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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 11, 1904)
THE MOENIN'G 0REGOXIAX. THUESDAY, FEBKUAKY 11, 190. ARMY NOT LA Russian ForceinFar East Is Overestimated. IS UNDER I00300ir MEN Officers In Manchuria' Are Surprised War is On. . THE JAPANESE REACH SEOUL Russians Are Said to Have Slain One Hundred Chinese and Officials' Appeal to Pekin for Protection. LONDON, Feb. 11. The Pekin cor respondent of the London' Times as cribes the habitual overestlmation fit the .Russian forces In the Far Bast to the claim arising from the Boxer trou bles, put forward by M. Do Giers, then Russian Minister at Pekin, during the peace negotiations at Pekin in 1900 for an Indemnity of 17,900,000, on the ground that Russia had put 179,000 men in the field. It Is now known, however, that the real number of these men will be under 100,000. Continuing, the correspondent says an American military officer who has just returned to Pekin from a trip through Manchuria, made for the pur pose of reporting the situation, declares all the Russian officers he met in Man churia professed to believe war would be averted. While he was at Port Ar thur, on January 31, the Russian fleet "was hurriedly ordered to sea, but In getting out two vessels stuck fast In the tnud of the shallow basin and were compelled to romaln behind. Special dispatches from Tokio this morning announce the arrival of Jap anese troops at Seoul, but beyond this the dispatches published In the news papers add practically nothing to the knowledge of the actual situation. The Tientsin correspondent of the Standard sends in a report that the Russians have massacred 100 Chinese at Llaoyang, in consequence of which the officials at Shanhaikwan are great ly alarmed, and are appealing to Pe kin for protection. Other dispatches from Tientsin say that 400 French troops have been or dered from there to Seoul for the pro tection of the French Legation at the Corean capital, the Emperor having taken refuge there. These reports lack confirmation. The correspondent of the Dally Mail at Tientsin says that Li, the govern ment court official of the Dowager Em press of China, has been driven away and beheaded by order of Yuan Shi Kal, commander-in-chief of the Chinese army and navy. Li was pro-Russian in his feelings,. The CKefoO corr.espon'dcnt 1 of the Daily Express asserts" that the Russian cruiser Diana was injured by a shot from the Russian shore battery at Port Arthur: that the cruiser Novlk and' the battleship Poltava have also bc.cn beached at Port Arthur. A special dispatch from Tokio re ports that fugitives from Vladivostok accuse the Russians of openly looting Japanese houses there "-without Inter ference by the police. The Mikado is personally superin tending affairs, and the Cabinet holds dally sossions. The government has issued orders for the protection of all Russian subjects residing In Japan. Baron Kanako and Baron Sukematsu have been sent to the United States and Groat Britain to explain Japan's position and attitude In the present conflict. Mobilization Is Begun. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 10. Viceroy AlexlefC began today the mobilization of army corps in East Asia. CZAR MAKES CADETS OFFICERS Youngsters Will Go to the Far East Soon ast Uniforms Arrive. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 10. There was a great scene at the Naval Academy to day when the Czar personally advanced the senior class to the rank of officers. The Czar, who wore an Admiral's uni form, in addressing the cadets, said: "You are aware, gentlemen, that two days ago war was declared upon us. The Insolent foe came by night and attacked our stronghold and fleet. Russia now needs her navy as well as her army. 1 have come today to promote you to the rank of midshipmen. I am confident that, like your revered predecessors. Admirals Chlcagof, Lazarcf, Nakhimof, . Kamilaf and Istomln, you will work for the wel fare and glory of our fatherland and de vote all your energy to the fleet over which flies the flag of St Andrew." After His Majesty's doparture the newly promoted officers hired sleighs and drove up and down the quay fronting the Winter palace clad only in their black 'tunics, unmindful of the bitter cold, and shouting wild hurrahs. Grave-vlsaged Generals, carried away by emotion, saluted the youngsters, whose only regret was that their service uniforms wore not ready so as to permit of their departure for the Far East today. Prices on the bourse today rallied slightly. RUSSIA'S HOPE IS ON LAND. Reserves All Commnaded to Remain at Present Abodes. NEW YORK. Feb. 10. All members of the reserves have been commanded to re main at their present abodes, so that they can be found ready when it is decided to call them out. .says a dispatch to the Times from a Russian correspondent, who adds that one company of every regiment of guard troops In the districts of St. Petersburg and Moscow is to be sent to the Far East Cabling from Moscow, a Times corre spondent says; "Russian military men d3 not conceal their satisfaction at the success of Russia's five months "delay. They declare their country today Is ready for contingencies which would have been awkward a few months ago. They ap pear to bo satisfied that Japan can never succeed in forcing Russia's land position, even thoush she - comes out uppermost In the naval campaign. ANOTHER BATTLE IS EXPECTED Japan Looks For a General Engage j" ment Any Hour. TOKIO. Feb. 10. It is reported that two Russian battleships and one cruiser Iwere destroyed during the torpedo at tack at Port Arthur. Monday night The Navy Department does not con firm the report that the Japanese fleet lis still off Port Arthur, Advices of a general naval engagement are hourly expected. ' . . The success of Japan on the sea would carry enormous advantage a d. practically decide the war. On pa- per the fleets are almost equal, al though the Japanese are confident that their personnel Is superior. They say that a drawn battle wpuld be really a. Japanese victory, on account of Rus-' sia's lack of facilities to dock and re pair her larger craft KURINO LEAVES RUSSIA. Japanese Minister at St. Petersburg Departs for Berlin. LONDON. Feb. 10. A dispatch to the Reuter Telegram Company from St Petersburg says that M Kurino. the re tiring Japanese Minister to Russia, and his staff "have left there for Berlin. Thero was a large crowd at the station when the party boarded the train. There was no hostile demonstration. Contlnlng the correspondent says an Im perial ukase has been Issued which authorizes . Vice-Admiral AlexlefC to mo bilize the reserves within hl3 Vlceroyalty. M. Kurino walked slowly to the train holding in his hand a bouquet of roses which had been presented to Madame Kurino by Mrs. McCormlck, wife of the American Ambassador. As the train drew out of the station there were a few cheers and cries of "Long live Nicholas." JAPAN TO PROCLAIM WAR. Formal Declaration Is Taken to the Emperor for Approval. TOKIO. Feb. 10. A formal declaration of war Is expected at once. The proc lamation has been proclaimed and ap proved by the Cabinet Foreign Minister Komura went to the palace tonight to secure the Emperor's approval. American Line . Not Disturbed. SEATTLE, Feb. 1L The Iyo Maru. of the Nippon Yusen Kalsha's Seattle Line, sailed from Yokohama yesterday for Seattle. The Aki Maru Is scheduled to follow her on February 23. There has been a persistent rumor afloat to the effect that the Japanese Government would Impress the Nippon Yusen Kalsha liners to serve as transports. The fact that one of them Is now en route to Seattle Is interpreted by local officials of the company to indicate that the Ameri can line of the company will not be disturbed. Fear Steamer Has Not Made Port. SAN FRANCISCO. Feb. 10. The "agents here of the Japanese steamer America Maru. which left this port last month on her last trip to the Orient are apprehen sive regarding her safe arrival at Yoko hama. She sailed on February 1 from Honolulu, where she took on a fresh sup ply of coal. The vessel, with her sister ships, the Nippon Maru and the Hong Kong Maru, have been impressed by the Japanese government as auxiliary cruis ers, and arrangements are being made to get sub-steamers for the Trans-Pacific trade. Says War Has Been Declared. ST. LOUIS, Feb. 10. The following ca blegram was forwarded at 11:20 o'clock tonight to Hejime Ota, assistant Commissioner-General of the World's Fair for Japan, from Attache Hanlhara, of the Japanese Legation at Washington: "His Majesty declared war against Russia to day. Russian warships fired upon Japan ese transport at Chemulpo and was re plied to by answering fire. Report Is al most the same as reported in newspapers. There Is none wounded or killed on our warships." Red Cross Calls for Donations. - WASHINGTON. Feb. 10. The executive committee of the Rod Cross Society today Issued the following: "The Red Cross executive committee authorizes a call for donations to-be sent to tho treasurer of the National American Red Cross, Washington, for. relief work In the Russo-Japan war. "CLARA BARTON, President" POWERS ARE IN LINE Russian Ships Coaling In Egypt. PORT SAID, Egypt, Feb. 10. The Rus sian transport Azov, accompanied by two torpedo boats, is here taking on board sufficient coal to take them to their near est home port The commander sworo that the quantity of coal taken on board was the amount required. Alexleff In Supreme Command. ' ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 1L It Is offi cially announced that Admiral Alexleff has been appointed to the supreme com mand of the Russian land and soa forces In the Far East Waiting for Her tovCome Out. SHANGHAI. Feb. 10.-The Russian gun boat Mandjur Is still here. It is under stood that two Japanese warships are awaiting her at the mouth of the Yangste Kiang. Manchurian Railway Bridge Wrecked LONDON. Feb. 1L The Shanghai corre spondent of the Dally Mall says that an Important bridge on the Manchuria Rail way has been blown up, and 30 men have been killed, No More Coal Can Go to Russia. CARDIFF. Feb. lOAOrders have been received here suspending all shipments of coal for the Russiangovernment, and can celing the charterings on Its behalf. Netherlands Issues Proclamation. THE HAGUE, Feb. 10. The govern ment of the Netherlands today Issued a proclamation of neutrality during the war In the Far East (Continued from First Fase.0 and In the. personal opinion, of tho two diplomats, its humane-purpose was ap proved. Russia Expected to. Accept. In diplomatic circles, the feeling is strong that Russia will acquiesce In the suggestion, both as to the limiting of hostilities and the neutralization of China when she has assured herself that no ulterior purpose Is Involved. On the authority of a high Administration offi cial. It can be stated that the Govern ment has no intention of suggesting any thing about Corea. It Is recognized that Corea la the natural battleground, and It is useless even to discuss the neu tralization of that country. It was decided today that the cruiser squadron of the Asiatic fleet "with pro priety could go as far North as Shanghai, and orders to the effect have been, sent From there one of the vessels will be sent northward to Chemulpo, Corea, to main tain communication with the American Legation at Seoul. "Probably tho vessels of the' cruiser squadron will take turns about, at this duty. It is possible that several naval atttaches may be sent to Manchuria. It has been suggested that a naval officer at Dalny and one. at Mukden or Antung could be -of assist ance to the 'Consuls tills Government Is sending there. Admiral Urla, of the Japanese fleet was graduated from the Naval, Academy at Annapolis In 1SSS. of pelllgerants from all' China south of Manchuria. Naval interest -n the fighting continues tat the highest point One 4)f the highest officers of the Navy, commenting upon tne press accounts of the engagements, says that the' lesson to be drawn la the abso lute necessity of maintaining a navy In continuous, service. Instead of following the old plan of laying up ships' in reserve, as has been practiced by Russia, Japan, like the United States, has for the last two years kept almost 'every naval ship- that would float continually In commis sion, and- either cruising or maneuvering, so as to reproduce the actual conditions of war as nearly as possible. Another demonstration of tho Port. Arthur and Chemulpo affairs was the perfection of the Japanese In formation division, as their naval commanders seemed to be at every moment In possession' of full information of the Russian movements and .the dispo sition of the Russian ships. DRAWS LINE ON " MANCHURIA. Japan Will Not Agree to Having It Termed Neutral Ground. LONDON, Feb. 10. Dealing with Secre tary Hay's note to the powers on the sub ject of preserving the Integrity of China, Baron Hayashl today said: "The neutrality of China was first sug gested by my government, and we re ceived assurances that Chinese neutrality would.be observed. Japan -will certainly agree most heartily to Secretary Hay's proposition, which apepars chiefly to be due to the suspicion that Russia might find a pretext for military action against China. If. however, the United States and other powers contemplate the neutrality of Manchuria, the case becomes very com plicated. So long as there ore Russian troops In Manchuria Japan cannot regard It as neutral territory. I scarcely think the United States," Great Britain or any other power would be willing to drive the Russians out of Manchuria, however much they might Insist that Manchuria is part of neutral China. So, while we are anxious to assist in assuring the neu trality of China proper, we havo every intention of waging an aggressive land campaign In Manchuria Itself. Having re sorted to arms, we shall probably go fur ' ther than our modest demands made dur ing the negotiations." RUSSIA DISTRUSTS AMERICA. Wants Zone of Hostilities Limited, but Awaits Advices. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 10. The state ment that Secretary Hay had Issued a note to the powers asking them to Join In Insisting on the recognition of the Integ rity of China and Corea during and after hostilities, created much comment in dip lomatic circles here, where any action taken with the view of localizing the the ater of war Is welcomed; There seemed to be great doubt however, of the propriety of adhering to the latter clauses of Mr Hay's note, pendlng'more definite advices." At the Foreign Office, where there is somo disposition to distrust the purposes of the United States, an authoritative ex pression was not given. Foreign Minister Lamsdorft. talking to the diplomats at his reception this afternoon, spoke feel ingly of Japan's action, and declared the Czar had done all in his power to avoid a conflict but the events of the past few days had proved Japan to be bent upon war. and no concessions Russia could have offered would have restrained her. CONFIDENT RUSSIA WILL YIELD United States Has No Idea Its Policy Will Be Opposed. WASHINGTON. Feb. m-Count CasslnL the Russian Ambassador, called on Secre tary Hay about noon "today and left with him the announcement of the Czar de claring war on Japan. This action is said' at the State Department to constitute a formal declaration of -war. The Count's communication with the Depart ment was In writing. It was a dispatch from the Russian Foreign Office to the Ambassador, and was substantially as.fol lows: "During the night of February 3 a de tachment of Japanese torpedo boats unex pectedly attacked the Russian squadron lying at anchor In the outer roadstead of Port Arthur. This attack being the begin ning, of military preparations, obliged the Imperial Government to take Immediate measures tt reply by armed force to the challenge Issued against Russia. Be good enough to Inform the Government of the United States." Thero was no discussion between the Ambassador and Secretary Hay of the State Department's proposition to the powers looking to the neutralization o"r China. Tho Department however, is sat isfied, though upon what grounds can not be learned, that Russia Is not dis posed at this stage to oppose the exe cution of its 'plans. It practically Is admitted that the policy will be to com pletely exclude . military or naval forces FRANCE MOVING CAUTIOUSLY. She Will Not Take Any Action Which Will Embarrass Russia, PARIS, Feb. 10. The overtures- of the United States Government- to the-. powers for preserving thfe neutrality and Integrity of China during and after the hbstllltles between Russia and Japan are attracting widespread atten tion. United States Ambassador Porter conferred with Foreign Minister Del casse yesterday, and again today. The results have not been made public, but the general situation is. as follows: It does not appear probable that an accord of the powers can be reached at the present time owing to differences of views and the concentration of at tention upon the actual events of the war. It Is practically certain that -France will not. take any action which could possibly be construed as embar rassing to Russia, or as seeking to coerce her concerning the integrity of Chlnfc The French authorities desire to havo tho least possible interruption In Inter national shipping in Far Eastern points, and-so will seek individually and collectively to confine the area of hostilities so as to reduce-' the chance of a general" spread of tho conflagra tion. But relative to tho Integrity of China, it is not likely that any step will be taken, if the term "China" Is intended to include Manchuria. How ever, the foregoing Is only the general tendency, the negotiations being still open, with the prospect of their rather long continuance. It Is expected that Foreign Minister -Delcasse will issue a circular defining the views of the government upon Sec retary Hay's proposals in regard to the neutrality and integrity of China. HAY GIVES INSTRUCTIONS. Attache of American Legation at Tokio at the White House. WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.-J. M. Fergu son, the second secretary of the American Legation at Tokio, who has been in this country on leave of absence, called at the State Department today and will sail from Vancouver February 22 for Yokohama, whence he will proceed at once to his post He had a long conference with Sec retary Hay on the Far Eastern situation. And carries personal instructions for the officials of the Legation at Tokio. It Is the wish of the department that it be kept fully informed of every move, and full reports are desired from Tokio. Mr. Ferguson also was fully acquainted with the policy of Secretary Hay, announced In his note to the powers calling for the neu trality of China. On the same steamer with Mr. Ferguson will go James Davidson, the newly-ap pointed American Consul at Antung. Ed win Morgan, Who . goes "as Consul at Dalny, will sall somo time; this month from San Francisco, on "the .steamship China. GERMANY HEARTILY INDORSES War Will Be Localized, and No In ternational Disputes Raised. BERLIN, Feb. 10. Secretary. Hay's note to the powers concerning tho neu trality and Integrity of China was de livered to tho German Government yesterday by Foreign Secretary Von Rltchoff. The Associated Press under stands that tho latter has already con veyed an. intimation to Secretary Hay that his proposals are likely to be ac ceptable to Germany, because they tend to localize the war and avoid fresh sub jects of International dispute. The step taken by the United States is regard ed by the Foreign Office hero as being an able move The Cologne Gazette, which so fre quently takes the Foreign Office view of different questions, says the plan suggested on tho American Initiative will certainly be well received in Ger many, as the neutralization of China Is so entirely In its' general interest, and adds that the proposal Is calcu lated to prevent hostilities against for eigners breaking out In China." AMERICA WILL LOSE TRADE. Consul-Genera! Goodnow. Predicts Disastrous Results, From War. SAN FRANCISCO. Feb. 10. John Fowler, Consul-General from this coun try to Chefoo, China, who sailed for his post today, regards with deep concern the outbreak of war between Japan and Rus sia. As to the commercial Interests in volved, the Consul-General said the United States would lose a great deal. Upon this subject he said: "Russia and Japan have been buying largely in the American. market and it Is very likely that this trade will now be shut off, for purchases by either of the belligerent governments would be1 pro hibited by the authorities of this country. GOOD NEWS PITT IS HUES AGAIN. SPECIAL SALE OF ALARM CLOCKS. UMBRELLA SALE A $1.50 Quality at 98c These "LTmbrelias are alL that an umbrella should be perfect rain-shedders sightly, sub stantial and inexpensive enough to loan to an absent-minded friend. Cover of mercerized Gloria, fast blackthorn, pearl, Princess, silver, silver trimmed, Congo and plain natural wood handles Paragon frame,-steel rods all have cases and. are ornamented with a tassel. For Men, For Women "Liwo" Gloves $1.50 A complete color and size assortment of these popular gloves now ready. Pique sewed Paris Point, Embroidered, Glace, 2-claspj certainly Portland's best " one-fifty glove." Valentine Novelties "TELEPHONE" VALENTINES 25c A tiny ' 'Phone" resting on a crimson heart very pretty. BOXING GLOVE VALENTINES 35c-A min iature Boxing Glove resting on a crimson-colored heart-shaped leather pen -wiper. New Pictures Real Beauties at 50c Just in from New York a shipment of several hundred Framed Pictures that are ex ceptional values at 50 iojxi6j-inch outside measurement, the frame of i-inch gold moldings, light and dark mats a very wide assortment of sub jects, such as Marines, Landscapes, Figures, Dancing Girls, etc. See display in Fourth street window. More Novelty Neckwear at 25c Busy times at the Neckwear Counter all day yesterday enthusiastic buying up to the last minute. We're ready again for today with a very much enlarged assortment a large ship ment of Dainty White Embroidered Collars coming in late yesterday afternoon. By all the rules of selling these newcomers should bring at least 35c, but as our buyer procured them quite a-bit under value we can afford to pass them along to you for 25 About twenty styles to select from in the newcomers. r. We have been doing a business of about $20,000,000 with Northern China, through Nlu Chwang, Chefoo and other ports situated on the same gulf as Port Arthur. "Through Chefoo alone there passes an nually about H500.000 worth of commodi ties from this country,- destined for con eumpUon In Northern China. It Is nat ural to expect that If the war continues there wi'l be considerable fighting throughout Manchuria, and Importers of our goods will not care to take chances of shipping to various points within the disturbed territory. Chefoo is likely to figure as very important In the war, for It will be through that city that many of the dispatches will pass. "I would not like to discuss for pub lication my views as to what stand China may take In the event of being forced to take a hand in the war; but I will state that the Chinese have been looking forward to the present trouble for many months, and her statesmen have no doubt carefully considered every Issue and are already prepared to announce what side the empire will take." DENMARK PREPARED TO RESIST Ships of Combatants Cannot Pass Through Her Waters. COPENHAGEN, Feb. 10. While the war Id confined to the Far East no for mal declaration of neutrality will be made by the Danish Government. Should It, However, spread to Europe, Denmark will issue a formal declaration identical with that of Norway and Sweden. Though ships of the combatants can not be forbidden to pass through the channel connecting the Baltic and the North Sea, should their warships violate the laws of neutrality within Danish wat ers, Denmark would be prepared to resist. The fleet is ready to "sail within 4S hours. Army Officers to Act as Observers. WASHINGTON, Feb. Id. Mr. Grls com, the American Minister at Tokio, has been directed to request permis sion of the Japanese government for the following army officers to accom pany the Japanese army: Colonel E. H. Crowder, General Staff; Captain J. F. Morrison, of the Twelfth Infantry; Captain Frederick Marsh, Artillery Corps, and Captain J. E. Kuhn, Engin eer Corps. Will Accompany Japanese Army. LONDON, Feb. 10. General Sir Wil liam Nicholson. Director General of Mili tary Intelligence of the War Office, and and Colonel J. A. L. Haldame, of the Gor don Highlanders, have been appointed to accompany the Japanese army. American Officer Asks for Orders. WASHINGTON, Feb. 10. The follow ing cablegram was received by the Gen eral Staff today from Oliver S. Wood, United States Military Attache at Tokio, dated February 10: "War existing. Request Instructions. Japanese navy destroyed two Russian ships at Chemulpo and three at Port Arthur February 8. Details follow." In answer to his inquiry Major Wood, who was desirous of going to the front, was' instructed to remain In Tokio, the General Staff believing he would be able to gather moro information there. Corean Minister Calls on Roosevelt. WASHINGTON, Feb. 10. President Roosevelt received at the White House today Mr. Minhul Cho, the Minister of Corea, who called to pay his respects, and to present formally his letters of recall from Washington. The Minister has been transferred to Tokio. He pre sented to the President, Mr. TelTMoo Sin, second secretary of the Legation, who will act as Charge d'Affalres of Corea, until the designation of another Minister. Of No Significance, Says -France. PARIS, Feb. 10. The Foreign Office dis credits the reports from Tien Tsin yester day of the French occupation of Shan Hal Kwan on the Gulf of Llao Tung. The of ficials here say the negotiations on this subject-occurred six months ago, without SCENE OF THE NAVAL OPERATIONS OF THE JAPANESE-RUSSIAN WAR definite results, and the officials believe that the reported arrival of French troops there arose from the shifting of the small garrison detachments. The officials add that there certainly ean be no significance In the French occupying the forts vacated by tha Russians. Supplies for the Japanese Army SAN FRANCISCO. Feb. 10. The stearo smp Gaelic sailed today for the Orient with 3800 tons of freight. Including 1100 tons of flour for Japan, 1200 bales of cot ton, 4C0 tons of lead, and five ton3 of shoe nails for use in the manufacture of shoe wear for the Japanese Army. Among the passengers was John Fowler, United States Consul at Che Foo, who has been home on leave of absence. In the steer age were about 40 Japanese who propose to enlist in their country's army. Russian Gunboat Not Seized. SHANGHAI, Feb. 10. The Russian gun boat Manjur, reported from various sources to be under repairs at Nagasaki, Japan, where she Is said to have been seized by the Japanese, is In the harbor here. She Is ready for sea at a moment's notice. Austria-Hungary Strictly Neutral. VIENNA, Feb. 10. Count Goluchowski. the Austrian-Hungarian Minister for For eign Affairs, announced at today's ses sion of the Hungarian DelegaUon that Austria-Hungary had resolved to observe strict neutrality In the far East, Britain Will Declare Herself. LONDON, Feb. 10. It was announced. In the House of Commons today that a proc lamation of British neutrality will be drawn up at a special Cabinet meeting to morrow and that It will "be published shortly afterward. "The very moment you call on the neigh bors for piano advice your troubles begin." Will put into the home the piano your family has needed so long. If you can't afford an expensive Instrument at this time, come in and see our $188 Piano We will make an exchange ar rangement which we are sure will be greatly to your advantage and liking. Allen SGilbert-Ramaker Co. Oldest. Largest, Strongest. Cor. Sixth and Morrison Sts. Opposite Postofflce. The Oregon Optical Co. 173 Fourth St. Y.M.C.A.BIdg. Scientific eye examination and the furnishing of glasses, if nec essary, Is our business exclus ively. EXAMINATION FREE.