New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-14
VIEWS OF COUNT CASSINI.
THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES
INTERNATIONAL QUESTIONS
NO MOVE by THE POWERS. HE SAYS. TOWARD
INTERVENTION IN BEHALF OF SPAIN
THE SITUATION IN THE EAST


Embassy. where he talked in an inter sting man
ner on international questions which are attract
ing attention. particularly the report Of strained
relations between Russia and Great Britain,
growing out of conditions in China. and also
the attitude Of the great Powers OF Europe in
the recent war 1t had been understood that
Count Cassini was about to be transferred To
London. as his long residence in China. where
he represented Russia when Port Arthur was
acquired. would make his services Of special
value at this time The Ambassador says, how
ever. that Baron De S'ael will continue as Am
bassador at London, and he expresses satisfac-
ton that this will permit him to remain in
Washington.
When Count Cassni was asked concerning the
recent reports that Russia had seized the i'm
portant Chinese treaty port Of New Chwang.
followed by great activity in the British naval
Yards with a prospect Of open rupture be-
tween Russia and Great Britain. he said that
too much credence given to these war ru-
mors, and that present conditions gave assur-
ance of continued friendly relations between
Russia and Great Britain There had been no
confirmation. he said, Of the report that Russia
had occupied New Chwang. and he pointed out
that such action by Russia was unnecessary, as
she has already acquired Port Arthur, the most
locality, and a commercial port at Talien- Wan.
Port Arthur was not only valuable as a naval
and military base. but it would serve the
southern terminus Of the great Trans Siberian
Railway when the project carried through
It was being pushed forward rapidly, and the
Ambassador says the present outlook is for the
completion of the railway in three and half
years. one line runs north to NladivostOck
where the harbor on the Pacific is closed for four
months of the year while the southern line. ter
minating at Port Arthur will give Russia
Pacific port open the year round. both for mill
tary and commercial purposes.
THE SITUATION IN CHINA
In Count Cassinis long service at Picking he
had an opportunity to meet the Emperor OF
China and to learn much Of the Empress Dowa-
ger. who has recently assumed the direction Of
affairs. He was not impressed with the ability
or force Of character of the Emperor who was
weak physically and in his direction of public
affairs. owing to the prevailing rules the En-
press DoWager was never seen even by members
Of the Diplomatic Corps. but Count Cassini says
she was generally known to be q woman Of
much ability. and 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 ii is move par
ticularly favorable = Russia the Ambassador
thinks probable, he says it Is not at all sur
prising that there should be strong friendship
between two countries having common border
of some seven thousand miles
Referring TO the Philippines, Count Cassini
said that Russia naturally felt much interest in
the status Of these islands, owing to their
proximity 70 her Eastern possessions There
was no warrant however. he said. for the re-
mic hat had h,sep
appealed TO by Spain with view to limiting the
claims of the United States in the Philippines.
NO such appeal had been made 10 Russia or to
other foreign Governments. Throughout the re-
cent war Russia had maintained the most f.lend-
Is attitude toward the United States. and the
Ambassador said that he did not doubt this
would have a good effect in continuing the firm
friendship which has long existed between
Russia and this country.
POWERS FRIENDLY TO THIS COUNTRY
Count Cassini took occasion to join issue with
a prevailing public view that England showed
her conspicuous friendship for the United states
at a critical stage in the war with Spain declin-
ing to join the great Powers Of Europe In a move
for intervention The Ambassador says he has
seen this report frequently. and IL seems to he
accepted in this country as part OF the history
of the recent war. and as the basis for much
applause for England at the expense Of the
other great Powers Of Europe. He says. how
ever. that such action the part IF Great
Britain took place. and that the impeach-
ment ~ the continued friendness Of the other
Powers is due to a msapprehension Of the facts.
At no time. he saws. was there purpose on the
part of the great Powers to intervene against
the action of the United States that there
was never an occasion for such a display Of
English friendship in checking the designs OF
the great Powers as IL generally believed Count
Cassini says that the story. although widely cir
culated and generally accepted a fact. Is
nothing less than a fable and that for the truth
OF history. we'll as for the removal Of this
groundless reflection the attitude Of the Eu
rcpean Powers toward the United States. this
fable should not be accepted part of the
record Of the
He does not give this merely personal
opinion. but as an established fact learned in
visits to Paris and Berlin well st. Peters
burg.
While IN no way rejecting any other
Power the Russian Ambassador feels that II IS
simple Justice To Russia and other Continental
Powers that the consistent friendship they
maintained toward the United States throughout
every period Of the war. and continue 10 main
tain toward this Government. should not be
obscured by any sentimental fiction to the
exceptional friendship Of one nation and the
Of ot