The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1898-11-17
A WRONG IDEA
Count Cassini, Russian Ambassao
dor at Washington, Inter-
viewed.
Tales of Trouble Between Russia
and England Over China Not
Warranted.
Story of England's Action in De-
j feating Interference by the
I Powers
Characterized as a Fable It Is
Time to Explode---Russia Al
ways Friendly.

WASHINGTON, NOV. I4.-lHe hUlSSldu
ambassador, Count Cassini, who is just
back from an extended vacation at the
seashore and mountains, was seen at the
Russian embassy, when he talked in
most interesting manner on interna-
tional questions which have attracted
attention of late, particularly the re-
ported strained relations between Russia
and Great Britain, growing out of con-
ditions in China, and also the attitude
of the great powers of Europe during
the recent Spanish war. It
had been understood that Count Cas-
SIM was about to be transferred to Lon
lion, 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, however, that
Baron de Stael will continue as ambas-
sador at London, and he expresses salts
faction that this will permit him to re-
main 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
too much credence was given to these
war rumors, and that present conditions
gave assurance of continued friendly re-
lations between Russia and Great Brit
ain. There had been no confirmation,
he said, of the report that Russia had
occupied Neu Chwang and he proceeded
to point out that such an occupation by
Russia was quite unnecessary, as she
had already acquired the most advanta-
geous naval and military post in
that locality, Port Arthur, and
a commercial port, at Ia Lien
Wan. Port Arthur was not only valu-
able as naval and military base, but it
would serve as the southern terminus of
the great Trans-Siberian railway when
the project was carried through. 1t was
being pushed forward rapidly, and the
ambassador says the present outlook is
for the completion of the railway within
three and half years.
No Warrant to Interfere.
Referring to the Philippine question
Count Cassini said that Russia natur-
ally 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,
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 Rus
STA or to other foreign governments.
Throughout the recent war Russia has
maintained the most friendly attitude
towards the United States, and the am
bassador said that he did not doubt this
would have good effect in continuing
the firm friendship, which has SO long
existed between Russia and the United
States.
He Explodes q Fable.
In this connection Count Cassini took
occasion to join issue with prevailing
public view that England showed her
conspicuous friendship for the United
States during critical stage in the war
with Spain by declining to join the great
powers of Europe in move for inter-
vention. The ambassador 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 England
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 friend
illness of the other powers is due to a
misapprehension of the facts.
No Purpose to Intervene.
At no time, he says, was there a pur-
pose on the part Of the powers to inter-
vene against the United States SO that
there was never an occasion for such a
display of English friendship in check
ing the designs of the great powers as is
generally presented. Count Cassini
says thatthe story, although very widely
circulated and generally accepted as
fact, is nothing less than a fable, and
that for the truth Of history, as well as
for the removal of this groundless re-
Election upon the attitude OF the Euro
pean powers towards the United States
this fable should not be accepted as a
part of their record of the war. He does
lot give this merely personal opinion,
but as established fact learned during
visits to Paris and Berlin, as well as St.
Petersburg. While in no way rejecting
upon any other power, the Russian am
bassador feels that it is but
simple justice to Russia and
other continental powers that the
consistent friendship they maintained
towards the United States throughout
every period of the war, and continue to
maintain towards this government
should not ebe obscured by any senti-
mental fiction as to the exceptional
friendship of one nation, and the enmity
Of others.