In the Orient

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 13, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 19.

In the Orient.—The air has been full of rumors during the week in regard to Russia’s intentions in Manchuria. It is evident that Russia was somewhat surprised at the seriousness with which America viewed her actions in North China, and the indications are now that Russia will hold back her program until the time for its accomplishment is more opportune. Japan seemed to be ready, in case she could be assured of foreign support, to oppose Russia with force in Manchuria. There was no intimation on the part of Washington officials that America stood ready to oppose Russia by force of arms, yet it is said that the czar’s advisers feared that America’s attitude might lead other nations to use force. No one dreams that Russia has abandoned her purpose. She has merely postponed the day of carrying it out. The reports now indicate that it is Russia’s intention to absorb Mongolia as well as Manchuria, and one of the demands in the general demand that was made by Russia upon China was that there should be no change in the administration of Mongolia. This certainly indicates her designs in that direction. Russia has now withdrawn her troops from the capital of Manchuria, but the troops remain in the province, an army of 50,000, according to repeated reports. It is reported that instead of Russia evacuating Manchuria, large numbers of soldiers in civilian clothes are entering that province. England is strengthening her navy in Asiatic waters, altho it is not believed that she would use force against Russia in the Manchurian matter. The Russian minister of war has gone to Manchuria. China, on advice of some of the other nations, has finally refused to grant the Russian demands; but even China must know that this means little to Russia. The partition of China among the western powers seems to be the general conclusion of thinking men.