Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-05-05
JAPAN'S WARSH|PS
REACH CHINA COAST
Cruiser and Four Destroyers
$50 Miles East of
Peking.
ULTIMATUM DECIDED
UPON BY NIPPONESE
Steps Taken to Defend Chinese Capt.
tal-Suspicion Thrown on Yuan
Shi Kai's Possible Course.

FEKING. May s.--A Japanese cruiser
and four torpedo boat destroyers have
arrived at Chin-wang-Tao. on the Gulf
Of Liao-Tung. about $50 miles east of
Fekins. evidently for the purpose of re-
moving from China the members of the
Japanese legation.
Consular representatives from all
parts of the country announce the de-
parture of Japanese. or their concen-
tration at the Japanese consulates.
There is substantial opinion in Pek-
ing that Japan may take action in re-
gard to the non-acceptance of her de-
mands by China without waiting upon
the issuance Of an ultimatum. That
an ultimatum granting forty-eight
hours has been decided upon by Toxic
is the news conveyed here from other
points.
Chinese Capital Quiet.
The Chinese capital is remarka bly,
quiet in the face of what the Peking
Gazette calls the gravest peril in
Chinas modern history
Most of the people of the city are GO
ing about their business as usual, ap-
parently with no knowledge of the
problem which confronts their country.
They might easily be aroused, but the
government has taken every precau-
tion to prevent anti-Japanese demon
strations.
Only the educated classes are kept
informed of the progress of negotia-
tions with Japan. Among them the
feeling is intense. but there have been
no demonstrations. although reports
have been received from southern cities
that several men and one woman have
committed suicide, declaring they did
not wish to live to see China sub
jccted.'
Cabinet Council Called.
After the news was received yester-
day of Japan's proposed ultimatum
cabinet council was held at the winter
palace. the residence Of President Yuan
Shi Kai. The ministers were divided in
opinion. The president asked questions,
but did not express his own views.
Some officials express the belief that
China will surrender, while others are
of the opinion that she will offer all
The resistance possible to Japan's de-
mands The decision will rest with
Yuan Shi Kai.
Suspicion Is Aroused.
II is considered here that Yuan Shi
Kai faces calamitous consequences in
China II he yields to the Japanese. High
members of his own government are
said already to have voiced the sus-
picion that he may accept an alleged
offer from Japan of military support
and protection for himself against for
eign nations and his own people in re-
turn for conceding control of the coun-
Try in fact. although nominally. to
Japan.
Plan Peking's Defense.
Military preparations are being made
for the defense of Peking. According
TO Chinese officials. whose statements
lave been corroborated in other circles,
the government is making no prepara-
lions elsewhere than at the capital for
defense, considering that the Chinese
will be una BILE to oppose the Japanese
should they make an attack.
1t is asserted IN high quarters that one
hundred thousand troops have been con-
with sufficient ammunition for only a
vrief resistance.
special police and military precautions
lave been taken throughout the city es-
pecially around the winter palace. where
resident Yuan Shi kai resides
Situation Awkward.
:of some of the foreign legations. espe
ially those whose countries sympathize
nfh the Chinese. but none of them could
pose the entry of the Japanese into
i'.k!ng
kilograms received here from Mukden
% that the japanese bank and post Of
-,re there have suspended business, that
The japanese reservists have been called
gt the colors and that other civilians are
r..ncentrating in the railway zone.
Or Paul 8. Reinsch. the United States
Minister here, expresses the opinion
;lat the missionaries and other Ameri-
in the interior are in no danger
hatever He says the Chinese gov
.rnment win preserve order in the
l"2ions over which the Chinese hold
,SHtroL
Japanese Get Instructions.
ToKIo. May 5-AI Japan has focused
- attention on the Chinese situation.
which is believed to be full of his
roric possibilities. II is reported that
;he foreign Office has sent kilograms
10 all consuls in China instructing them
10 prepare their nationals for possible
"eparture. Japanese at Mukden have
heen asked to hold themselves in readi-
less to withdraw to places near the
south Manchurtan railroad.
Lieut.. Gen. Count Terauchi, Governor
General of Korea, has held a conference
with the general stan of the army.
The decisions of the cabinet and elder
-iatesmen are expected tomorrow. The
press says forty-eight hours will be
:he limit of the proposed ultimatum
%-wspapers characterize as insulting
%. insistence of China that Japan's
.fer to restore kiaochow be reduced