The sun., 1901-04-08
RUSSIA MAKES A MOVE.
Breaks Concert of Powers by Ignoring
Chinese Commissioners.
CLASH IN ORIENT IMMINENT
Dispatch to State Department From
Peking Explains Attitude of Ja-
pan - Russia Is Determined
to Possess Manchuria.


Washington, April 7.-Russia has
broken off diplomatic relations with
the Chinese peace commissioners.
This worldwide important news has
been received at the state department.
1t portends the beginning of a clash in
the orient, with untold possibilities for
the United States and other powers in
China The news explains to all ap-
pearances the alarming attitude OF ia
pan as on the verge of war with Rus
sia, as it is very likely that Japan has
been informed of Russia's action re-
vealed to the state department by Mr..
Squiers at Peking.
The dispatch of Mr.. Squicrs was
communicated at once to the president,
and the second assistant secretary of
state was directed to prepare instruc-
| tions 10 Mr. Squiers. Notwithstanding
the receipt Of this dispatch and its sen
sational potontialities the state depart
ment and White House affect u dis
erect aud profound calm. But the Off
cials know Russia has taken China by
| the throat and by refusing to treat
with her commissioners says to Kwang
| Su, EITHER the Manchurian conven-
| ton as we want it or war"
Russia Has Smashed the Concert.
Russia has thus deliberately smash
cd the concert. and it will remain
smashed until the powers agree to her
demands in Manchuria. If China does
i Inn, Int nc ,i.lt N
! army will be marched into Manehuria,
and the settlement will take place ut
the gates of Pekng. No one here
doubts that the beginning of hostilitics
will he marked by the vaulting of ia
pan into the fight and that Russia will
not he permitted to play lone hand in
The war with China. 1t may in fact,
occur that Japan will take the initia-
i've the moment il is apparent that
l,ussia insists OH cxtorting the Man
churian treaty either by arms or by
vigorous diplomacy.
The act Of Russia obviously is the
/ spark that will set the orient aflame
On its face it looks like a case of bad
faith. but no one knows what all of
/ Russia's reservations We're when she
appointed her commissioners to treat
! with Ii Hung Chang and the others
II is. however, known that Russia has
always reserved her right 10 make wal
on China because of China's act in
sending troops into Siberia while the
RUSSIAN minister was besieged in Pc
king.
Russia's Cause For War.
This right OF war to carry out hel
plans in Manchuria has been played 10y
Russia with tremendous effect ON the
powers, because ii Russia declares wal
it will be for a personal cause, will
which the other nations have nothing
to do with the exception of Japan. II
is tacitly admitted that the Russian
demands will be made known to the
powers at an early date, showing that
the official view has been materially
changed by new developments at the
department.
China must submit or she must show
her hand and reveal her allies. and this
will disclose the position Of the United
States.
1t is for this last reason that til,
president has ordered Mr.. Adee. secont
assistant secretary of state. to prepare
instructions TO Mr.. Squiers. The frs
instructions will undoubtedly be Il
induce Ii Hung Chang through Mr.
ltocihill to resume ut all hazards Off
cial relations with the Russian minis
ter at Peking.