THE FAR EAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1083, 29 December 1903, Page 2

THE FAR EAST.

THE WAR CLOUD,

KEEN AMERICANS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Dec. 27. Realising tho possibility of a RussoJapanoso war resulting in tbe conclusion of a treaty which would not leave neutrals any trade advantage in Corea and Manchuria, America is pressing Corea to open Wiju beforo tbe crisis, and urging China to ratify a commercial treaty with a view to the early opening of Antung and Mukden.

A company of American marines is being sent to protect tho American Legation at Seoul. Four Japanese officers in Europe are allotting large orders to army contractors. St. Potorsburg, Dec. ‘27. An agitation prevails at St. Petersburg over China’s warlike preparations, particularly in the Pechili province. The numbers of Cbunchuses are iucroasmg, thousands infesting Manchuria, many being mounted and armed with Winchester rifles, terrorising oven tho Russians in the maritime province of Viadivostock by incursions from the China Sea- Russian troops engaged in hunting Chunchuses are suffering heavily. A RAILWAY PROJECT. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Received 10.7 p.m., Dec. 2S. London, Dec. 28. Japan has guaranteed capital for the Fusan-Seoul railway to tho extent of one million sterling. The contract provides for completion in 1904. LATEST I)EVELOPMENTS. RUSSIA LIKELY TO DRAG' CHINA IN. BRITAIN’S UNPRBPARBDNESSr

By Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright. Received 12.20 a.m-, Dec. 29. LONDON, Dec. 28.Tho Standard states that" trustworthy information has reached St. Petersburg that negotiations between Russia and Japan will he resumed immediately. Dr. Morrison says that Russia is determined that the struggle shall not be confined to herself and Japan. .In the event of war China will not "be allowed to remain neutral. Russia is certain to make a pretext for attacking her. Dr. Morrison laments Britain’s tardiness in preparing for eventualities, lie declares that Japan’s preparations arc thoroughly complete, and adds : Japan’s explicit promise that she would never recognise Russian rights in Manchuria, except China yielded, has sustained China’s wavering resistance to M. Lessar’s pressure.

NEW YORK, Dec. 28. New York newspapers have more pacific news to the belief that England has notified Russia that ‘she 'thinks Japan’s demands are just. The New York Sun says that if the contest is extended to Europe the United States’ navy will be ranged with Britain if the Powers declare food contraband. The United States’ squadron at Honolulu is proceeding to Asiatic waters.- '■ PARIS, Dec. 28.

In the Senate, M. Delcassc declared there was nothing in the iFar Eastern situation which justified alarmist reports. The pacific disposition of both Powers was undoubted, He added that though Britain and France were in contact on many points, there were no vital intciests affected. Conciliation was always easy it public opinion favored it? The recent convention had facilitated a settlement, of delicate questions which had been ' too long neglected. The speech was received with applause.

VIENNA, Dec. 28. Herr Brandt, formerly German Minister in China and Japan, states in an article published in a Vienna newspaper, that Japan at the present time has a good chance of defeating Russia? The Japanese army is far superior to any force Russia is able to operate with in the near future.