The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-10-30
Count Cassini Discusses the Relations
of His Government with the
Celestial Empire.
WORK OF ALLIES IN CHINA
INTERNATIONAL ARMY PURGING THE
VILLAGES OF BOXERS.
Mixed Commission Appointed to Lo-
cate Responsibility for the MUIR
der of Missionaries.

WASHINGTON. Oct. 29.-The Russian
ambassador. Count Cassini. has returned
to Washington after an absence of some
months in Europe, during which time he
conferred with Count Lamsdorf. Russian
minister OF foreign affairs, concerning Chi
nese and other international questions. He
also talked with NJ. Delcasse. the French
minister of foreign affairs. When seen At
the embassy to-day Count Cassini said
that his visit to ST. Petersburg occurred
more than two months ago so that nc
was not in touch with the latest phases
of the Chinese situation. Count Cassini
says he observed at St. Petersburg that
the government was animated by a most
reasonable and moderate disposition con-
corning China. There was a desire TO avoid
making the crisis the occasion for large
projects. In particular he noted both at
st. Petersburg and throughout Europe
that there was very general feeling as 10
the identity of the policy between the
United States and Russia, their position
being alike many points. The death of
Count Muravieff, late minister of foreign
affairs, had removed an official who had
been a steadfast admirer and friend of
the United States. And yet, Count Cassinl
said, Count Lamsdorf. the new minister.
entertains that same sentiment of friend
ship and admiration for this country.
Referring TO Russia's action in the Chi
nese trouble, Count Cassini said that it
had been considered essential at the outset
that ruling head be given TO China. The
empire was in a deplorable condition. as
a result of the uprising. and the Manchu
dynasty weak and incapable. With the
departure of the Emperor and the Empress
dowager from Picking the empire practi-
cally was left drifting, and it was not To
be expected that the 400,000.000 people OF
China could carry on such a vast institu-
ton without a head Russia, therefore,
considered ii essential at the outset 10
bring back the Emperor and to re-estab-
lish government capable of settling at
fairs. To this end IL had been proposed
that the troops be withdrawn from Pek-
ing, as there was little doubt that such
withdrawal would be followed by the re-
turn of the imperial household and more
speedy conclusion of binding agreements.
The ambassador pointed out that any Chi
nese negotiations will have to receive the
ratification OF the Emperor of China.
During the ambassadors service as Rus
sian minister at Picking he became we'll
acquainted with Ii Hung Chang and
Prince Ching and he speaks in high terms
of their ability and craftsmanship.
Count CasSinis attention was called to the
fact that the credentials OF the Chinese
plenipotentiaries gave them extraordinary
may do. But the ambassador smilingly
shook his head. saying that under the Chi
nese system it would be essential in the
end to secure imperial concurrence.
When asked to Russa's purposes in
Manchuria, the ambassador said he was
not Informed on the latest phases of this
branch of the subject, and could not speak
officially. But ne remarked that Russia's
great railroad interests leading down TO
Port Arthur would have TO be protected.
There was not the slightest doubt OF TINS.
mos i'm
said, that Russia had been attacked by the
Chinese, and 1T was only natural and neces-
sary that Russia should resist these at
tacks. The ambassador also observed that
1t quite natural that Russia should feel
a deep interest in Manchuria, as it bor-
dered on Russia. much as Canada Dor
dered on the United States, so that any
thing affecting Manchuria came home TO
Russia far more than 1t did TO countries
far removed from that part of the world.
He recalled that France Russia and the
other powers interested in China had made
analogous declarations against the dismen1-
berment of China.
Count Cassni asked to be excused from
discussing the British-German alliance as
he has not yet been advised of the pur-
poses of the Russian government.
The ambassador returns to Washington
with the expectation of remaining at this
post for the present and certainly through
the coming winter although in the nat
ural course of events he may go to Paris
or some other leading capital after his
service here He expresses the wish to re-
main In Washington. saying he has found
his associations with the American gov
eminent and the American people most
agreeable. and he adds that IL is his opin-
ion. as we'll that of the Russian govern
ment, that the mission to Washington is
now one Of the most important in the en-
tire foreign service.
Secretary Hay. this afternoon. returned
the answer Of the United States govern
ment to the British-German agreement re-
specting China. 1t will not be made public
until II has been delivered in London and
Rarlin