In the Orient

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 1, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 26.

In the Orient.— In spite of the protests of Korea, Russia continues to hold the position seized on the Korean side of the Yalu River at its mouth, and troops and artillery are said to be moving toward the Korean frontier. Roads fit for the use of artillery are being constructed near the frontier, and a railway is being surveyed there by the Russians. The Japanese press is urging the government to recognize the seriousness of the situation, which probably means Russian possession of the whole Korean peninsula, and which would put Russia in a position to menace Japan in a serious manner. The North China Daily Mail says: “How can Japan help seeing that every day’s delay is being used by Russia to pile up preparations for eventual war and to consolidate her hold on Manchuria?” The Japanese are anxiously watching for Russia’s next move. The Japanese minister states that the new treaty between China and Russia will probably be signed privately, and that it is imperative that Japan should protest and assist China in resisting the Russian demands. The Russians are also manifesting considerable activity in Thibet. A Russian explorer in disguise has just returned from a year’s residence in the capital, and has given his report to the Imperial Geographical Society. A party of Russian surveyors are now carrying on surveying operations in Thibet. In the recent Russian naval maneuvers in Asiatic waters, one of the fleets was designated as the Japanese fleet, which was probably a hint to Japan.