The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-04-06
Russia Had No Other Motive Than
Restoration of Peace in the
Manchurian Provinces.
WILL NOW AWAIT EVENTS
DOES NOT INTEND TO GIVE JAPAN A
CHANCE TO WAGE WAR.
Communication Received at Washing
ton Which Has Made n Profound
Iy Favorable Impression.

ST. PETERSBURG. April 5-As previ-
ousiy pointed out in these dispatches Rus
sia now blames the powers for China's re-
fusal to accept the conditions of the evacu-
alton of Manchuria, and calmly says she
is In no hurry and can await events. The
unbiased opinion here is that Russia occu-
pies an fmpregnable diplomatic position,
from which nobody can dslodge her How
ever 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 d
ripple OF excitement here.
The Official Messenger to-day publishes
q detailed review of the negotiations con-
Quoted by the allied powers with the Chi
nese plenipotentiaries at Tien-Tsin and Pc
king, and OF the negotiations that led to
the presentation of the French draft of
peace conditions, which consisted of twelve
points, but which are not yet concluded
The Russian government then makes the
following statement:
while anticipating an early settlement
of the questions affecting the negotiations
between all the powers and China. the
Russian government its part consid-
cred II necessary TO concern itself with the
things In the Chinese territories, along the
borders of which the Russia Asiatic pos
sessions extend for distance OF 5000 versts
(5.300 miles) To this end provisional writ
tel conditions for a modus vivendi were
agreed upon first between the Russian
military authorities and the Chinese gov
ernOrS or three Manchur1an provinces with
reference to the institution OF a local civil
administration. subsequently, and after a
careful consideration OF all the circum-
stances, the Russian government drew up
the draft of a special agreement with Chi
ma providing for the gradual evacuation of
Manchurta, as well as for the adoption of
provisional measures to assure peace In
that territory 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 i'm the for
eign press regarding the purpose and In
tentions OF the Russian government. Falsi-
fed texts of a treaty establishing a protec-
torate over Manchuria were quoted, and
erroneous reports were dessgnedly spread
OF alleged agreement between Russia
and China. AS matter Of fact. this agree
ment was to serve a basis for the res
toration to China, as contemplated by the
Russian government, OF the province of
Manchuria, which, in consequence of the
alarming events OF last year. was occu-
pied by Russian troops. In order that the
requisite military measures might be taken
II was imperative that the question should
be settled one way or the other. 1t was
impossible TO lay down forthwith. by means
OF mutual agreement. the conditions of
the evacuation of Manchurfa According
TO the news received. serious hindrances
were placed In the way OF the conclusion of
such an agreement, and in consequence OF
its acceptance by China. which was indis-
pensable for the evacuation of the prov
ince. seemed to be impossible.
"As regards the eventual restoration of
the province TO China, Ii is manifest that
such intention only be carried out
when the normal situation is completely re-
stored to the empire and the central gov
eminent established at the capital inde-
pendent and strong enough to guarantee
Russia against recurrence of the events
OF last year"
The Russian government concludes the
lengthy statement respecting the Man
churian agreement in these words: ''While
the Russian government maintains its pres
ent organization in Manchuria, to preserve
order in the vicinity of the broad frontiers
of Russia and remains faithful TO its orig
inal and oft-repeated political programme.
1t will quietly await the further course of
events"