Evening star., 1901-03-13
IF ORDER RETURNS
Russia Has Promised to Evacuate
Manchuria.
STATEMENTS OF COUNT CASSINI
The Ambassador Denies That An
nexation is Contemplated.
PROTECTING THE RAILWA

The Russian ambassador. Count Cassini,
seen today concerning the reiterated
reports as to Russia's designs on Manchu
ria, which are appearing from various
European capitals and are repeated with
more or less elaboration and defini.eness in
this country. Count Cassini said he
not authorized TO make any official decla-
ration on the part of his government, but
in view of the constant reports he con-
scented to state his individual view, based
upon his long service in China and his ia
miiarity with the general policy that Rus
sia has consistently maintained toward
China.
Chinese Invasion of Russia
The ambassador first called attention to
the Chinese invasion of Russian territory
last summer. There is a great stretch of
border between the two empires, about
5000 kilometers in length, and over the
ManChuria border poured the Chinese
forces. committing depredations and threat
ening Russian interests. This invasion was
of such character, the ambassador said,
that Russia would have been justified then
and there In declaring war against China
and taking Manchuria.
Such course would have been justified
by every principle of International law,
and the right of Russia in this respect
could not have been doubted by any other
nation. Moreover. Count Cass;ni said that
ii Russia had been disposed to exercise
this undOubted right. she had the military
force on the ground ready to execute it.
But Russia did not at that time take
Manchuria, and in that very fact, the am
bassador stated was the best answer to
the present reports of Russia's purposes
to absorb Manchuria. If she mad not cho-
sen to take Manchuria when the oppor-
tUnity was open and undoubted why should
No. s.,& hot 4,
Russian Troops In Manchuria.
The ambassador said that frequent refer
ence was made in foreign publications ard
in this country to the presence of Rus
sian troops in Manchuria and writers seem
to express some surprise at their presence
there why are Russian troops in Man.
churia?" was frequently asked. In reply
the ambassador asked: why are German
troops, British troops. American troops and
other troops in Pekin?" There seemed to
be no surprise about this latter condition,
and yet 1t was exactly parallel to the pres
encC of Russian troops in Manchuria.
In each case depredations We're being
committed, foreign interests We're in jeop-
ardy. and each nation sent It's troops to
give due protection to the lives and prop
critics of its people and to prevent the
currence of disorder In Manchuria the
Russian civil engineers had at one time
been driven away from work along the
trans-Siberian railway. with it's spurs
southwark to Port Arthur and eastward to
VladiyOstock. 1t was necessary to give ad-
equate protection to these engineers and
to the railway as well
Count Cassini pointed out the extent of
this great enterprise, with it's benefits Of
traffic. not only to Russia. but to the world
at large, and the prospect of its completion
within the next fourteen months. He
noted the fact that there not the
slightest fact as to the right Of Russia to
construct the line across Chinese territory,
and with this authority was the necessity
of protecting the line and the interest con-
nected with 1t against depreciation.
Reported Agreement With Russia.
Inquiry was made of Count Cassini as to
the specific report that an agreement. con-
tanning a number of articles was about to
be concluded between Russia and China.
The ambassador suggested that reports
must be taken with great deal of allow
ance. particularly II they emanated in
Shanghai which, according to his own
perience. point from which fabrca-
tiOns were sent out He was not advised on
any such agreement, and In the absence of
such advice did not feel at liberty to dis
cuss the subject.
But on general principles he pointed out
that any agreement or understanding which
Russia might make with China, would In
yolve two essential features, namely, first,
adequate protection for Russian interests
IN Manchuria in order that there might be
no repetition of disorder. and danger to life
and property: and second, the mainte-
OI Cnlud
When Russia VIII Leave.
AS far back as August 25 Count Cassini
pointed out. the Russian minister of for
eign affairs had In formal note clearly
and distinctly announced the policy of Rus
STA in regard to Manchuria. In accordance
with that declaration il could not be doubt
ed that when order had been established
in Manchuria and measures taken for the
protection of railway construction, Russia
would not fall to recall her troops from
Manchuria. provided the action of other
powers did not place an obstacle in the
way Of such a measure
The ambassador remarked that there was
really no occasion for renewing attention
to this note of August % any more than
there was need of reiteratng the declara-
ton of other notes exchanged at that time
But III the view of the ambassador it made
clear that whatever might be the under
standing as to Manchuria. that territory
would remain part of China. the Russian
troops being withdrawn as soon as this
could be done with assurance that order
would be maintained. unless new condi-
tiOns are brought about by the action of
others.
Not an Official Declaration.
In concluding the interview Count Cas-
SIM again called attention to the fact that
he was not authorized to make any official
declaration on the part of the government
but was merely expressing his individual
views based on experience in China and
general acquaintance with Russian pol
ley concerning the reports and criticisms