The Russian Conference

THE RUSSIAN CONFERENCE

NO LOOSENING OF HER GRASP IN MANCHURIA.

WARLIKE PREPARATIONS CONTINUE IN CHINESE EMPIRE.

WHY TOWNS ARE NOT OPENED TO FOREIGNERS EXPLAINED.

Port Arthur, Manchuria, July 16. - The conference of prominent Russian officials has ended and the last special train departed for Moscow Tuesday. Most of the visiting officials have gone.

Exultation over Russia's increasing power in Manchuria was the dominant note in the gathering. The possibility of taking any backward steps are scoffed at if mentioned by outsiders. It was admitted that the war possibility was discussed, but it was denied that that was the object of the conference.

The evidence of the increase of warlike preparations since the arrival of General Kuropatkin, the minister of war, and of the intention to bring more troops to Manchuria are abundant. Orders were given to Port Arthur contractors last week for an immediate supply of building materials for barracks, to accommodate 20,000 soldiers, to be shipped to Harbin.

The officials explained that Russia's opposition to opening Manchurian towns to foreigners was not based upon opposition to foreigners, whose trade is desired, and who would in due time be invited into the country. But Russia objected, it is explained, to having consuls accredited to the Chinese government in towns which are practically under Russian control, which would give the subjects of countries so represented the enjoyment of extra territorial rights. They asserted that such an arrangement would be certain to result in great friction, such as occurred in New Chwang.