Berlin, 28th January.
It is noticed to-day that in St. Peter burg, the conference, presided over by the Czar, will take place, for the purpose of drafting the reply to be given to Japan. All reports in regard to this answer are therefore apocryphal. The disposition of both the Czar and Count Lamsdorff is of an entirely peaceful nature. Russia prefers, under all circumstances, a peaceful understanding with Japan rather than any other policy in the Far East.
Count Ballestrem, when proposing the health of H. M. the Kaiser at the banquet given on the occasion of the Emperor's birthday at the Reichstag, referred to the conversation which he had with the Kaiser some weeks ago, when the presidents of the Reichstag were received in audience by the Emperor. He said the Kaiser had toldithem that he was himself for two months uncertain in regard to the character of his sickness. But he deferred the operation until there was an opportunity to welcome the Czar. He laid great stress on leaving to his son at least pleasant relations to Germany's neighbours in case that the sickness should be ofa madignant character. The sickness, however, has fortunately proved to be of an entirely unmalignant character.
Germany has appointed, on the request. of the Reform Powers, Major von Alton of the Prussian Artillery as assistant to the Italian commander of the Macedonian Gendarmery.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.