Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-11-13

tains, was seen to-day at the Russian
embassy, where he talked on interna-
tional questions which have attracted
attention of late, particularly the re-
ported strained relations between Rus
STA and Great Britain growing out Of
the conditions in China and also the
attitude of the great powers of Europe
during the recent Spanish-American
Count Cassini was about to be trans
ferred to London, as his long resi-
dence in China, where he represented
Russia when Port Arthur was ac-
quired, would make his services of
special value at this time. The am
bassador says, however, that Baron de
Stael will continue as ambassador at
London and he expresses satisfaction
that this will permit him to remain in
Washington.
When Count Cassini was asked con-
corning the recent reports that Russia
had seized the important Chinese treaty
port OF Neu Chwang, followed by great
activity in the British naval yards, with
prospect of an open rupture between
Russia and Great Britain, he said that
war rumors, and that present condi-
tons gave assurance of continued
FRIENDLY RELATIONS
between Russia and Great Britain.
There had been no confirmation, he
said, of the report that Russia had oc-
cupied Neu Chwang, and he proceeded
to point out that such an occupation
by Russia was quite unnecessary, as
she had already acquired the most adj
vantageous naval and military post in
that locality, Port Arthur, and COM
mercial port at Talien Wan. Port Ar
thur was not only valuable as a naval
and military station, but it would prove
the southern terminus of the great
Trans-Siberian railway when the pro-
ject was carried through. 1t was be-
ing pushed forward rapidly, and the
ambassador says the present outlook
is for the completion of the railway
within three and one-half years. One
line runs north to Vladisvostock
where the harbor on the Pacific is clos
ed for four months of a year, while
the southern line terminating at Port
Arthur will give Russia Pacific port
open the year around, both for military
and commercial purposes.
During Count Cassini's long service
at Pekin he had an opportunity to
meet the Emperor of China and to
learn much of the Empress Dowager,
who has recently assumed the direc-
ton of affairs. He was not impressed
with the ability or force of character
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
court, but Count Cassini says she was
generally known to be a woman OF
much ability and as having strong in
f1uence over the Emperor. Her pres
ent 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 1t is not at all surprising that
there should be
A STRONG FRIENDSHIP
between two countries having COM
mon border of some 1000 miles.
Referring to the Philippines, Count
Cassini said that Russia naturally felt
much interest in the status of those
islands, owing to their proximity to
the eastern possessions of Russia.
There was no warrant, however. he
said, or the reports coming from Paris.
that Russia had been appealed to bv
Spain with a view to limiting the
claims of the United States in the
Philippines. No such appeal has been
made to Russia or to other foreign
governments. Throughout the recent
war, Russia had maintained the
most friendly 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 so long ex-
listed between Russia and the United
States.
In this connection Count Cassini
took occasion to join issue with a pre-
vailing public view that England
showed her conspicuous friendship for
the United States during a critical
state in the war with Spain. by de-
Ginning to join the great powers of
Europe in a move for intervention.
The ambassador says he has seen this
report frequently, and it seems to be
accepted in this country as a 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
powers 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
friendship of the other powers is due
to a misapprehensipn Of the facts.
At no time, he lays, was there a
purpose on the part of the great pow
ers to interfere against the action Of
the United States. so that there was
NEVER AN OCCASION