The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-13

much impressed with the ability or force
Of character of the Emperor, who was weak
physically and in his direction of public af-
fairs. Owing to ths prevailing rules the
Empress dowager was never seen, even by
members of the diplomatic corps, but Count
Cassini says she was generally known TO
be 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 interests
of China. That it is a move particularly
favorable to Russia the ambassador thinks
quite probable, as he says it is not at all
surprising that there should be a strong
friendship between two countries having
common border of seventy thousand square
miles.
Referring to the Philippines, Count Cas-
sini said that Russia naturally felt much
interest in the status of those islands, owing
to their proximity TO the Eastern posses
sons of Russia. 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 governments. Throughout the
recent war Russia had maintained the most
friendly attitude towards the United States
and the ambassador said that he did not
doubt this would have a good efrect in con-
tinuing the firm friendship which has so
long existed between Russia and the United
States.
In this connection Count Cassini took oc-
casion to join issue with prevailing public
view that England showed her conspicuous
friendship for the United States during
critical state in the war with Spain by de-
clining to join the great powers of Europe
in a move for Intervention. The ambassa-
dor says he has seen this report frequently,
and it seems to be accepted in this country
as part of the history of the recent war;
and as the basis for much applause for Eng
land at the expense of the other great pow
ers of Europe. 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 a misrepresentation of the
facts At no time, he says, was there
purpose on the part of the great powers to
intervene against the action of the United
States, so that there was never an occasion
for such display Of English friendship in
checking the designs of the great powers as
is generally presented. Count Cassini says
the story although very widely circulated,
less than a fable. and that for the truth
of history, as well as for the removal Of
this groundless reflection upon the attitude
of the European powers towards the United
States. this fable should not be accepted as
a part of the record of the war; He does
not give this merely personal opinion
but as established fact, learned during Wis
its to Paris and Berlin, as we'll as ST. Pc
tersburg. While in no way rejecting upon
any other power. the Russian ambassador
feels that it is but simple justice to Russia
and other continental powers that the con-
sistent friendship they maintained towards
the United States throughout every period
of the war, and continue to maintain
towards this government, should not be OBJ
scured by any sentimental fiction as to the
exceptionable friendship Of one nation and
the enmity of others.