Cotton, Flour and Rumors of Rifles: Tacoma's Steamer Sails Into the Sino-Japanese War

TACOMA, Aug. 21.—[Special.]—Some of the Japanese residents have been informed by their countrymen who have arrived from the Orient during the past ten days, and also by letters from Japan, that their government will not be satisfied with wiping out China's assumption of domination in Korea, but will demand as a basis of settlement the province of Manchuria, which is larger in area than all of Korea. A Japanese merchant who claims to be posted in the matter says: 'Manchuria was formerly possessed by Japan. When it is again possessed by our country China will be cut off from direct communication with Korea, and this will have a tendency to weaken its influence over that country, and will also permit those who reside there and are friendly to Japan but who are afraid to declare themselves, to express themselves freely.' The Northern Pacific steamer Tacoma left tonight for China and Japan, carrying about 60 per cent. as much flour as she usually carries. As a rule these steamers carry away 1,600 tons of flour. The Tacoma took only 1,000 tons this trip. However, there are fully as many orders for flour as usual, and they will be filled via Portland to Vancouver, B. C., and to the Orient via Canadian Pacific railway steamers. Cotton bales, which come here from Boston and New York, will take the place of flour aboard the Tacoma this trip. Because this cotton came from Boston there has been some speculation as to the ultimate use to be made of it. There have been hints that rifles may be stored away in the cotton bales, but Agent Prichard says there is no possibility of munitions of war going out in that way. In fact, he says, the steamship company will carry no contraband goods of any kind—if it knows it—and 'it knows,' Mr. Prichard says.