Evening star., 1901-05-13
THE ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA
COPIES RECEIVED HERE OF HER
OFFICIAL NOTE.
General Statements Already Published
Policy Regarding Manchuria.

Copies of Russia's official note concerning
her Chinese policy have been received here.
and confirm the general statements already
published in the press. The official char
acter of the note, however. gives Il a weight
and dignity which were lacking in the pre-
vious unauthorized statements in regard to
the matter. In explanation of Russia's poll
icy in China it is declared that while
maintaining the present temporary situa--
ton In Manchuria In order to preserve
peace throughout the vast territory adjoin-
ing her frontier. and following out with alb
solute fidelity her original intentions which
she has openly declared again and again,
the imperial government is content to await
calmly the march of events
1t declares that throughout the Chinese
trouble Russia has kept steadily in view
the fact that in sending her troops into
emma no hostile intent was entertained to-
ward China: on the contrary. their pres
ence, it is stated. was for the purpose of
rendering effective aid to the government
OF China in its struggle against the insur-
gents
Review of Developments.
The note Is a review Of the diplomatic de-
Velopments beginning with the steps taken
by the powers to seek an understanding at
the outset of the alarming occurrences
which took place in China last year With
the common action of the other powers
Russia, the note states by reason of her
special relations with China as an adjoining
country, was obliged to reserve a certain
freedom of action and to avoid taking part
in engagements opposed to her interests or
contrary to her historical traditions.
1t Is set forth explicitly that, contrary
to the advice of certain powers" Russia de-
c1ared openly from the beginning that she
was not at war with the Chinese empire
In representation to the powers on June
3 last Russia announced that her troops
had entered China solely to aid the Chinese
government in suppreSsing the fnsurrection
When the question was under discussion at
the council of admirals at Tien Tsin as to
whether Pekin and Tien Tsin should be de-
stroyed Instructions were sent to Admiral
AleXeieff directing him to abstain from TAX
ing part In acts of hostility which were
likely to give rise to new and greater COM
plications.
Held to Original Program.
The note refers to the proposal of the
German emperor that Field Marshal Count
Won Waldersee should be placed In chief
command of the International forces. which
was accepted. Before Marshal Won Walder-
sees arrival, the note states. Pekin had
been captured. the legations relieved and
the Chinese insurgents dispersed These
circumstances made it necessary for the
Russian government I'm order to avoid any
MISUNDERSTANDING 10 reeIllrfl ltS ueclard-
tons that it intended to hold fnflexibly to
the program already agreed upon, with oc-
cupation of Manchuria as merely tempo
rary. The liberation of the diplomats and
foreigners having been accomplished, Rus
sia. in order to induce the Chinese court to
return, withdrew her legation and troops
to Tien TSn.
It is also stated in the note that having
at the outset opposed the death penalty
the imperial government directed its
representative into
the debate relating to capital punishment,
but not to take part in discussing the pun
ishment to be inflicted upon the Chinese
dignitaries.''