The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-05
RUSSIA OUR BEST FRIEND.
Views of Ethan Allen Hitchcock, Who
Is Returning to America.

LONDON, Feb 4.-Ethan Allen Hitch
Geek, the retiring American ambassador to
Russia, who was recently appointed United
States secretary of the interior, arrived in
London to-day on his way to Washington.
He carries home the strongest pro-Russian
sympathies. In an interview had with him
by a representative of the Associated Press,
Mr.. Hitchcock denounced emphaucally the
stories current since the beginning of the
Hispano-American war that Russia was
member of the coalition of continental pow
crs which would have interviewed in the dis
pute had England not refused to join them.
"These stories are utterly unfounded,"
said Mr. Hitchcock. There has never been
single item of proof produced to sub
stantiate them, and on the contrary Russia
has been most friendly toward the United
States and has manifested that friendship
during the past years in many ways OF
which my position forbids me to speak. I'm
fortunately, the Russian government is so
constituted that it cannot do much talking
in such cases as the present, but can only
wait for time to afford opportunities for
proving the truth. When these opportunl-
ties arrive it's friendship will be demon
strated.
.erhe false impressions which have arisen.
largely due to utterances of Russian news
papers. certain of which are popularity sup
posed to be official organs; whereas the
supposition is utterly unfounded, as they
represent the government no more than in
dependent sections of the American press
represent the government. In criticising
domestic politics the Russian papers must
he most cautious, but when it comes to for
eign affairs they are allowed degree of lib
ertv and even license, which surprises me.
OF course, if they say things which inter-
fere with the governments plans they may
be cautioned and told that they are injudi-
cious. but, ordinarily, they are entirely un-
hampered."
Like most peesons making the acquaint-
ance of the Czar, Mr.. Hitchcock has pro-
found admiration for the young potentate,
and expresses himself strongly as to his
frankness, sincerity and enterprise. After
the formal presentment of his letter of re-
call ON Saturday last Mr.. Hitchcock had a
long personal talk with the Czar and Count
Muravien, the Russian foreign minister. He
scoffs at the idea that the Cars peace prop
aganda is inspired by any but the highest
motives Regarding the Cars proposal
looking TO the Limitation of ornaments, Mr..
Hitchcock said: THE Car is no wise dis
couraged by the reception of his plans for
checking the increase of ornaments. He
has not any idea that ne viii achieve all he
desires Immediately, but is firm in the be-
lief that his views must prevail in time. and
a not far-distant time"
Mr.. Hitchcock was delayed for a fort
night by the difficulty he encountered in ar
ranging for 3 reception by the Car on ae-
count of the interfestivities which were in
progress. and in which the members of the
royal family participated actively, the Car
attending reunions of various regiments and
making addresses. He win sail on Wednes-
day, but his family will not 90 70 Washing
ton until the fall. Mr., Hitchcock not desir-