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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 12, 1904)
The Omaha Daily Bee. KSTAHLLSIIKI) 19, 1871. OMAHA, FIJIPAY MOKMXO, FHIJIIUAKY 12, 1901 TWELVE PACIES. S1XOLE COPY TIIIIKi: CENTS. MUST BE IMPARTIAL Presidont Issues Hi Proclamation to Chirm of United States. ACTS FORBIDDEN BY NEUTRALITY LAWS Prohibits Citizaua from Entering the Bertice of the Belligerents. PREVENTS THE HIRING OF MEN TO ENLIST Pitting Out cr Arming of Ships to Help Belligerents Forb.dden. SEVERE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING ACT myv AUo Forbids Hostile Power from In Any War Preparing Ships In Witiri of the Inlfcd State. WASHINGTON, Feb. 11. Today Presl drnt Roosevelt Issued the following procla mation declaring the neutrality of this government In tlie Russo-Japanese war: Ity tho president of the. United States of Amnio. A prix lamatlon: WtiHpHH, A slate of war unhappily ex ists between JapMii, on tin; one Bide, and liUKHiu, on the other side; And whereuH, The. frilled State are on terms of friendship ami amity with both the contending powers c.nii with the per sons inhalilliiig the hi vera I dominions; And Whereas, There are citizens of the limed Slates residing within the terri tories or dominions of each of the said belliKerents nnd carrying on rommoree, tiaiie. or other dullness or pursuits therein, protected by the faith of treaties, And whereas. There aie suljects of each of the sulci iK-lliKereiils rtsidir.g within the territory or Jurisdiction ot the l'nlte.1 States anil carrying on commerce, trade, or oilier business or purHults therein; And whereas, The Inwa of the t'nlted State without Interfering with the free expression of opinion and sympnthy, or with the open mamifueture or salu of arms w;r munitions or war, nevertheless impose Upon all perrons who may tie within their territory urd jurisdiction the duty of an Impartial neutrality during the existence Of the contest; And whervas. It In the duty of a neutral government not to permit or suffer the making of Its water subservient to the iiiriiotes of war: Now, therefore, I. Theodore Roosevelt, firesldcnt of thp I 'tilted (States of America, n order to preserve the neutrality of the I'nlted Htates nnd of their citizens and of person within their territory and Juris diction and to enforce their laws nnd treaths of the T'nlted States in this be half and of the law of nations, may thus be prevented from unintentional violation of tho same, do hereby declare and pro claim that by the act passed on the Li'ih day of April. ISIS, A. P.. commonly known a the ''Neutrality law," the following acts are forbidden to be done, under severe penalties, within the territory and Juris diction of the United States, to wit: Acts Forbidden by I.aw. 1. Exercising; a commission to' serve ellheri of the wild belligerents, by land or by sea, against the other behlgerent. 2. Kiillsliiig or vnttrliirf into service of either of the said belligerent as a soldier or as a marine or seaman on board of any vessel of war, letter of marque or privateer. 3. Hiring or retaining uuuther person to enlist or enter himself in the service of either of the said belligerents as a oololtr or as a marine or seaman on board of any vessel of war, letter of marque or privateer. 4. Hiring another person to go beyond the limits or jurisdiction of the United States with Intent to be enllstel as aforesaid. u. Hiring another pel son to go beyond the limits of the United States with Intent to be entered into service as aforesaid. 6. Retaining another person to go beyond tho limits of the United States with Intent to be enlisted ns aforesaid. 7. Retaining another person to go beyond the limits of the Unlled States to be en tered Into the service of the a'oresald. (lUit the said art Is not to be construed to extend to a citizen of eltheiv belligerent, who, being transiently within the L'nltel States, shall, on board of another vessel of war which at the time of Its arrival within the United States was fitted and equipped as such vessel of war, enlist or enter himself or hire or retain another subject or citizen of the same helllgerent who Is transiently within the United States to enlist or enter himself to Sfrve such belligerent on board such vessel of war. If the UnltPd states shall then be at peace Willi such belligerent). X. fitting out and arming, or attempting to fit out and arm, or procuring to bo fitted out atul armed, or knowingly belr.g con rernedln the furnishing, titling out or arm Inn; of any ship or vessel with intent' that such ship or vessel shall be employed In tho service of either of the belligerents. 9. Issuing or delivering a commission within the territory or Jurisdiction of the United States for a ship or vessel to the intent that it may be employed as afore said. in. Increasing or augmenting, or procur ing to be Increased or augmented, or know- Stly being concerned in increasing or aug entlns the force of any ship of war. cruiser or other armed vessel, which at the time of her arrival within the United States was a ship of war, cruiser or armed vessel In the service of either of the said bel ligerents, or belonging to the subjects of either, by adding to the number of guns of such vessels, or by changing those on board of her for guns of a larger caliber, or by the addition taerets of any equipment solely applicable to war. 11. Beginning or setting on foot or pre- r a ring the means for any military expedl Inn or enterprise to be carried on from the territory or Jurisdiction of the I'nlted Plates, or lit the dominion of the said bel ligerents. Law Against Itelllgereat. And I do hereby further declare and pro claim that frequenting and any use of the wiiers within the territorial jurisdiction of the United Slate by armed vessels of either belligerents, whether public ships or priva tes , for the purpose of preparing fur hos tile operations or as posts of observations uport tho ships of war or privateer or merchant vessels of the other belligerent lying within or being about to enter the jurisdiction of the United States must be regarded as unfriendly and offensive and In violation of that neutrality which It is the determination of this government to observe, and to the end that the hasnrd and Inconvenience of such apprehended practices may be avold.nl I further pro claim nnd declare that from and after the ljth dav of February Instant, and during the continuance of the ptesent hostilities between Japan and Russia, no ship of war or privateer of either belligerent shall be permitted to make use of any port, harbor, roadstead or water subject to the Juris diction of the United States from which a vessel of the other lielllgerent (whether the same shall he a ship of war. a privateer or a merchant ship) shall nave previously ne I arted until after thrt expiration of at least fw..tit v-four hours from the departure of such last mentioned beyond tho Jurisdiction of the United States. If any ship of war or privateer or either belligerent shall, after the time of this liotihcatlon takes effect, enter any port, harbor, roadstead or waters ef the I'nlted States such vessels shall bn required In de part and put to sea within twenty-four tours after her entrance Into such port, harbor, roadstead or waters, except In case r stress of weather or of her requiring pro visions or thinu necessary for the subsist, ence of her crew or for repairs; In either of which cases the authorities of the port or ef the nearest port (aa the case muy be) shall require her to put to sea as soon as i.ussllilo after the expiration of such perl.il of twenty-four hour, without iiermlttlng her to take In supplies beyond what may be nccesarv for her Immediate use, and no sun vessel which may have been permitted to remain within the waters of the United States for the purpose of repair shall con tinue within such port, harbor, roadstead or waters for a longer period than twenty, four hours after her necessary repairs shall have lieen completed, imli-ss within such twenty-four hours a vessel, whether shin of war. rrlvateer or merchant ship of the other bel'lgerent hall have deimrted there from. In which ess the time limited for the Opart tire of soch shin of war ir ortvateer stijll be extended s far as may be neoes- r7y to secure sa Interval or not less inan iwetitv-ri-ur hours ret ween such departure and that of any ship of wsr. privates or pwchunt ship of the other belligerent RASKA WEHHER F0RECAST C". Wirmrr Frldaa I Saturday ' Snow la West Portion. Ilnrr Omaha Vrntrrdari Ilea;. Ilnnr. lira. .. O 1 p. m 1'J Ho ft 4 a. T a. .... 2 p. m. . . . . . in St p. m ...... 1 ft 4 p. m 17 ft p. m Irt t p. m in T p. m II H p. m !' O p. m. . . . . . 12 a. m li a. m o 10 a. m 4 11 i. n H 12 m lO Indicates below sern. PANAMA QUESTION IN FRANCE Premier Combes lias Dlscnsslon In Chamber Postponed I'ntll Last of Session. PARIS, Feb. 11. The Panama question rame up In the Chamber of Deputies today when the president of the chamber, M. Brlsson, submitted the Interpellation of M. Ferretta (nationalist) asking what measures the government proposed to adopt against the "peril of the cession ot the canal to a foreign government." Premier Combes requested that the de bate be postponed to the bottom of the list of all matters now pending. M. Ferrette declared that SOO.nm French holders of obligations were anxiously wait ing to know what the government's course would be. M. Combes replied: "I would like to know what minister could be expected to answer such an Interpellation? The funds, of the Panama Cnnal company are private funds. Therefore It Is not for the ministers to answer such questions." By a vote of 3o0 to 252 M. Combes' motion to postpone the discussion of M. Ferrette's Interpellation until all others on the list was adopted. The premier's declaration was considered as expressing the government's Intention not to be drawn Into the controversy. REGARDS WAR INEVITABLE Snbllme Porte Finds In Bolgarla Loophole of Bscape from Carry Ina Oat Iteform Measures. VIENNA, Feb. 11. The Politlsche Kor respondenx, a semi-official newspaper, to day publishes a communication from Con stantinople, suytng that In Turklnh gov ernmental circles the conviction obtaln.4 that the present situation In the far east renders war In Bulgaria Inevitable. In .'low of this condition of affairs It Is con sidered unnecessary that the porte should burden Itself with tho serious obligation Involved In carrying out the principal measures of the reform plans for Mace donia. Commenting upon this statement the Politlsche Korrespondens says the fact that such an opinion prevails merits the most earnest attention of the Interested powers. TOWER DINES THE EMPEROR Kaiser's Presence at Ambassador's Reception Regarded as a Com- pilment to lalted States. BERLIN, Feb. ll.-Emperor William dined with United Stales Ambassador and Mrs. Tower tonight. Among the guests were George von I Meyer, United States ambassador to Italy, and Mrs. Meyer, Mel ville E. Stone and Dean B. Mason, United States vice consul general In London, Em peror William remained In conversation with the company for two hours after leaving the table. '' The diplomatic corps regards his maj esty's presence at this dinner as a compli ment to the United States and that It Is intended by his majesty as an unusual Indication of the high position Mr. Tower has attained as ambassador to Germany, ROUMANIA TO WATCH BULGARIA Report that Powers Desire Former to Protect Peace In Latter. BUCHAREST. Roumanla. Feb. 11. It Is reported here that Premier Stourdsa has been sounded by the Austro-Hungarlan and Russian governments as to whether In the event of the Macedonian movement assuming serious proportions In the spring Roumanla would accept a mandate from the European powers to occupy Bulgaria with troops. According to the "Statesman's Year Book" the army of Roumanla, on a war footing, numbers about 170,000. The war strength of Bulgaria Is estimated by the same authority aa being 206,080 men. AMERICANSDROWN IN TAYABAS Philippine Teacher aad Physicians Die as Result of rapalslnsT ot Boat. MANILA, Feb. 11. A serious drowning fatality is reported oft the coat of Taya baa, the southeastern province of Luson. A number of government officials were re turning to the mainland from a festival on Alabat Island In a small boat.' when a se vere storm arose and the frail csaft was capsized. The list of drowned Included llurch and Grace MarOrew, teachers; a Contract Burgeon named F. Tetamore, J. Williams, a physician of the Board of Health, and two natives. FEAR WAR IN THE BALKANS Belief Is Expressed that Turkey and Bulgaria Will Settle Old Scores. CONSTANTINOPLE. Feb. ll.-T.ti dlpl matlc circles here the fear is Increasing that Turkey and Bulgaria will take advan tage of Ruasla'a preoccupation In the far east to settle their differences. Turkish securities have been falling since February i. Chamberlain tioes to India. LONDON, Feb. ll.-Joseph Chamberlain and Mrs. Chamberlain started for Cairo, Egypt, today on a prolonged holiday. Lady C'urxon of Keddleston, wife of the viceroy of India, and their children arrived In Lon don today. Cape Colony Premier Defeated. CAPETOWN. Cape Colony. Feb. 11. Sir John Gordon Spring, the premier, has been defeated In the parliamentary election held at F.ast London, which he had represented for nearly thirty yeara. ' Chilean Miners Strike. NEW YORK. Feb. 11. -Five thousand la lorers and coal miners have gone on a strike, says a Valparaiso dispatch to the Herald. So far no disorder has been re ported. Australia Has Snrplna Wheat. ADELAIDE. Australia. Feb. ll.-The sur plus wheat of South Australia available fur aijjort la tUua,ted at 000 bushel. CHINA APPEALS FOR-HELP Asks United States to Secori Pledges for tat Integrity of the Country. FEAR BEING BROUGHT INTO CONTEST I. Sweden Also Sees a hance to Become Involved Should Knarland Decide to Take Part In the Affray. (Copyright, 1WM, by James Gordon Bennett.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 11. (New York Herald Telegram Special Telegram.) I learn from a trustworthy source that China has asked the United States to obtain an International pledge aa to the Integrity of China. According to Information furnished at the Chinese legation here this is because China Itself was unable to guarantee the permanence of Its neutrality during the war. My authority at tho legation says the position of the Chinese government Is this: "China Is prepared to maintain strict neutrality for the time being, but how long such en ottitude Is possible will depend on events. It must be remembered that not only Is the war being fought about Man churia, Chinese territory, but fighting la certain on Chinese soil. If the Chinese population becomes excited an uprising may be unavoidable. "Further, It may be neither possible nor desirable for China to remain passive. It has 30.000 well equipped troops at Te Chi I.I, close to the Manchurlan frontier, ready for any emergency." Count Tombe, the Swedish minister here, had several conferences with Baron von Rlchthofen. I understand the Swedes fear Anglo-Russlnn complications, and foresee the possibility of England's seizing the Ilaltln Island of Oosla.nd as a coaling base, which the Swedes would surrender after a show of resistance. Then Russia would de clare that Sweden had violated neutrality. King Oscar may postpone his projected trip to Abbasla and a mobilization of the Swedish army Is not Impossible. Washington Center of Interest. Washington continued today to be the center of the world's diplomacy regarding the great war in progress on the other side of the globe, and the neutrality of China and the neutrality of fhe United States were subjects which vied, with each other In Interest. There was great activity all day long at the State department .and this was due to the prominent position this government hns taken in the efforts to provide for the neu trality of China. This continued to bo the all absorbing question among the diplo mats. A rather remarkable state of affairs re garding recent old world friendship was disclosed. While Russian professed to stand confused at the suggestion and Ber lin newspapers were voicing their friend ship for Russia and denouncing the United States for Interfering In this matter, the State department had In its possession In formation transmitted by the United States ambassador at Berlin that the German im perial government welcomed its suggestion regarding the restricting of hostilities and the neutrality of China. The negative at titude of France, which lately was re garded aa an ally of Russia, even to the point of participating In hostilities, added to the confusion of the situation and a high official expressed the opinion that although France was holding aloof It would be found that the French republic had accepted the suggestions of the American State depart ment. . It developed today that Mr. Hay's mode of procedure has thus far been Included In three diplomatic steps. He first addressed notes to France, Germany and Great Britain on the subject. These replies being deemed by his encouraging, he next framed an identical note to Japan and Russia. This he followed with another Identical note to Italy, Austria-Hungary, Spain, Bulgaria and The Netherlands. The cable today brought from Paris what has been reported to be the exact phraseology of the note of Mr. Hay, presented by our ambassador there to the French foreign office. In this note the word neutralization Is used. It is understood here that Mr. Hay Is not aiming at the neutralisation of China, which would mean something to be accom plished by the other powers, but the "neu trality" of China, which means leas, but accomplishes the same thing. Many Diplomats Call. i Mr. Hay today saw representatives of nearly every European power. Sir Morti mer Durand. Count Cassinl, the Russian ambassador; M. Takahlra, the Japanese minister; Boron Klskra, the Austro-Hungarlan charge d'affaires; Count Cellero, the Italian charge d'affaires, and the retiring Corean mlnUter and his secretary were among the callers. The momentous question aroused by Mr. Hay's note of the limiting of hostilities and the neutralization of China were, of course, discussed, but in a very general way. This question at the present moment is regarded by the diplomats stationed in Washington as one of the most delicate and difficult they have ever been called upon to handle. Inasmuch as war had ac tually broken out before It could be dis cussed, except In a very general way, and because It Is an entirely new proposition In modem warfare and diplomacy. The at titude of Russia in this matter is all Im portant. In view of the fact that Japan, Russia's antagonist. Is already willing to subscribe to the suggestions of the powers concurring with Mr. Hay. No Information whatever has come from the Russian Foreign office to Count Cas sinl and the only Intimation aa to Rus sia's position attainable was the cable In the Herald today that Russia would re gard with pleasure any suggestion that would limit the hostilities within a cer tain sphere, but was noncommittal on and Inclined to object to the neutralization of China. I'ntll Russia's answer Is re ceived the negotiations will be at a stand still. What Rossi Might Propose. The suggestion Is made that Russia might conditionally accede to the propo sition to confine hostilities wherever prac ticable, but might suggest, since it Is ob viously the Intention of Mr. Hay to keep China aloof from the fighting, to also In elude Corea within the sons to be free from violence and bloodshed. Whether such a suggestion would be embarrassing, Is a matter of mere conjecture at this time. The United States is bound by treaty to use its good offices In behalf of Corea, should It be invaded or oppressed by any other nation. Japan has already in vaded Corea and It Is recalled that Its former Invasion during the Chlnese-Japa' nese war was one. of the cruelest episodes In th eannals of modern warfare. Corea has made no appeal to th United State for the use of its good offices in ronse quenca o fthe Japanese Invasion, and the Corean minister, when he called today, mad no refereaeo whatever t tha , NEUTRALITY AT WASHINGTON Hnsalaa and Japanese Diplomats Meet In Stnte Department and Bow Solemnity. (Copyright, 194, by James Gordon Bennett.) NEW YORK, Feb. 11. (New York Herald Telegram Speclul Telegram) The Herald's Washington correspondent says: Painfully punctllllous politeness marked a meeting of the Russian ambassador and the Jap anese minister at the State department this morning. Their first enrounter since war began was observed by Baron Glskra of the Austrian embassy, one of the four teen foreign representatives who conferred with Secretary Hay this morning, which was "diplomatic day." Mr. Takahlra, the Japanese minister, waa with Secretary Hay when Count Cassinl, ' the Russian ambas sador, who is also dean of the diplomatic corps, was ushered Into the diplomatic ante-room. He and Baron Glskra were soon pacing the floor side by side engaged In an earnest discussion of the far eastern sit uation. The State department messenger swung back the door of the diplomatic room. Mr. Takahlra came to a pause on the threshold of the ante-room as he saw before him the distinguished figure of the Russian ambassador. Mr. Takahlra Immediately bowed so pro foundly that his head Bank lower than his waist. The ambassador, whose eyesight Is not the best, did not Observe the Japanese minister until In response to a requesting messenger he started toward the door where stood Mr. Takahlra. The latter re peated his bow more profoundly than be fore and the Russian ambassador gave a most courtly and distinguished bow as he passed. The Japanese minister, however, was not to be outdone in politeness, and when Count Cassinl was half way across the hall he bowed again. Count Cassinl turned once more and returned the salutation and then passed into the diplomatic room and greeted Mr. Hay. The Japanese minister, who was much vexed at the publicity given an incident at the diplomatic reception at the White House, when Count Cassinl taxed him with discourtesy to the dean of the diplomatic corps, and walked straight at Baron Glskra and bowing, less profoundly, how ever, than he did to Count Cassinl, said: "I have Just saluted the doyen of the dip lomatic corps," and especial emphasis was laid upon "doyen," and Mr. Takahlra evi dently Intended to convey the Impression that he had saluted Count Cassinl as the ranking diplomat In Washington and not as the Russian ambassador. RUSSIAN SQUADRON ENROUTE War Fleet Rncoonters Fierce Storms In North Sen and lias to Change Course. LONDON, Feb. IX In a dispatch from Copenhagen a correspondent of the Dally Mall says: The Russian Baltic squadron of fifteen- warships passed through Danish waters to day enroute for the far east around Cape Skagen, but as a fierce storm was raging In the North sea the Russian admiral or dered the squadron through the Kaiser Wllholm canaL The question of the passage of the Darda nelles by the Russian Black aea fleet has not been raised at traV Foreign office here, where the following ssfkement was made to the Associated Press; tonight: Russia has not 'asked permission for the pamage of warships through the Darda nelles. If Russia should attempt .any such thing without asking permlaalon it would constitute a grave breach of the treaty on the subject. KIEL, Feb. 11. Nothing Is known hexe of the report that notice has been given of the Intended passage of a Russian squad ron through the Kiel canal. The Nord Deutscherzedtung publishes under reserve a statement that a Russian squadron is pro ceeding westward around Cape Skagen. CRUISER FOR SEAT OF WAR Warships Will Substitute Japanese for Italians and Enter Hostile Waters on Sunday. ROME, Feb. 11. A cypher cablegram re ceived here contains the information that the Japanese cruisers Nlshin and Kasuga are expected to reach the scene of war on Sunday, and that they will disembark their Anglo-Italian crews and substitute Japa nese. The Official Gazette today publishes the Italian statement of neutrality regard ing the Russo-Japanese war. GOVERNOR REFUSES TO SIGN Believes General Rlggs Ought to Re ceive Pralae Instead of Censure for His Action. BALTIMORE, Feb. ll.-Governor War field refused to sign the resolution which was passed by the house of delegates yes terday censuring Brigadier General Rlggs of the state militia and summoning htm to appear before the bar of the house to answer a charge of exceeding his au thority and the house rescinded its action of yesterday after hearing a statement by General Rlggs. The specific complaint against General Rlggs was that he had refused to recognize passes signed by Governor Warfleld to the members of the legislature admitting them within the firs lines, but Governor Warfleld said General Rlggs' refusal was to be commended in stead of condemned. SAYS PRINCESS KILLED SELF Rumor that Woman Who Was Snld y Have Shot Actress Is Dead. NEW YORK, Feb. 11. Princess Elizabeth of Windlsch-Graetz, granddaughter of Em peror Francis Joseph, who was reported on December 6 to have shot an actress, but which report was officially denied. Is now rumored, says a World dispatch from Vienna, to have committed suicide in the castle at Prague. The dispatch asserts that she was soon to become a mother and had suffered fre quently from attacks of temporary mental aberration. There is, so far, absolutely no confirmation of these rumors. " BILL IS HELD DEFECTIVE Amended Petition Will Be Prepnred In Connection with the Suit Against the I'ulon Pressmen. BOSTON, Feb. 11 The local members of the Typothetae of America today were given leave to withdraw by Judge Lorlng of the supreme court In connection with the petition to have the union pressmen of the city restrained from striking In sympathy with the Job and book compos itors In their contest for a new scale of wages. The court held that the bill was defective and aa amended petition will be prepared. RUSSIANS SINK JAPANESE TORPEDO BOATS RUMOR OF ANOTHER FIGHT London Has Report that Japs Hare Entered Fort Arthur, ENTIRE RUSSIAN FLEET SAID TO HAVE SUNK Unconfirmed Story of Sweeping: Vic tory for the Little Men Comes by Way of Chinese Cnble to English Paper. (Copyright, inot, by James Gordon Bennett.) NAGASAKI, Feb. ll.-(New York Herald Cablegram Special Telegram.) There is more good news for Japan which the peo ple receive with absolute tranquillity. Con tinuing the attack upon Port Arthur the Japanese have captured seven Russian ships and aro chasing others, which they are likely to capture. No Japanese were killed or wounded In the Chemulpo affair. Tho Japanese reserves have been called out. There have been disturbs nces at Port Arthur, a number of Japanese civilians having been killed and others Imprisoned, A Chinese mob has destroyed telegraph and telephone wires around New t'hwang, severing land communications with Tnku. The captured Russian cruiser Varlag has arrived at Saseho. According to telegrams which have reached here from Che Foo and elsewhere It appears that the Russian ships pursued at Chemulpo, he departing Japanese war ship Mljako, but that they In turn were nt tacked by other Japanese war ships and the Russian vessel Koroltz was sunk, the Var lag being captured. (Copyright, 1!H, by James Gordon Bennett.) SHANGHAI, Friday. Feb. 12. (New York Herald Cablegram Special Telegram.) The bombardment of Port Arthur con tinues steadily. Three Russian cruisers have been sunk nnd a Russian bank build ing has been destroyed. London Hears of Disaster. LONDON, Feb. 11. A dispatch to the Reuter Telegram company from Toklo, dated 7:10 p. m. yesterday, says an un official report was current there that the Russian fleet was destroyed, four battle ships and three cruisers being sunk, and that two Japanese war ships were damaged In an engagement yesterday oft Port Ar thur, the Japanese getting between the Russians and the entrance of the harbor before the fight commenced. The St.- Petersburg correspondent of Reuter s Telegram company cables that the naval headquarters' staff there announces that In the fight at Port Arthur six Japa nese ships were slightly damaged and fifty Japanese were killed and 150 wounded. A dispatch to the St. James Gazette from Toitio, under today's date, says that "there are great' rejoicings here at the snccesses ot the Japanese navy. The public build ings, residences and business houses are decorated with flags. Bunting Is to be seen everywhere. Toklo wears the aspect of a city of conquerors. A number of Russian blue Jackets who swam ashore after the Japanees attack on "the Vartair and the Koriets have been made prisoners. Reports from Chemulpo say that both the Varlag and Korietz hoisted the white flag at the lalt moment." Interest In Hay's Action. WASHINGTON. Feb. 11. The move made by Secretary Hay In connection with the proposed neutralization of China has aroused the greatest lnJ terest In diplomatic circles here and in con sequence, this being the regular weekly diplomatic day, many more than the usual number of .ambassadors and ministers called at the State department. That while a email matter of courtesy here, the rep resentatives here of the powers signatory to the Peking treaty were informed by Sec retary Hay of the nature of his proposition, yet this was only for their information. The secretary Is negotiating directly with the European Foreign offices on this sub ject through the resident American ambas sadors and ministers. It was stated today that some, but not all, ot the countries ad dressed had replied and that these replies were generally favorable and satisfactory, but it Is declared to be too early yet to pub lish the text of Secretary Hay's note and any of the replies. It la Intimated, how ever, that this may be done as soon as the negotiations on this point have been con cluded. As some doubt was expressed In certain Quarters as to whether Jnnnn would f consent to be bound In the fashion proposed, it can be stated that such information aa the State department has on the subject is to the effect that Japan would welcome an International agreement neutralizing China. An intimation has been thrown out that one reason for this apparent sacrifice by Japan of the prospective fruits of victory,' if it succeeds In Its campaign, la a fenr that some of the great neutral poVers may grow covetous of more Chinese soil and seise the opportunity when the belligerents are exhausted to extend their Chinese hold ings. One of the Incidents of diplomatic day which waa witnessed with Interest within the diplomatic room of the State depart ment was the meeting of the Russian am bassador and Japanese minister. Count Caaslnl was chatting with the Austrian charge, Mr. Takahlra was alone. Tho Rus sian, who Is dean ot the diplomatic corps, bowed with marked politeness and formal tyy when he perceived the minister, not once, but twice, and the Japanese returned the bow In like manner. Without speaking they parted. Oniclally Xotlnml of Wnr. Secretary Hay has now been officially notified by both Russia and Japan of the existence of war, and from both has had requests that the United States remain neutral. The Russian notification was made yes terday, while the Japanese was delivered today by Minister Takahlra. After refer ring to the fact that the Japanese govern ment had Informed the Russian govern ment of Its decision to terminate the ne gotiations which had been in progress be tween Japan and Russia on questions relat ing to Corea and Manchuria, the minister states that he had been instructed to in form the secretary of state that the em peror of Japan had Issued on the 10th of this month a rescript declaring war against Russia, He said he also was Instructed to express the hope of his government that the necessary measures might be adopted by the United States government in order to make the neutrality effective. This last request Is in line with that made by the Russian ambassador. The two requests will serve as a basis of the forthcoming neutrality proclamation. It was Intended to issue this today, but as some question arose concerning the application of the neu- (Continued on Second Page.), j Japanese Also Suffer It appi-nra from tlie Inlcst re- IMU'ts Hint 1 1 it .liipiHU'si' success nt l'ort Arthur In the opening scene of the wnr wits lriiv:lit nt consiil- I rrnlile expense to themselves. Of the four torpedo limits which eu tereil the lia rlHir iitnl torpedoed the Itussliili ships, three of tliein were sunk, nnd It Is supposed their crews perished with them. Latest information Is to the effect Hint they iimde no effort nt eoiicenl liient. lint were seen Ity 1 ho Iltis slnn omVcrs, who mistook them for ships of their own, its they were displaying the Knssiun signals. There nre rumors of n further naviil luiitle off Tort Arthur. In which It N km Id a number of Hus alwi xliips were either onptured or destroyed. Tills rumor, . however. liicUs eonfirnintion. , The .T.ipHiioKo liitvp nindo severnl Ineffectual attempts to land In the vicinity of l'ort Arthur. The report that the Manehnrinn railway lias, been temporarily dis abled by the blowing up of a bridge lias been continued. This Is likely to be a serious blow, as even the temporary stoppage of communication at tills stuge may be costly. The Russian Hnltle fleet, number ing fifteen powerful ships. Is said to have left St. Petersburg, enroute for the scene of Svnr In the east. GALE RAGES OFF PORT ARTHUR May Capslse the Stranded Warships Within Harbor and Block Entrance. (Copyright, 19ol. by James Gordon Bennett.) CHE FOO, Feb. ll.-(New York Herald Cablegram Special Telegram.) A well grounded report reaches here that a Jap anese squadron sailed on the 4th with the armored cruiser Asuma, escorting troops to Corea. They arrived off Chemulpo on the evening of the 8th and on the morning of the 9th they met off Round Island the two Russian warships Varlag and Koriets. Shots were exchanged and the two Rus sian boats retired to Chemulpo and imme diately sank. They probably were scut tled. , General Tchlchlkoff has taken supreme command of the Russian troops In Man churia, There is a strong northeasterly wind blowing at Che Foo, rendering all com munication by ship Impossible. Many Chi nese boatmen have Just been drowned be fore my eyes. It was impossible to save them owing to the violence of the waves. The storm may capsize the stranded bat tleships at Port Arthur, causing them to block completely the harbor entrance, but it will also compel the Japanese fleet to rollre. HAVE NO TIME FOR CALLS Russian Naval Officer Ordered to Pro ceed Kami Without Fnrther I Formality or Ceremony. ST. PETERSBURG. Feb. 11 Admiral Stalrydloff, commander of the Russian Black sea fleet, has quietly left for the far east to take command of the Russian fleet there. Unattached naval officers in St. Petersburg and Kronstadt have been or dered to go east promptly without making farewell calls. Students In uniform and bareheaded paraded In front of the Kazan cathedral and went to the winter palace. They were followed by several thousands of persons singing the national anthem. The assist ant chief of police thanked the students for their evidences of patriotism, but he requested them to no longer disturb the czar. The crowd then returned, singing, to the cathedral. I SAYS PORT ARTHUR IS LOST Admiral Candlanl Believes Russia Cannot Hold Place nnd that Its -Fleet Is Doomed. ROME. Feb. 11. Admiral Candlanl. who commanded the Italian squadron in the far east during the Chlno-Japanese war and who Is considered here a most competent Judge of the present situation, has given an Interview to the Glornnle dl Italia. He said : It Is reported that Port Arthur has pro visions for eighteen months and that there are no civilians there, but this is doubtful. I believe Port Arthur to be lost to the Russians and their fleet Is destined to ho gradually destroyed, excepting the few ships taking refuge at Vladivostok. I believe Russia can bring tinether UpO.oOO men on bind, and It would he difficult to Increase this number, while Japan can con centrate 300.000 troops in Corea. where it would be supported by local sympathy. MAY GIVE UP THE FAIR Rassla Thinks Seriously of Contrib uting Exposition Funds to the v lied Cross Society. BT. PETERSBURG, Feb. 11. The ques tion of abandoning Russian participation In the St. Ixiula exposition Is under consid eration. The merchants of Mmrnw today notified Commissioner General Alexandra vlsky that they devote the money intended for the exposition to the Red Cross society and to assisting the war orphans and wid ows. They Intend contributing iioO.OOt). If it is decided to abandon the Russian exhibit the government will follow the ex ample of the Moscow merchants and ap propriate the rt. I,ouIm fund and the re mainder of the exposition funds, amounting to J-2G.0X), to the Red Cross society. RUSSIANS GET CHANCE TO SING Bringing of Disabled CrnUer Into the Harbor the Occasion for Knthnalnsm. (Copyright, 1'jN, by James Gordon Bennett ) CHE FOO, Feb. 11. (New York Herald Cablegram Special Telegram.) The in jured Russian cruiser Novlk, which was successfully brought Into the Inner har bor on Tuesday afternoon, was htllel with tremendous chirring by the Russia n , owing to the fact that the Novjk, it hal been reported, had sunk two Japanese tor. pedo boats. Three of the Tour Whioh Torpedo ths Ileet at Port Artknr Are Lost. SUPPOSED CREWS WENT DOWN WITH THEM Come Into the Harbor Flashing Enssian Signals as Thar Adranos. WATCH OFFICER DETECTS NATIONALITY Reports to Superior, Who Overrates Tiin and Disaster Follows. . JAPS MAKE A FUTILE EFFORT TO LAND Bridge on Manchurian Railway is Blown Up by Japanese. BREAKS THE LINE OF COMMUNICATION Russia Cnlllnar Out the Reserves and Sending; lore Warships to the Scene of Wnr In the Far Kant, (Copyright, 1901. by James Gordon Bennett.) CHE FOO, Feb. ll.-(New York Herald Cablcgrnm Special Telegram.) Out of the four Japanese torpedo boats which nunle tho first attack on Monday night at l'ort Arthur, three were sunk with great loss of life. The fourth was n twpnty-slx-knnt boat and escaped. The Japs nese torpedo boats effected an entrance Into the outer harbor by using the Russian signal flash lights. Consequently tho Russians did not Are on them. I have heard the following of the first surprise from a Russian naval officer: "The battleship Palhida was on the out side edge of the Russian fleet and on watch duty thnt night. The chief artillery officer noticed four torpedo boats approach ing, with full lights and In all respects like Russian torpedo boats. "Tho officer Informed his ruptnln that the approaching boats were Japanese. Tho captain denied this and said they were built In Port Arthur. The artillery officer Insisted that they were Japanese and tho captain became angry, saying: " 'I am in command of the ship, sir.' "Despite this the artillery officer gave orders to prepare for action." It Is reported now that ttp Japanese at tempted a landing near Bedzero, eighty miles north of Port Arthur, but were re pulsed with heavy loss. They again tried to effect a landing at Tallenwan, under the shelter of the fleet, but owing to the strong fort firing, they were unable to . succeed. It Is said that one Japanese ship has been torpedoed. The Krltlsh marehant ships In Port Arthur have repeatedly applied for per mlusion to leave port,, but this has been refused. ltepnlrlna Battleship. The Tsaravltch was towed Into the hsr bor here at 3 o'clock on Tuesday After noon. It Is snld only its outr bottom was . penetrated by the Jnpanese torpedo and ' the Rasslans are now busy repairing it. It can be repaired In two or three days. The Pallada is still outside and beached. It must be seriously Injured, but It Is now aUo being repaired. It Is the only one of the torpedoed vessels now outside. A shell struck a hospital , ship outside the basin during the bombardment. The captain's cabin and the chart room were blown off, but there was no loss of life, as tho ship was only recently purchased and was unmanned. The forelgners.ln Port Arthur were noti fied at 7 o'clock on Monday night that they had twenty-four hours In which to clear out, but the British steamers there have been forbidden to leave. One German steamer arrived at Che Foo today, the first to get here from Port Arthur sine the Columbia reported here after the bat tie that tho reservea had been called out. On Wednesday the Japanese tried to land at Pigeon's bay, near Port .Arthur. Thirty-six Japanese vessels were then there. It is not known If the attempt succeeded. Thousands of persons are leaving Port Arthur dally by train. There Is not even standing room In the cars. At 4 o'clock this afternoon the Russian transport Smol ensk and torpdo boat No. 211 entered the canal. Torpedo boat No. 123 has broken down and Is repairing here. The Russian rouble has gone down 24 per cent at Che Foo among the Chinese merchants. Disables Manchurlan Railroad. LONDON, Feb. 11. A special dispatch from Tien Tsln confirms the report that the Manchurlan railroad has been blocked by the blowing up of a bridge and that thirty Russians were killed. It is aaM the dispatch adds, that the Russian steam ers, Nonsl and Mukden, belonging to the Chinese eastern scuadron, have been cap tured by the Japanese. A special cilbpatcn from Port Arthur says the Japanese fleet attempted yester day to lar.d men In several bays In the neighborhood of Port Arthur under tha protection of the guns of the cruisers. It Is asserted, however, that all tha at tempts were unsuccessful. I.loyds agency at Shanghai, cabling under data of. February 10, says It is reported and generally believed that a Japanese warship has destroyed the Russian mall steam r Mongolia, bound from Shanghai for Dalny. The cablegram adds that- the three Russian warships damaged by torpe. . does at Port Arthur sank. Knglaud Declares Sentrallty. King Edward, at a council held at Buck ingham pal ico this afternoon, signed ft proclamation declaring Grent Britain's neu trality during the war between Russia, and Jaoan. The. British proclamation of neutrality la on the usual lines and covers all the Brit ish dominions. The report that Russia, Is attempting to arrange with Turkey to permit tho Black sea fleet to pass through the Dardanelles Is revived, and it is added that Russia Is trying to secure Great Britain's consent. There is no confirmation of the report In authoritative quarters. The Reuter Telegram company's corre spondent at Toklo, In a dispatch timed t:15 p. m. yesterday, says that details cf the Chemulpo engagement received here say the captain of the. Varlag remained on hoard his ship and blew it up after the crew escaped. I'art of the crew swam to ft French schooner and others got ashore. One report says that the French warship notified the Russians of the Japanese ap proach. Tho Korietz engaged the Japanese cruiser first, while the Varlag protected the transisirts. The Koriets was soon de stroyed. The Bt. James Gazette correspondent at i i i
