Tokio, 27th November. weeks ngo, an unwillingness which is, almost insulting and is certainly provoking, shows that the government of Russia, whatever that go-yernment is, dyes not know its own mind The excuses have been—in these days of prompt communication by wite—of the most flimsy deseription, "We must wait till Count Lan.sdarff gets back to Sr. Peters-darg;" "We must wait: till the! Czar comes home;" "The Czar" mu-t nob be troubled by a small There is no change or improvement in the situation. Baron Komura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, presented his final overtures at the end el October, and there is still no reply from Russia. The papers are full of loud complaints of Russia's procrastination—Our own corres-
London vie Bombay, 27th November The " Morning Post" understands that there is no truth in the repor's that Japan is ready to abandon matter Ike this while he is sions Manchuria to Russia in return for cly parties. about the Czarina:" such excuses feee hand in Corea.—Reuter. as these are obviously mere pre-28th November. texts to grin time. What makes: It is stated at St. Petersburg that. them more galling to Japan is, that during this period of procrastination, Viceroy Alexeieff's return is delayed Russia is feverishly adding to her by the negotiations in the Far East. preparations for war. Major Pereira He has received the Czar's orders of the Grenadier Guards, who was out, to press matters while the Japanese here in 1900, has just returned to!
Government, acting on foreign coun-Peking vid Siberia, and he passed sels, is in a pacific mood: and Russia endless trains conveying reinforce-is doing everything to conclude the' ments to Manchuria. There is some negotiations. doubt whether these troops are!
Three-quarters of the Russian fleet really ready for war and whether the is now massed in or moving towards numerous mien-of-war that have been the Pacific, and there is practically hurriedly equipped at Cronstadt for nothing of her navy left in European service on shis bution are waters.—Reuter.
29th November. provided trained crews: ly nut_uniikety that the It is stated at St. Petersburg that} which Japan is july chafing issue the present position of the negot'a-) to Viceroy Alexeieff's desire to pu, tions is as _fo!lows While insisting on the ultimate recognition of her treaty rights, open jerts, and the integrity of the Chinese sovereignty "over Manchuria, Japan has agreed to leave these questions in abeyance, and to recognise Russia's dominant interests there for the time being, and not to obstruct Russia's solution of the problem.
Tu return, Japan insists on the recognition of her influence in Corea, and the opening of Yang-Ampho and other ports. Russia is willing to make some concessions, but opposes the opening of Yang-Ampho, declaring that it will threaten her interests, and complicate the situation in Manchuria.—Reuter.
Tolsio, 29th Noveger.
Events indicate the probability of coalition and perhaps fusion of the Seiyukei and the Progressists, with the probable result that the Cabinet will meet with strong opposition in the Diet, unless it shows some progress in the negotiations with Russia. Special telegram.
London vid Bombay, 30th November.
The "Daily Telegraph" says that Russia is negotiating for the purchase of two battleships which were built for Chile in England.
It is suggested that Russia wishes to prevent Japan acquiring these vessels; moreover, Russia herself is about to spend a large sum on new ships.—Reuter.
Tokio, Ist December. agree in denouncing Russia for her All the leading Japanese journals delay in replying to Japan's proposals.
They declare that the nation can no longer endure to be thus slighted, and must demand a definite answer, failing which it must take independent steps to secure the interests of the State.
Even the men in business circles advocate a similarly resolute policy which is also avowed by all poli The situation therefore looks more menacing than at any previous period, solely in consequence of Russia's haughty silence.
The combination of the two principal political parties is not as yet completed, but they are evidently both willing to support a resolute {policy, whereas they will unite to attack inaction—Special telegram.
London vit Bombay, 1st December.
I In diplomatic circles at Berlin it is Ibelieved that Russia and Japan will Isettle their differences in & friendly manner.—euter.
2nd December.
It is reported from St. Petersburg [that at his weekly reception of the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.