The San Francisco call., 1908-03-09
JAPAN AND CHINA
STILL TOE MARK
ImbrogIio Over Seizure of Tatsu
Maru Unsettled, Nippon
Prepares for War
European Press Considers the
Attitude of Mikado to Be
Very Brusque

TOKYO. March s-There were no
Developments throughout Sunday or
today in connection with the Tatsu
affair In the meanwhile Japan un-
doubtedly is preparing for eventuaii-
ties. The entire decision in the matter
rests with Premier Saionji and Foreign
Minister Hayashi
There has been no indication OF the
period OF time that Japan would wait
>China's reply. The press has been IN
formed at the japanese foreign ONCE
that il Is presumed that Yuanshtkai
viii require three or perhaps four days
consultation with the yiceroy or can
ton in the consideration Of the entire
matter; consequently no decision may
be reached before March 10 or IL
What action japan will take IN the
event that she decides Immediately 10
take independent action is matter
of speculation in diplomatic circles In
Tokyo. II is believed that il is en-
tireiy Improbable that Japan will make
any effort TO retake the Tatsu or send
warships 10 Canton waters
While war is considered most i'm
probable. the naval base at Sasebo
is extremely active II is announced
that q part of the first squadron will
leave port March Il. The armored
cruiser Chiyoda left port suddenly last
night Coaling is proceeding rapidly,
= number OF torpedo boat destroyers
having already coaled- Enormous sup
plies in storage at Sasebo are being
hurried aboard the vessels
At the Office of the admiralty il is
pointed out that the first squadron ex-
pected to start on training maneuvers
this week. fact announced two
months ago; therefore the activity at
Sasebo should not necessarily be con-
sidered in connection with the Tatsu
incident.
REACHED NO UNDERSTANDING
PEKING. March s.-The japanese
and Chinese governments have not yet
come TO an understanding in the mat
ter OF the seizure OF the Tatsu Maru,
and the Chinese minister Of foreign at
fairs maintains that the case cannot
be settled without q thorough inquiry
into the facts China has temporized
successfully for two days, and today
q member of the board of foreign
affairs and the Japanese minister.
Baron Hayashi, had a lengthy confer
ence with regard 10 the disposition OF
the cargo OF the steamer If 1t were
restored.
China has proposed that the ship
ment of arms and ammunition on the
Tatsu Msru be recalled and that the
permit for such shipment be cancelled
and she further asks the pledges from
Japan looking 10 the suppression OF
traffic in arms and ammunition TO the
mainland through Japanese sources.
The Japanese government has inti-
mated its willingness to consider the
matter.
FRENCH THINK JAPS BRUsQUE
PARIS March s.-The French press.
despite the Franco-Jspanese entente,
considers that the japanese govern
e
handed in its deliberations with China
over the matter of the seizure Of the
Tatsu Maru- The Temps, in an edi-
torial- points out that there has been
extensive smuggling of arms to south
China where there is widespread
revolutionary agitation. the chief in
stigators of which are students who
have returned from Japan and which
excuses overanxiety on the part Of
China in the. circumstances
Japan is playing the role of guard
fan Of China" says the Temps. but
with more sternness than benevolence.
BY persevering in e too selfish and
abrupt policy Japan risks the danger
OF disgusting Europe and arousing g
more hatred than gratitude IN China
APOLOGY REPORTED
LONDON. March s-A special dis
patch received here stated that China
has apologized to Japan for hauling
down the japanese flag when the
steamship Tatsu Maru was seized. The
dispatch further states that China will
reply later 70 the japanese government
regarding the seizure of the steamer
and its cargo
The statement was made at the Japs-
nese embassy here today that China
has expressed deep regret for hauling
down the Japanese flag on the Tatsu
Maru and has promised 70 punish the
officers responsible for the act 1t was
stated further that China has promised
10 reply later concerning the seizure
Of arms
SEIZURE on HIGH SEAS
LISBON. March S.-Inyesti cations in
stituted by the Portuguese government
regarding the Tatsu Maru incident
have elected from the Peking govern
ment the emphatic assertion that the
seizure occurred on the high seas and
that therefore there was no violation
OF the law governing Portuguese
waters.