The Elder Statesmen are coming from the country to a meeting with the Cabinet, which has been hitherto prevented by the slight indispos: tion of the Premier.
No operation of imporiancs will be undertaken during the ensuing ten days, in which, however, a very deep meaning is involved.
diplomatic resources are not entirely exhausted, but owing to Russia's palpable insincerity, the situation is of the utmost seriousness.
Russia has communicated to the Powers her intention to maintain her own ascendancy in Manchuria, and the neutrality of Northern Coro1,—Our own correspondent, The conference between the Elder Statesmen and the Cabinet took place this afternoon, Count Katsura, the Premier, being absent. The result will be jointly reported to the Throne to-morrow.
It is expected that, to serve a purpose which is not made public, another note, not an_ ultimatum, will be sent to Russia-——Our own corresponder London viv. Bombay, Lth Janwery.
According to trustworthy diplomatic information received at Peking. the Russian, reply, though conciliatory in tone, is unsatisfactory in substance.
Japan desires a further delay in order to complete her preparations, and is therefore continuing the negotiations.
The prospects of war before the Spring continue very strong.—Heuter. Tater.
The present uncertainty i a disturbing effect on Russian public! opinion, which is becoming more and more pessimistic, but the Press, while warning Japan that Russi has reached the limit of her concessions, professes to be hopefial of peace.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.