The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1903-07-10
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent.

enev massacre, finally agreed to forward
to the Gar petition appealing for spec
ial consideration for the Russian Jews, a
draft of which had been submitted to him
and to Secretary Hay. Russian officials
then caused to be given to the Associated
effect that Russia could not receive such
a petition nor permit any notice to be
taken by foreign government of Russian
affairs.
~
On receipt of this statement the State
issued a carefully prepared
announcement 1t was TO the effect that
the United States could not recognize
any "seni-official'' statement; that the
petition, in the absence OF an official pro-
test from Russia, would be forwarded as
soon as it was received in Washington.
The most significant part of this state
ment came from all official who announc-
ed that he was not speaking in an official
capacity. He said that lit seemed some
what strange, to say the least, that the
Russian government should choose this
method of making statement to the
American people at the very time when,
by methods which are certainly the re-
verse of friendly to the United States, it
has sought to make China Join in break
ing the plighted faith of all the powers as
to the open door in Manchuria and has
endeavored to bar our people from the
Manchurian trade"
*
The significance of the last statement is
construed to mean that the United States
proposes, almost as means of punish
ment to Russia, because of her breaking
faith in Manchuria, to send the petition.
If it is refused, copies will undoubtedly
be furnished to the Europe an powers and
the announcement will be made that Rus
STA has refused to entertain the petition,
a move most offensive to Russia because
of her repuguance to being held up to
the world as a semi-barbaric nation. If,
however, Russia should reconsider its
action in China, the United States will
doubtless think better of its intention of
forwarding any communication regarding
the Kishenev affair. The situation is
peculiarly interesting because of that in
Europe. Great Britain is as usual far
from friendly with Russia because of
the latter's encroachments in India,
notably in Persia and her threatened
invasion of Arabia. France, Russia's
closest ally, is seeking by every possible
means to cultivate the friendship of the
United States and would be loath to
choose between the two countries. Ger
many, never warmly attached to Russia,
has recently given ample proof of her
desire for the friendship of this country.
Under the circumstances, Russa's next
move is awaited with the keenest interest.
~
Apropos of Frances desire to cultivate
the friendship of the United States and
her determination not to be outdone in
this direction by Germany, it is worthy Of
note that the French Ambassador post
poned his departure from Washington for
the summer in order that he might de-
liver the Grafton of the day in Washing
ton on the 4th of July. In the hope Of
obviating the many casualties ordinarily
incident to the 4th, the authorities in
Washington determined to hold an cold
fashioned 4th of July celebration" in the
White House grounds.
~
Surprise has been expressed in some
quarters that such important affairs as
the recent negotiations with Russia. if
such they could be called, could go on
with the President and the Secretary of
State absent from Washington. The fact
is, however, that modern invention has
practically annihilated distance. When
the President goes to Oyster Bay private
wire is leased for the season so that he is
always in close touch with the executive
departments in Washington.
~
There has been no really important
development in the Postofiice investiga.
ton during the past week although pos
tai affairs are still being probed. The
announcement by the Auditor of the
financial statement of the Postoffice for
the fiscal year just ended is, however,
worthy of notice. This shows that the
deficiency for the year amounts to 81, 6I7,-
2o3, as against s., o6I,I7o for the year
previous. OF course the increase in the
deficiency is explained by officials as re-
sulting from the extension of the rural
free delivery routes, but it is privately
admitted that with economical admins
tration large portion of this amount
might have been saved even without cur
failing the rural service 1t is interesting
to learn in this connection that Fourth
Assistant Postmaster General Bristow has
determined to disregard political reasons
aud the opportunities of congressman in
the establishment Of rural routes in the
future. 1t has been shown that where
the conditions warrant the establishment
of rural route there is always a material
increase in postal receipts, but it is now
admitted that many routes have been
established where the conditions did not
warrant it and solely for the purpose Of
cultivating favor with the congressman