Seoul, the capital of Korea, and by
means best known to Russian diplomats, was trying to gain a foothold
on the Peninsula. Under the pretext of a timber concession, the
Russians constructed a fort on the Korean side of the Yalu
river,--where it was afterwards discovered by newspaper
correspondents. Russia had secured control of Manchuria with its
362,310 square miles and 11,250,000 population, and none of the powers
dared protest. Japan was ready. Could she allow the "peaceful"
absorption of Korea, as that of Manchuria had been accomplished? Safe
in the offensive-defensive alliance with Great Britain, Japan
approached Russia in a dignified manner, to be put off with vague
replies. After six months of patience, Japan broke off diplomatic
intercourse, and, as this is considered equal to a declaration of war,
she struck and hit hard.

[Illustration: St. Petersburg] (p. 276)

XXX--RUSSIA LOSES HER PRESTIGE. (p. 277)

When, in February, 1904, the world was startled by the Japanese guns
in the harbor of Chemulpo (Korea), one of Russia's well-known
diplomats, speaking in defense of his country, said: "Ours has been a
peaceful absorption." Another statesman, pleading for sympathy,
remarked pathetically: "We were unprepared for war." The two advocates
of Russia's cause spoke the truth, but they did not proclaim the whole
truth.

Ever since Muravieff Amoorsky began the peaceful absorption of
Manchuria by seizing the coastline of that province, Russia has
extended her dominions using no other weapon than her prestige, that
is, the dread inspired by her name, power, and resources. Repeated
protests from Great Britain remained unheeded, because the czar's
government was convinced that they would not be emphasized by a resort
to arms. The semi-civilized tribes of Central Asia were unable, of
course, to oppose the Russian advance; and China was justly afraid of
defying the great northern power. Thus the peaceful absorption
continued with such ease that the Russian tchinovnik ended in
believing in their country's prestige. Herein lies the principal cause
of the astounding history of the war with Japan.

Although Russia repeatedly agreed to evacuate Manchuria, her (p. 278)
actions in the construction of railways and other roads, the opening
of mines, the enormous capital expended in creating a commercial
emporium in Dalny, and her jealousy in exc