojestvensky to leave Kamranh harbor
There is much speculation regarding
the motive that impelled the Russian
commander to publish his whereabouts
unless, as is stated in some quarters, he
has sent part of his squadron north, in
tending to draw Togo's entire fleet to
Kamranh bay. 1t is thought likely now
that France has violated neutrality that
Togo will not hesitate to enter the har-
Dor of Kamranh bay and attack the Rus
SLAMS whenever the opportunity is
deemed ripe.
Annoy to Observe Neutrality.
Annoy, Straits of Formosa, April 90
The provincial officials held confer
ence Wednesday with the object of de-
termining on the course to be adopted
IN case OF the Russian squadron appear.
Ing here. The officials are prepared to
insist on the neutrality of this port be-
Ing respected. 1t was suggested to the
consular body that Chinese soldiers be
permitted to land at the Island Of
Kulangsu, the foreign settlement Of
Annoy, to preserve order if the Russian
squadron comes, but the consuls replied
that this would not be necessary.
Stopped from Taking Coal.
Port Louis, Island of Mauritius. April
19.-The German steamer Juliette, late
the British steamer Dunolly Castle
which cleared from Diego suarez
Madagascar, April IA. for Batavia, Java
put in here Wednesday and asked for
Qn0 fono ~ ooo1 Cto