T HE " lightning-flash " of which we spoke last week
has not fallen, but there is only too much reason for apprehending that Russia and Japan within a short time will be at war. Telegrams promising peace are poured out of St. Petersburg, while Tokio remains sternly silent ; but the position of the two Powers begins to be clearly understood. Japan in her last message demanded in courteous terms that her superior rights in Korea should be acknowledged, and that Russia should bind herself by treaty to respect the integrity of China. The Czar acceded to the first demand, though possibly with the rider that Japan should not fortify any position in Korea; but to the latter, after many consultations with his great advisers, he returned a definite refusal. Russia could negotiate about Manchuria only with Pekin. The answer in eztenso has not yet been forwarded to Tokio, but its substance has been despatched, and the statesmen of Japan held their last con- ferences with the Emperor on February 4th. It is supposed that actual hostilities will commence next week ; but both sides have shown a disposition to observe diplomatic con- ventions, and the rumours that they have commenced already are discredited.
