THE FAR EAST.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 166, 15 July 1903, Page 2

THE FAR EAST.

Latest news from the Far East is distinctly disconcerting to upholders of international peace. If it be actually true that the Russian Minister at Pekin has advised Russian civilians to leave Newchang, Port Arthur, and Korea, by a certain date, then we may take it for granted that M. Lessar, the official in question, sees a war ahead at a very short date. Other news, such as that of the bellicose attitude of the Russian press at Port Arthur and the arrival of numbers of transport animals in Manchuria, are also rather alarming. Japan is said to be busily completing her arrangements for " eventualities " ; and "eventualities " simply mean war. Rumors of war there have been often enough before this, but no war has followed. Dr Morrison, the London Times correspondent at Pekin, told us last week that " Manchuria was irretrievably gone," and we still believe that neither Japap or America, nor Great Britain, will take up arms to make the Bear disgorge what he has already practically swallowed. The question of the •' open door " is, however, another matter. On this point the American President appears to have made up his mind, and if Mr Roosevelt remains firm his attitude will serve to fortify Japan and Great Britain in their alleged determination that both Manchurian and Korean ports shall remain open, free, and unfettered to international commerce. The point now to be settled, will Russia give way and allow an "open door?" If she does not, we take it that war must come, but we hold firmly to the opinion that at the last minute she will back down, for we can hardly conceive of the Tsar and his Ministers being so mad as to defy the three great Powers who make the demand for the " open door."