WAR SHADOWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 30, 5 February 1904, Page 3

WAR SHADOWS.

THE LOWERING OF THE CLOUDS LONDON, Feb. 3. Russia claims that stie has already there antd procewling to the Far East 390,000 troops, an'd that she is able to transport 110,000 per month. A Vladivostok telegram states that Japanese troops have occupied SeoulFusan railway, and taken a number of guns to Seoul. Paris correspondents are unanimous in agreeing that the French people do not exhibit interest in the Far East, and arc anxious not to disturb the reviving trade. Germany is sending a large flotilla of flat-ibjottomed gunboats to patrol Yangtse from the mouth to _ ChunKing. A CORRECTION. (Received Feb. 4, 10.27 pi.m.) LONDON, Feb. 4. The statement that Japan has demanded compensation for her preparations for war is now stated! to be ungraded. RUSSIA'S RUMOURED DETERMINATION. FORCING JAPAN'S HAND. (Received Feb. 4, 10.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 4. The Czar has earnestly considered the reply to be sent to Japan and rtp -delivery at [Tokio has H>en postponed for several days. Reuter's St. Petersburg corresoonident staites that on Tuesday the general staff authorised Prince Alex iefl to "declare war and open hostilities on our responsibility," if circumstances appear to him to render that course necessary. The early issue is expected of an Imperial manifesto declaring war if Japan does not accept the terms cmbodied in the reply, which is Russia's last wond. An unofficial despatch has reached Tpkio that Russia has decided o;i yi&rs " No - corroboration of Renter's despatch has tteen received, and in official circles in London tihe scepticism as to its accuracy is most pronounced. It is interpreted as blind threats after ineffectual bluff.