The herald., 1898-11-13
The FEELING OF RUSSIA
rs NOW AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN
FRIENDLY
SPAIN NEVER MADE AN APPEAL
Looking to Secure the Intervention
Of European Powers to Prevent
Philippine Annexation
Associated Press Special Wire

WASHINGTON, Nov. l2.-The Russian
Ambassador, Count Cassini, who is Just back
from an extended vacation at the seashore
and mountains, was seen today at the Rus-
sian Embassy, where he talked in most
interesting manner on international Ques'
tions which have attracted attention of late,
particularly the present strained relations
between Russia and Great Britain, growing
out of conditions in China and also the at
titude of the great powers OF Europe during
the recent Spanish-American war. 1t had
been understood that Count Cassini was
about to be transferred to London, as his
long residence in China, where he repre-
sented Russia when Port Arthur was ac-
quired, would make his service of special
value at this time. The Ambassador says
however, that the Baron de Stael will con-
tinue as Ambassador at London, and he ex-
presses satisfaction that this will permit him
to remain in Washington.
When Count Cassini was asked concerning
the recent reports that Russia had seized the
important Chinese treaty port of Nue
Chwang, followed by great activity in the
British naval yards, with n prospect of an
open rupture between Russia and Great
Britain, he said that too much credence was
given to these war rulnors, and that present
conditions gave assurance of continued
friendly relations between Russia and Great
Britain. And there had been no confirma-
ton, he said, of the report that Russia had
occupied Nue Chwang He proceeded to
point out that such an occupation by Rus
sia was quite unnecessary, as she had already
acquired the most advantageous naval and
military post i'll that locality Port Arthur,
and commercial port at Talien Wan. Port
Arthur was not only valuable as naval and
military base, but it would serve as the
southern trminus of the great transsiber-
ian Railway when the project was carried
through 1t was being pushed forward rap
idly, and the Ambassador says the present
outlook is for the completion of the rail
way within three and one-half years. One
line runs north to Nladivostock, where the
harbor on the Pacific is closed for four
months of year, while the southern line
terminating at Port Arthur will give Russia
for military and commercial purposes.
During Count Cassini's long service at Pc
king he had an opportunity to meet the En-
peror of China and to learn much of the En-
press Dowager, who has recently assumed
the direction of affairs. He was not much
impressed with the ability or force of charac-
ter OF the Emperor, who was weak physi-
cally and in his direction OF public affairs.
Owing to the prevailing rules the Empress
Dowager was never seen even by members
of the diplomatic corps. But Count Cassini
says that she was generally known to be a
woman OF much ability and as having strong
influence over the Emperor. Her present
position at the head of affairs Count Cassini
regards as greatly to the interest of China.
That it is a move particularly valuable to
Russia, the Ambassador thinks quite prob
able, as he says it is not at all surprising that
there should be strong friendship between
the two countries having a common border
of some seven thousand miles.
Referring to the Philippines, Count Cas-
sini said that Russia felt much interested in
the status of those islands, owing to their
There was no warrant, however, he said, for
the reports coming from Paris that Russia
had been appealed to by Spain with view
to limiting the claims of the United States
in the Philippines. No such appeal had been
made to Russia or to other foreign govern
ments. Throughout the recent war Russia
had maintained the most friendly attitude to-
said he did not doubt his would have good
effect In continuing the firm friendship
which has so long existed between Russia
and the United States.
Count Cassini took occasion to join issues
with a prevailing public view that England
showed her conspicuous friendship for the
United States during a critical state in the
war with Spain by declining to join the
great powers of Europe in a move for inter
vention. The Ambassador says this report
seems to be accepted in this country as
part of the history Of the recent war. But
Count Cassini says that no such action on
the part of Great Britain ever took place.
and that the impeachment of the continued
friendliness of the other powers is due to
misapprehens;on of the facts. At no time,
he says, was there purpose on the part of
the powers to intervene against the United
States. so there was no occasion for such
display of English friendship in checking the
designs of the great powers, as is generally
represented. He does not give this merely
as personal opinion, but as an established
fact, learned during visits to Paris and Ber
lin as well as at St. Petersburg. While in
no way rejecting upon any other power the
Russian Ambassador feels that it is but sim
Pile justice to Russia and other continental
powers that the constant friendship they
maintained toward the United States
throughout every period of the war, and con-
tinue toward this government should not
be obscured by any sentimental fiction as
J. L. ii fp;n JebiY of