RUSSIA AND THE FAR EAST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12400, 13 October 1903, Page 5

RUSSIA AND THE FAR EAST.

THE OCCUPATION OF MANCHURIA.

GATHERING OP WARSHIPS AT PORT ARTHUR.

A JAPANESE OPINION. By Tekgrapll—Priߣ3 Association.-Copyright. Washington, October 11. The Chinese Minister here told Mr. Hay,. Secretary of State, that there was no sign of Russia removing a single soldier from Manchuria, and that was equally the case as regards Niuchwang. * * London, October 11. The Japanese Ambassador in London is denying rumours that a Japanese ultimatum was being issued. He declared that it was wrong to deduce that a menace was intended against Japan from the assembly of Russian war vessels at Port Arthur.

A NEW ZEALANDER'S OBSERVATIONS. /:■ (Received October 12, 10.29 p.m.) Brisbane, October 12. Mr. Downie Stewart, a New Zealand barrister, arrived by the steamer Eastern. He i travelled from Moscow to Vladivostock, by the Siberian railway. On being interviewed he stated that every station and bridge is guarded by Russian soldiers, and at intervals all along the line there are Russian camps. It had been proposed that they should clear out and allow the Chinese to protect their railways, but Russia did not intend to clear out. He though there was very little likelihood of Avar with Japan. If it did come to fighting the Japs would be swept out of the country. He noticed at various stations many transport waggons in which the Russians could transport an enormous army. Speaking of the Siberian railway, he said it was very lightly and badly constructed. So far as Mr. Stewart could make out the Chinese were very pleased with the Russian occupation because they found the Russians kept good order. Ha believed Vladivostock was practically impregnable. - The Russians were continually building substantial fortifications and business places. Taking the indications all round he believed there would be no Avar, but if there was war the Japanese would be beaten, Russia would never leave Manchuria.