Britain and Powers May Keep Out of the Conflict.

Hastings Standard, Volume VIII, Issue 4151, 10 February 1904, Page 3

Britain and Powers May Keep Out of the Conflict.

Received February 1". at *.l! a.m. London. Peon ary 9. It is stated on the Continent that there is a prospect of a liritish-Frerich-German collective note agreeing to i*ep aloof from the conflict. It is hoped America will join in. GENERAL NEWS OF THE SITUATION. Received February 9, at 10.32 p.m. London, February 9. Baron Hayashi states that Russia's reply was never de.ivered. The Austrian 'Legation at Pekin states that the Japanese Guard regi ments and two army divisions embarked on the Vth instant aboard for ty steamers at Moji, near Shimonoseki, and fcbat tge Russian cruiser squadron has left Port Arthur. Mr Bennett Burleigh, wiring from Nagasaki, accused Russia of deliberately precipitating the crisis by sending transports escorted by the fleet to land full divisions of trootf; at Yalu. Japan thereupon seized several Russian merchant steamers, probably at Masampho, though the name of the place has -been censored. Japan also seiz-ed a ship chartered by the Russian Government to coinfey stores and coal to Port Arthur, and two other vessels were captured outside and sent to Sascbo. Thr Japanese are -lispla) rnsr great activity.

JAPAN QUITE READY. Receivqd February 10, at <> 17 am. London, February •*>. The "Daily Mail's"' Chefoo correspondent states that mobilisation of The ..'arj>ne<:e arm;. ;n»d n-'ny h<been completed. Sixty transports have sailed to land troops at southern and western: ports art 1 ! as far north as Cbemulpbo, with a view to the occupation of Se*»ul The main body of the lleet has sailed in the direction of Port Arthur. ACCOUNTS OF FIGHTING. ** Received! February l», at IN a.iji London. February .1. Firing was hoard off Koje Island, near Masampho, an Saturday. Router announces that Japanese torpedo boats are attacking Russian warships at fori Arthur. JAPANS DEMANDS. February l'», at u.17 a.m. Loudtui, February !l. M. Kurmu mi On* ">!h instatit notiCount Lauisdorfl tbat Japan ic-

CABLES.

(garded the independence and terrltor ial integrity of Corea as absolutely 'essential to Japanese security and to the adequate safeguarding of her preponderating interests in Corea. Russia's inadmissable amendments / amounted to ;l rejection of Japan's I moderate and unselfish demands That coupled with Russia's refusal to enter into an engagement with respect to China s territorial integrity and with respect to Manchuria, rendered it necessary for Japan to consider measures of defence, in view of Rus.iai< unexplained delay in forwarding , her reply and her naval and military activities, which it, was dilficu,t to reconcile with pacific aims.SineS Jap an's moderation and forbearance was not accorded due consideration she haVf no alternative but to terminate futile negotiations and relations which had ceased to be of any value. Japan had a right to take independent action to consolidate and defend her menaced positions and to protect her established rights ami legitimate interests. Received February 9,1.41 a.m. London, February 9. St Petersburg telegrams state that the Japanese fleet attacking Port Arthur included 17 armored vessels. Mr Hay asked the Powers to unite in warning the combatants that China's neutrality and integrity must be recog nised during hostilities and afterwards. St Petersburg, February 9. Immense crowds are cheering before the Winter Palace, where the Czar and Czarina and all the high dignatories are attending a service to pray for the success of the Russian arms. Personages present state the Japanese attacked Port Arthur and the tight ing is proceeding. A Court Ball at the Palace has been abandoned.