THE FAR EAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1080, 23 December 1903, Page 2

THE FAR EAST.

JAPAN WARNS ARMY RESERVE. LONDON, Dee. 21. Advices from Nagasaki state that the Army Reserve lias been warned to be in readiness. Mr' Bennett Burleigh, the Daily Telegraph’s war correspondent,states that the Russians are more nervous of the power of the Japanese fleet and China’s possible attitude than of flic attitude of Great Britain.

Mr Burleigh states that not half the positions at Port Arthur have guns.

There is an impression at Port Arthur that there will be no war before the spring. The St. James’ Gazette expresses the opinion that Japan is certain to strike before the Russian squadron from Bizcrta reaches Port Arthur.

.THE ADMIRALTY; PREPARED, SQUADRON TO BE FOUND IN RIGHT PLACE. RUSSIA’S NEED OE A DOCK,; By Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright. Received 10.25 p.m., Dec. 22^ LONDON, Dec. 22. The Admiralty is prepared for every eventuality. The cruiser squadron has presumably gone to the West Indies, but will he found in the right place if required. There is no British warship en route to the Far East, but it is understood that the eom'manders of the China’and East Indian stations, and possibly of the Australian station,, are in possession of secret orders. Russians at Port Arthur sorely feel the absence of docks. War ships in the vicinity soon foul their bottoms, impeding speed, and they are unable, in the event of war, to venture far from their base.

Baron Jutaro Ivoimira, Japanese Foreign Minister, has handed to the Russian Minister a reply requesting reconsideration of certain essential) points.;

it is reported in London that the .Japanese demand prompt recognition ol’ treaty provisions in regard to Korea anti Manchuria^

FALL IN PRICE OF STOCKS. JAPANESE SUPPOSED TO BE WAITING FOR AN ADVANTAGE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighi Receivoil 12.47 a.m., Dec. 23 Tokio, Dec. 22,

Sixty Japanese military engineers have been sent to Korea to replace Civil experts along the Japanese telegraph lines. It is officially declared that the movement has no military significance. Owing to the rumors of the assembling of military and transports at Hiroshima a sharp fall has occurred at Tokio in Japanese stocks.

, London, Doc. 22. Tho foreign market in London is depressed. Japanese and Russian bonds are from one half to one and half lower. Tho rate for war risks on a throemonths policy at Lloyds is forty guineas per sent.

It is thought in some quarters that Japan is only awaiting the freezing of the Vladivostock harbor in January. The Daily Mail’s Shanghai correspondent states the Cruiser Sirius, which was intended to winter there, has beeD ordered to Woihoiwai.

Russia’s normal consumption of Welsh steam coal and patent fuel is 70 thousand tons ; ninety thousand additional have been ordered during the past two months, all to be shipped by the end of December.