The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-04-06
THE DECISION OF RUSSIA.
No Withdrawal From Manchuria Till Strong
Chinese Government is Established
(By the Associated Press J


st. Petersburg, April 1.-THE Russian
Government II axes the following state
ment:
while not anticipating an early set
tlement of the qestions affecting the
mutual relations between all the powers
and China, the Russian Government on
it's part considered it necessary to con-
Germ itself with the establishment of
permanent order Of things in the Chi
nese territories along the borders of
which the Russian Asiatic possessions
extend for a distance IF eight thousand
versts (5 300 niles 70 this end, pro-
visional written conditions for modus
vivendi were agreed upon first between
the Russian military authorities and the
Chinese governors OF three Manchurian
provinces.
with reference TO the institution Of
a local civil administration, subsequent
ly and after q careful consideration of
all the circumstances, the Russian Gov
ernment drew up the draft on a special
agreement with China providing for
the gradual evacuation of Manchuria,
as well as for the adoption Of provisional
measures to assure peace in that ter
ritory and to prevent the recurrence of
events similar to those of last year
Unfortunately, with the object of stir
ring up public opinion against Russia,
alarmist rumors were circulated in the
foreign press regarding the purpose
and intentions of the Russian Govern
ment Falsified texts of treaty estab
fishing protectorate over Manchuria
were quoted, and erroneous reports
were designedly spread of an alleged
agreement between Pussla and China.
AS matter OF fact, this agreement, was
to serve as basis fcr the restoration
to China as contemplated by the Rus
sian Government Of the Province OF
Manchuria which, in CONSCIENCE of the
alarming events of last year, was occu-
pied by Russian troops. IN order that
the requisite military measures might
be taken, 1t was imperative that the
question should be settled one way or
the other. 1t was impossible to lay
down forthwith by means of a mutual
agreement, the conditions of the evac-
uation Of Manchuria. According to the
news received, serious hindrances were
placed in the way of the conclusion Of
such an agreement and in consequence,
it's acceptance by China, which was
| indispensable for the gradual evacua-
tion of the province, proved to be inn
possible.
'As regards the eventual restoration
of the province to China it is manifest
that such intention can only be carried
out when the normal situation is COM
pletely restored to the empire, and the
! central government established at the
capital, Independent and STRONG enough
to guarantee Russia against a recur-
renee of the events of last year.
The Russian Government concludes
the lengthy statement respecting the
Manchurian agreement in these words:
while the Russian Government
maintains its present organization in
Manchuria, to reserve order in the Vi
cinity of the broad frontiers Of Russia,
and remains faithful TO it's original and
! oft repeated political program, it viii
quietly await the further course of
events"
The unbiased opinion here is that
Russia occupies an iInpregnable diplo-
matte position from which nobody can
dislodge her. However, warlike Japan
may feel, Russia is confident that no
opportunity will be given her to take the
offensive without placing herself in the
wrong. AS far as can be seen Japanese
threats have not caused a ripple of
excitement here.