The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1903-05-15
Reported That Russians Have With
drawn from Forts at Mouth
of Lao River.
OFFICIALS AT PEKING ARE MYSTlFIED.
Disposition to Question Correctness
of Informal iOn-Stat ement of Jap
anese and Russian Ministers Re-
garding SituatiOn-Vievs of OFF,
Gals in England and France.

Russia's alleged action at New Chwang
and elsewhere in Manchuria tele-
graphed Saturday that the occupation
of the forts at the mouth of the Lao
river was temporary, and that the Rus
slams have now withdrawn.
Official circles at Peking are mysti-
fed Their subordinatesa at New Chwang
have not reported the reoccupation of
that place, hence there is disposition
to question the correctness of the in
formation, although the author of Fri
days story is considered to be one of
the ablest and best Informed foreign
ers in China.
Statement of Japanese Minister.
Washington, May 11.-Mr. Takahiri,
the japanese minister, had long in
terview with Secretary Hay at the
state department Saturday. He man
ifested deep concern over the Man
churian situation, but declared that
the legation was without official ad-
vices. in the absence of which he did
not care to discuss the matter. There
is an intimation that Japan is disap-
pointed at the character of the sup
port she has received from other pow
ers up to this time in her efforts to
stop Russia's alleged aggression. Upon
leaving the state department the min
lister took occasion to single out the
following statements printed Satur-
day morning:
at is pointed out that Russia en-
ployed a saving clause in the promise
to withdraw from Manchuria, the Ian
guage being provided, however. that
the action of other powers shall not
stand in the way and the further
statement that Russia, it is under
stood. now contends that this proviso
was violated by Japan. when she mob
ilized her fleet and otherwise showed
signs of military preparation, which
was construed as menace to Russia. -
Commenting upon the latter state
ment, he said:
"Such a contention. if made, is I'M
WARRANTED Mr.. Takahiri added that
there has been nothing in the move
ments of the japanese navy that could
be construed as a menace to Russia.
"The movements of Japan's warships.
said the minister. ''are simply Incl
dental to our spring maneuvers, and
are as devoid of political significance
as were your naval maneuvers in the
Caribbean last winter"
Says Pledge Has Not Been Violated.
Count Cassini, the Russian ambassa-
dor, said Saturday:
when the whole truth is known it
will be found that Russia has not vi
plated single pledge made to any ma
ton. nor does she intend to do so.
Moreover whatever steps have been
taken in Manchuria are only in self
defense"
The count called in person at the
department. of state to talk over the
Manchurian situation with Secretary
HAY and it is supposed he conveyed as
surances on the same line to the sec
rotary.
There appear to be no official devel-
opments in the matter beyond the calls
of the japanese and Russian repre-
sentatives. The state department is
earnestly striving to learn the facts,
in regard to which there seems to be
much doubt. Strong disparities in
the statements as to what has taken
place in Manchuria come from differ
ent quarters, and the assignment of
differing motives for the Russian and
japanese movements makes it difficult
for the state department to shape a
course The indications are that action
will be deferred until the department
is sure of the facts.
No News in London.
London, May 1.-THE British for
eign office is without any official news
of the Russian action at New Chwang.
The subject has not been mentioned
by eitherthe am ba ssador at st. Peters
burg or the British charge d. affaires
at Picking. The foreign office here.
also has not been informed of any in
tention on the part of the United
States cooperating with Great Britain
and Japan in joint protest. Such CO
operation would be warmly welcomed,
and would come as pleasant surprise
to Downing street in view of the state
llOh HIUuCI " W
act Jointly" with Great Britain.
though admittedly working for COM
mon object. The foreign office is in
clined to regard Russian activity at
New Chwang as a measure originally
intended to synchronize with the de-
mands on China, but owing to the
premature revelation of the demands
the plans miscarried. In view of the
vigorous protest addressed to Russia
in the interim the foreign office does
not believe she is likely to take seri-
ously aggressive steps in the near flu
ture.
French View of Situation.
Paris, May 11.-Commenting on the
Manchurian situation the officials here
say the French ambassador at ST. Pc
tersburg has had an interview on the
subject with Foreign Minister Lams-
dorff which brought out a repetition of
the statement that Russia had given
positive assurances to the United
States that there would be no inter-
ruption of the open door policy in
Manchuria and also the assertion that