CRISIS IN THE FAR EAST.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11580, 11 May 1903, Page 6

CRISIS IN THE FAR EAST.

Important developments, as will be eeea from our cable messages this morning,, have taken place in regard to the Russian occupation of Manchuria. If these messages are correct Russia, after first pretending to withdraw in terms of her undertaking has now thrown off the mask, having Teoccupied the forts at the treaty port of Niuchwang, with an increased 1 force, bringing with them several largo guns, and is also accumulating large stores of provisions and munitions of war. Simultaneously at is reported that Russian troops, on a/ very flimsy pretext, are establishing themselves in Corea. Bearing in mind the intense irritation and uneasiness manifested by the Japanese before these alarming developments it must be confessed- that the outlook is anything but reassuring. Tho most promising feature, from the point* of view of those who desiro to see a continuance of peace, is the evident disposition of America to join forces with Great Britain and Japan in bringing pressure to bear on Russia and China to maintain the open door in __nchuria. If such joint pressure were firmly applied one can hardly see how it could be resisted. At the same time it must be remembered that* Ru_ia. | stands in a strong position owing to thai, fact that she can now pour troopa Manchuria overland toy means- of the Si-, ■ \\ berian railway. The three naval Power? . named could no doubt effectively di»poso of the Russian fleet, but if it came to ' carrying out operations on land they would be faced with a problem of some difficulty. The drplomatio horizon in the Far East will 1» scanned with some anxiety during the next few days.