The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-05-14
STATEMENT FROM RUSSIA.

NEW YORK. May 13.-According 10
a special from Washington to the Her
aid. Russa's efforts TO facilitate the |
negotiations respecting China and to
hasten the withdrawal Of foreign |
troops from the Celestial empire are the
subject Of an official note, copy OF
which has Just been received In Wash
ington. It contains the FIRST complete
official statement OF the course Of the
Russian government that has been
made
The statement OF Russia's policy was
made simultaneously with her official
declaration that while maintaining the
present temporary situation in Manclu-
ria in order 10 preserve peace, the i'm
perial government is content to await
events. 1t declares virtually that Rus
sia has KEEP: steadily in view the fact
that in sending her troops into China
no hostile intent was entertained toward
China: on the contrary their presence
was for ;he purpose OF rendering eitec-
tive aid 10 the government OF China
in its struggle against the Insurgents.
The note Is a lengthy review Of dip
lomatic developments, beginning with
the steps taken by the powers to seek
an understanding Of the alarming oc-
currence in China last year. The note
! further states that Russia, without sep
ara,ing herself from the common ac-
ZION Of the other powers, by reason Of
her special relations with China as an
adjoining country was obliged to re-
serve a certain freedom Of action and to
avoid taking part in engagements op-
nosed 70 her interests or contrary 10
her historical conditions. The note
states explicitly that, contrary to
the advice Of certain powers" Russia
declared openly from the beginning
that she was not at war with the Chi
nese empire.
"As 10 the political programme Of
Russia" the official statement continues
that is to say, the immediate object;
. she had in view, they were set forth in
the first official declaration made in re-
: Iation TO Chinese affairs and are stated
e as follows:
q The rescue Of the Russian representa-
p tiyes at Pekin and the protection o
Russian subjects against the crimina
attacks of Chinese insurgents; to rende
assistance to the Chinese government
against the insurrection with a view a
quickly as possible to establish Jaw an,
: order in the empire.
n when all the powers interested ma
. decided to send troops to China for tn
same purpose, the imperial government
proposed, as a rule of conduct In re
4 lation 10 the affairs of China. tn
n fundamental principles: The mainten
, ance of the agree ement between the pow
. ers: the preservation of the governmen
o. of China existing ab antique; the ellmi
II nation Of everything that might lead
4 the partition of the Celestial empire
a and. finally, the establishment by
4 ioint effort of the legal central govern
ment at Pekin, which Of itself coul
guarantee the peace and order of ii
country"
An agreement was reached upon the'
:. points by most of the powers. IT
~ liberation Of the diplomats and soreigT
ers having been accomplished, Russi
in order TO induce the Chinese court
e return. withdrew her legation ar
OIL troops to Tien Tsin. In the opinion
ly Russia a military occupation of Pek
N was not in accord with her previol
'e declarations.
n. Antlcipatory of the negotiations, Ru
sia suggested the matters which shou
be considered, mentioning the advisao'
ity of a joint agreement as to the in
portations of arms, the indemnificati'
OF governments, corporations and pr
vate individuals who had suffered loss
in consequence Of the trouble.
But in order not to place China In
position where 1t may become abs
J., lutelv impossible for her to meet the p
IN cuniary demands and in order to alta
n some particular results" the rote sal
e. "due moderation must be observed
10 this regard"
It was at this moment that Germal
proposed the adoption Of coercive mes
ures for the purpose Of bringing t
Chinese court back to Pekin.
'In the opinion Of the imperial go