Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-10-29
COUNT CASSINI HERE
The Russian Ambassador Returns to
the City.
DISCUSSES CHINESE POLICY
Harmony Of Relations With This
Country.
WILL REMAIN SOME TIME

The Russian ambassador. Count Cassini
has returned to Washington, after alb
sence of some months in Europe. during
which time he had the opportunity of visit
ing ST. Petersburg and comforting with
Count Lamsdorf, Russian minister of for
eign affairs. concerning Chinese affairs and
other international questions which have
engaged attention of late. Count Cassini
also spent some time at Paris, where he
talked with NJ. Delcasse, the French min
lister of foreign affairs. The ambassadors
trip abroad was for recreation, however,
and he comes back looking vigorous and
healthy, despite the effects of very rough
voyage over on the Kaiser Wilhelm der
Crosse.
When seen at the embassy today Count
Cassini said that his visit to st. Peters
burg more thar two months ago, so
that he not in touch with the latest
phases of the China situation and was not
yet in a position to discuss them. But
he spoke informally on some of the events
which have arisen and the course which
Russia has pursued.
Russia's Feeling to America.
Count Cassini says that he observed at
ST. Petersburg that the government was
animated by a most reasonable, concilia-
tory and moderate disposition concerning
China. There was desire to avoid max
ing it the occasion for large projects. In
particular he noted both at ST. Petersburg
and throughout Europe that there was a
very general feeling as to the Identity of
policy between the United States and Rus
sia their position being alike on many
points involved. The death of Count Mura-
vieff, late minister of foreign affairs, had
removed an official who had been most
steadfast admirer and friend of the United
a
Count Lamsdorf. the new minister, enter
tains the same sentiments of friendship and
admiration for this country The new min
lister has been identified with the foreign
office for some twenty-five years. always in
close touch with the larger international
questions. that he is thoroughly equip
ped to carry forward Russia's foreign
policy.
Policy Regarding China.
Referring to Russias action in the Chi
nese trouble Count Cassini said that 1t had
been considered essential at the outset that
a ruling head be given to China The en-
pire was in a deplorable condition re-
suit of the uprising, and the Manchu
dynasty seemed weak and incapable. With
the departure Of the emperor and the EN-
press dOwager from Pekin the empire
practically left drifting. and 1t not to
be expected that 4OO.O0O.OOO people could
carry such a vast Institution without a
head. Russia therefore, considered 1t es-
sential the outset to bring back the
head the emperor. and to thus re-esta blish
governr ent capable of settling affairs
To that end it had been proposed that the
troops be withdrawn from Pekin there
was little doubt that the withdrawal of the
troops would be speedily followed by the
return of the imperial household. With
that accomplished. Count Cassini says, it
would have been easy to carry on efficient
and binding negotiations, with the emperor
giving that approval which Is essential
under the Chinese system.
AS 1t is, the negotiations are going on
with fair degree of success. But the am
bassador points out that whatever may be
accomplished by the negotiations will nave
to receive the ratification of the Emperor
Of China During the ambassadors service
as Russian minister at Pekin he became
well acquainted with Ii Hung Chang and
Prince Ching, and he speaks in high terms
OF their ability and craftsmanship. Yet
he holds that the best they may do will In
the end have to go before the emperor for
final sanction.
Count Cassinis attention was called to
the fact that the credentials of the Chinese
plenipotentiaries gave them extraordinary
power, and ratified in advance what they
may do. But the ambassador smilingIv
shook his head. saying that under the Chi,
nese system it would be essential in the
END TO secure imperial concurrence in what
Ii Hung Chang and Prince Ching NAV
conclude during the negotiations.
interests in Mauchuria,
When asked as to Russia.s purposes in
Aanchuria. the ambassador said he was NOT
informed the latest phases of that
pranch or the subject, and could not speak
definitely But he remarked that Russia's
great railroad interests leading down to
Fort Arthur would have to be protected
Ihere was not the slightest doubt of that
WITHOUT reference to the general ques tion
o. Manchuria- 1t was in protecting these
interests that Russia had been attacked nv
the Chlnese, and 1t was only natural and
necessary that Russia should resist these
attacks The ambassador also observed
tildt IL was quite natural that Russia
should feel deep interest in Manchuria
as IL bOrdered Russia, much as Canada
porders on the United States, so that any
thlng affecting Manchuria came home to
Russia far more than it did to countries
lar removed from that part of the world
He recalled. however. that France, Rus
STA and all of the powers interested in
China had made an analogous declaration
against the dismemberment of the empire
Count Cassni asked to be excused from
discussing the British-German alliance. as
ne mas not yet been advised of the pur-
poses OF the Russian government.
Will Remain Some Time.
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 natural
course OF events he may go to Paris or
some other leading capital after his service
here He expressed the wish to remain in
Washington, saying he has found his asso-
Citations with the American government and
the American people most agreeable and
he added that 1t is his opinion as we'll as
that OF the Russian government that the
mission to washington is now one Of the
most important in the entire foreign ser
vice.
ON LOOKOUT FOR ALvORD.