A dispatch from Paris, dated 9th February, states that "Lo Temps,"" which is frequently used as a mouthpiece by the French Foreign Office, publishes an important article, which is ascribed to Government inspiration. contains the following: "The whole world know that France desires with a single heart the success of her ally, Existing" treaties do not oblige France to participate in the present war, but France is an ally of Russia, and the alliance is close and general, imply. ing a moral union, which under the stress of events might lead 40 fresh agreements.
"Consequently, while the Russians and Japanese tight their quarrel out, our silent immobility will paralyse all attempts that may be made by one quarter or another to profit by the struggle at the expense of our ally, and, in accord with those who wisn to see the conflict localised, we shall, by our presence alone, effectually bar the wey against any who may wish to extend it. Such is our duty to our ally, and. we shall fulfil it, It is necessary that'this be known at St. Petersburg and elsewhere, as it will constitute a guarantee for the limitation of the war to its present area, "At the conclusion of the struggle th: issue of who it the lusians of the panese, is beyond doubt, France, disappoint ing the hopes of her sivas, vil receive the reward of her fidelity to her plighted word.
"Lo Temps" says Russia is about to take energetic measures. In the course of a conversation a military attache of the Russian Embassy said: "Since they want war, they shall have it with a vengeance."
At a conference of Ministers held at. the Elysee Palace to-day, under President Loubet, Foreign Minister Delcassé commu-Ricated the news of the first Japanese attack with boats on the Rassian fleet off Port Arthur, and announced, that the French Minister at' Tokio has been instructed to insure the protection of Russian subjects and their interests in Japan. The atutade of the French Government in view of the war is now definitely determined upon. France will maintain neutrality under any and all circumstances, the Franco-Russian_ alliance being construed as not requiring France to intervene in behalf of Russia even should Great Britain or any third power intervene in behalf of Japan.
The Japanese Legation announces Japan has requested China to declare coal 2 contraband of war. The effect of this would be to cut off the main coal supply of the Russian fleet at Port Arthur. The Lo vation officials add that China's continuance of supplying Russians with ro! would be a breach of neutrality.—" Kobe Herald."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.