THE EASTERN CRISIS.

Bush Advocate, Volume XVI, Issue 230, 1 February 1904, Page 2

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

+ United Frees Association. By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. London, January 31. Count Limfdoiff has intimated that the reply will be transmitted next week. Great care has been bestowed in drafting it. Prince Alexieff's views «re also awaited before the drafts are finally submitted to the Czar. The Times' Paris correspondent says an interview with pi omiuent Russians, published in Paris, and utterances in other directions, show that Japan's decisive attitude renders it extremely difficult to frame v reply whioh will be neither provocative of war nor involve a complete surrender. The Daily Mail's Chefoo correspondent states ; hat v .Japanese warship in the vicinity of Cb'eumlpho, fired thrics across the bows of the Russian steamer Argan, bound from Nagasaki to Daluy. In response to the frantic appeals of the passengers, the captain of the Argan decided to stop, but no further challenge was made. French rentes (Government stocks) have declined materially in Paris, and Russian stocks hive suffered a heavy loss. Others are nffacted. A rumour has been circulated that Russia prohibits the export of cereals. The decline in Russian stocks at St. Petersburg reacted on the market at Berlin. A Reuter. despatch says that unusual activity is being displayed at Simonstown, where warships are taking in large supplies of coal and ammunition. ln^ the event of war Prince Kuro patkin will command the Russian land forces. (Received This Day, 8.57 a.m.) London. Jan. 81. Merchandise traffic on the transSiberian railway will be suspended after February 2nd so as to leave the liae free for the transport of troops and military stores.