The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-02-24
LORD SALISBURY IN A FIX
How Can He Manage to Keep Russia
from Occupying COrea?
NAY BE FORCED TO RETIRE
The Cars Government Promised China.
Not Great Britain, Not TO Iutruds
on the Pc uiusula- Issues
to Vex the Premier.

London, Feb. 23.-The statement
made in the House of Commons on
Thursday last by the Right Hon.
George Curzon, parliamentary-secr
tary of the foreign Office, to the effect
that Great Britain considered the
pledge given by Russia in 1856 not to
occupy COrea under any circumstances
as still binding, was gravely miSlead-
Ing. Russia has never promised Great
Britain not to occupy Corea. In 1856
British fleet occupied Port Hamilton.
II being then alleged that this was a
counter-move to Russia's projected oc
cupation Of port in Corea. The Cor
cans pressed China, as the suZerian of
their country, to obtain the evacuation
Of Port Hamilton by the British. The
British government replied that 1t was
willing to withdraw it's fleet provided
that China obtained Russia's promise
not to occupy any part of Corea. Russia
made the promise to China. and Port
Hamilton was abandoned by the Brit
ish, but 1t was handed over to China,
not to Corea, showing that Great Brit
ian respected China'S suZerainty over
Corea. But RuSSia's promise was made
to China only, and IL she now desires n
release from it she will undoubtedly
succeed in obtaining, it. Indeed. it
would satisfy the enmity of the Chinese
government against Japan If Russia
asked to be released.
Despite the tone Of Mr.. CurZon's
statement. it is not clear that any other
power could prevent Russia from OBJ
tanning absolution from her promise.
The situation threatens another hu-
initiation for Lord Salisbury The in
dependent journals. In pondering over
the unexpected reverses that the min
lister has met with In his foreign policy,
evolved the following: Lord Sails
bury'S reputation as Il foreign minis
ter was almost wholly due to the belief
that he was the favorite British states
man of the Triple Alliance. Under him
British action in outlying parts Of the
world used always to count on the
benevolent neutrality Of the Triple AL
lance.
Salisbury's Plans.
Lord Salisbury would have liked this
10 have continued during his present
ministry. but the new principle of con-
tlnuity In the British foreign policy
compelled him to prosecute Lord Rose
bery'S Armenian, Chinese and Japanese
policies. with the result that he dis
pleased Germany. The elimination of
this dtspleasure was Emperor Williams
message to President Kruger, of the
South African republic, which excited
so much hostility toward Germany
here. Public opinion will not tolerate
the idea of u British approchement with
Germany, and u working entente with
France Is impossible without the ap-
proval of Russia.
Russia owes Lord Salisbury many
personal grudges, dating from the ne
gotiatiOn OF the treaty Of Berlin Rus
sian journals now recall a public speech
made by Lord Salisbury in 1885. within
a few weeks of his becoming prime min
lister for the first time. In this speech
he described Russia as being bankrupt
in pocket and reputation, and many
similar utterances made by him are re-
called. In diplomatic circles the belief
grows that he will shortly withdraw
from the post of foreign minister, but
that he will retain the prime minister
ship. Lord Lansdowne, formerly gov
ernor general OF India, is most likely
to succeed In the foreign office.