New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-09-20
RUSSIA IN CHINA.

The latest reports concerning Russia in China,
which seem TO be authoritative, are welcome.
They are to the effect that Russia, on October
s next will restore to China the southern part
of Manchuria and the Shan-Hai-Kwan Railway.
To say that this is unexpected might seem dis
courteous. seeing that it is precisely what Rus
STA long ago promised to do. Yet it is the truth
that the promises of Russia, as indeed those of
other countries have not always been exactly
fulfilled. There was, it is true, the affair OF
Kuldja, in which Russia fulfilled a self-denying
obligation in a most exemplary fashion. But
on the other hand, there was Merv, and here
before us to-day is Finland, a melancholy ex-
ample of broken faith. If we strike the balance
of kept and broken promises we shall not great
IL condemn those who decline 10 accept prom
Uses in advance at their full face value, but
look rather at what is actually being done.
Recent reports. from Russian as well as from
non Russian sources. have certainly not indi-
Gated a fulfilment of the promise to evacuate
Manchuria On the contrary. everything has
pointed to indefinite Russian occupation of
those provinces. Leaving out of the question
the recently reported order for the expulsion
and exclusion of all foreigners. save Russians,
from Manchuria. there have been no visible
preparations for Russian withdrawal An army
and whole administrative system do not move
out in A day. In the comparatively small matter
of American evacuation of Cuba, preparations
were plainly visible for weeks in advance With
the date set for Russian departure from Man
churia only a few weeks away. and with no
preparations for departure visible, it is not to
be wondered at that there arose a considerable
degree of scepJicism concerning the prompt
fu1hlment of Russia's promise 10 withdraw,
that the fulflment Of that promise will be
almost as unexpected as it is gratifying
Nevertheless its fulflment is now declared
to be assured. and it will be pleasure to give
Russia the fullest credit therefore, far greater
pleasure than 1t has been at times TO criticise
the conduct Of Russia in China. The Russian
agreement with China with respect to Man
churia is that Russia shall withdraw from the
Province of Sheng-King, south of the Lao
River, within six months of the signing Of the
convention, from the remainder of Sheng- King
from the Province of Ho-Lung Kiang in third
such period. That agreement was made in the
first part OF April last. and the time set for
evacuation Of the southwest of Sheng-King &C
cordngly expires in the first part of next
month which is exactly the date now reported
to have been prescribed by NJ. Lessar for such
withdrawal. The next stage will be concluded
In April of next year, and the third and final
stage IN October Of next year, when all Man
churia will be Chinese again. It will be most
agreeable TO see these promises scrupulOusy
fulfilled It will promote the progress of peace
and civilization in the Far East. and will
greatly strengthen general confidence in the
good faith NOT only of Russian but Of all
national and international undertakings.