p. 7 | RUSSIA-JAPAN

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, Cal. · Sep 20, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 38.

RUSSIA—JAPAN.

THE treaty of peace between Russia and Japan was signed by the envoys of those countries at Portsmouth, N. H., on Tuesday, September 5. By its provisions Russia recognizes Japan's preponderating interests in Korea, and allows her a free hand there; the territory of Manchuria is to be evacuated simultaneously by both powers; all of Russia's interests in Port Arthur, Dalney, and adjacent territory pass over to Japan; the Manchurian railway is to be operated conjointly by Russia and Japan; Russia cedes to Japan the southern half of Saghalien Island; Japan secures rights to the fishing grounds of the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and Bering Sea; each nation pays the other for the actual support of the prisoners taken during the war. The treaty must be ratified by the two emperors within fifty days after the signing of the treaty by the envoys, and the evacuation of Manchuria must be complete within eighteen months.

This treaty of peace has not been received with any degree of enthusiasm by the Russians, and the Japanese people are bitterly opposed to its ratification. Strong protests are being made, and mob violence has been resorted to in many places. Americans have been assaulted in the streets of Tokio, because of the part played by Americans in bringing about the peace compact.

Diplomatic relations were broken off between Japan and Russia on Feb. 5, 1904. The first battle of the war opened on February 8, with Togo's attack on Port Arthur, and the gunboat action at Chemulpo, Korea. During the war Russia lost 68 war-vessels of various styles, and Japan 24. Thirty-one of the vessels lost by Russia were cruisers and battleships. Japan lost but six of these. Russia lost in killed and wounded 192,000 men; Japan, 154,000 men. The cost to Russia is placed at about one billion dollars; the cost to Japan about six hundred million.

An unusual feature of the labor-day parade of San Jose, Cal., was the marching of the pastors of that city in the procession with the union men. The San Jose despatch, containing this item of news, states that the pastors of that city have a union of their own. It says further: "The ministerial union belongs to the Federated Trades. It is believed to be the first time that ministers have paraded with union men." Such a scene marks a striking departure from the simplicity and humility and devotion of the disciples of Christ. This formation of a labor union by the professed ministers of Christ, and the placing of themselves under the control or direction of an organization wholly worldly in its purposes and management, is a long step into the world by men whose purpose should be to win men out of the world.

Cholera is still claiming victims in Germany. Since the outbreak of this dread disease, there have been in Berlin 105 cases and 32 deaths. It is making its appearance in a number of other places. Cases are reported from Vienna, Bromberg, Marienwerder, Rastenburg, Posen, and Marienburg. The authorities are doing all in their power to stay its progress, and the war office has postponed its army maneuvers on account of the plague.

Another outrage upon the Jews is reported from Kisheneff, Southwestern Russia. While a Jewish funeral procession was on its way to the cemetery it was attacked by police and soldiers. Many of the Jews in the procession were wounded, and 50 were arrested. A number who are missing are supposed to have been killed.

The uprising of Chinese in southern Shansi, China, against the missionaries is said to be assuming serious proportions. Churches have been raided and destroyed, priests have been beaten and killed, and mission houses have been burned.

For the insult offered to the American flag recently at Amoy, China, as a result of the boycott against American goods, China has apologized by sending a war-ship to Amoy, and firing a salute of twenty-one guns to the American flag.

The threatened trouble between France and Morocco has been averted by the Sultan of Morocco making due apology to France, and paying a considerable amount of money for having arrested a French citizen.

A typhoon has swept along the coast of Tonquin, China, and has strewn the coast with the wreckage of hundreds of junks. A great many lives have been lost, and property has been destroyed to the amount of about $300,000.

Serious complications are threatened between France and Venezuela. The president of the latter country has ordered the closing of the French cable.