Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1905-04-21
PROBABLE TRAP FOR TOGO


Caught by Plan France Said to Be
Taking Precautions to Secure
ts s Neutrality Observance.
3#5s London, April 49, Naval experts, in
view of dispatch from Hong Kong re-
porting Russian war vessels in that vi
cinity, are inclined to the belief that
sRojestvensky has divided his squadron
and that only portion Of his fleet took
refuge in Kamrahn bay to coal and re-
victual. BY this maneuver the Russian
admiral might force Togo to weaken his
feet and secure the advantage ii a direct
attack was made. Togo, however, is
deemed too shrewd to walk into such
trap and the opinion still remains that
he is cruising in Formosan waters with
a base at Kelung and his scout boats
patroling both passages to the north.
The japanese boats along the coast of
Cochin China are probably few cruis-
sers, with the remainder made up Of tor
pedo boats and destroyers.
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-C China. To this
end instructions have been sent to M.
Beau. governor general Of Indo-C 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. 1t is believed that Adj
miral de Jonquieres, commander of the
French naval forces at Saigon, in pro-
lceeding 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.
Urges Action at Once.
Toxic, April Discussing the pres
ence of vessels of the Russian second
Pacific squadron at Kamranh bay, on
the east coast of French Indo- 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 a base for
action against her opponent and says
she intends to use it as the point for eff
fecting a 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 inn
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-
stion according to the terms of the Anglo
Japanese alliance. 5
Protests" the paper asserts, ..are I'M
savailing. The time for action has come. =,
Regarded as Serious.
London, April 70. Japanese dipIo-
mats and others In London regard the
alleged breaches Of neutrality by France
in allowing the Russian second Pacific
squadron to remain over time on the
Cochin Chinese coast as one of the most
serious developments in the situation.
Minister Hayashi and Baron Suyemat.
su, former japanese minister Of the in
terror, were disinclined to give hasty.
expression Of opinion or to anticipate Of
fetal adyices giving the facts as to the
Teriod the Russian ships may STAY in
French waters. Minister Hayashi was
particularly reticent, and said he pre-
ferred to await confirmation OF the re-
ports which have appeared to indicate
- ~ ASuo ~ CclSll VI uGuCTdlICy.5S Baron
Euyematsu, who took view that was
very far from being alarmist, said that
II the reports were true, Japan would
have good cause to complain. japan.
had no intention Of bic king 4
quarrel with France, and added: japan
isfar from coVeting Cochin China, as has
been imputed In some quarters. do
not think that France is encouraging
the Russian squadron to misuse French
friendship. On the contrary, believe
that France is really anxious to avoid
trouble on account Of the Pacific SQUAD
ron. IN fact, 4 think responsible french
men regard the squadron as an unwel-
come guest. and therefore / am fully
convinced that France will manage TIC
matter in such 4 way ais to avoid being
Warships Sighted.
3 Manila, April 10 Three war vessels
were sighted at Batangas at four 3 clock
This morning Their nationality is I'M |
known. g5.