THE FAR EAST.

Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10917, 7 January 1904, Page 2

THE FAR EAST.

RUSSIA AND JAPAN. St. Petersburg, Jan. 5. The "Novoe Vremya," in a pessimistic article, says that despite the efforts of the Russian and Japanese Governments to avert war, the former desiring peace and the latter wishing to avert bankruptcy, War is approaching nearer and nearer. The paper holds that the Japanese, newspapers and people are responsible for the situation; . . London, January 5. The Korea Charge d'Affaires in London states that Korea never agreed to her northern frontier being converted into a neutral zone. The Japanese proposals were much more favorable than the Russian, and he believed that Wi ju and Yongampho would shortly be opened to foreign trade. . - Lloyd's quotations against waf within the month are nominally 50 guineas per cent. The insurance of cargo to Japan in Japanese steamers is about 25 or 30 guineas per cent. It is generally believed that Russia's- reply to Japan is designedly dilatory in order to enable further reinforcements. The "Daily Express" says that King Edward is using strong influence with the Czar to secure peae, and also the amelioration of the condition of the Jews in Russia. Three Italian cruisers have been ordered to the Far East. Melbourne, January 6. Commander Colquhoun, of the Victorian Naval Force, has been appointed London "Times" correspondent in the event of war between Japan and Russia. Commander Colquhoun will also act as Australian representative at the front. Received Jan. 6, 10.5 p.m. London, January 6. All news regarding the movements of warships is prohibited at Tokio. The American Minister at Seoul considers that the situation is very grave. Rioting is feared among the Korean soldiers., American marines have been sent opportunely to Seoul. The latest advices received from St. Petersburg state that some of the Japanese proposals have been accepted, and that others are the subject of extended observations and counter proposals. The concessions are regarded as implying a very considerable hope that they will be satisfactory to Japan, and that peace may be announced at the Russian Christmas. Received Jan. 6, 9.48 p.m. The Russian cruiser Domitre Donskoi and tcvo destroyers have sailed from Bizerta to the eastward. St. Petersburg, Jan, 6. Advices received at St. Petersburg from Mukden and Vladivostock state that owing to conflicts between Japanese and Koreans a second rifle regiment of full strength has been sent to Korea to protect Russian interests. Tokio, January 6. Trustworthy reports received at Tokio state that the Russian squadron is preparing for action. The cru>ser Port Arthur has sailed with a small landing force, it is believed for Chemulpho. Received Jan. 7, 12.49 a.m. Berlin, January 6. The " Vossiche Zeitung" says that Russia is vainJy seeking in her reply to show that she affords a basis for peace, and thus ■to throw the blame on Japan if war occurs. London, January 6. Router's Tokio correspondent says that Russia's reply has not been received yet. The "Standard's" Tokio correspondent says the semi-official newspapers regard an open rupture with Russia as a matter of course, Mr Burleigh states that Van Rosen's absence from recent functions is commented on. The "Times" declares that there is little room for doubt that Russia means to precipitate a conflict. Tbe sending of a second regiment to Korea is a violation of the spirit of the Russo-Japanese agreements, and is calculated to exercise a disastrous influence. The move will possibly prove the most decisive and far reaching in its consequences of any on either side.