The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-07-21

sen on Tuesday.
Washington, July 16.-The Manchu-
rian question has been settled salts
factorily TO this government. Assur-
ances have been received from the Chi
nese government that it will, in the
near future. open as treaty ports sew
eral ports now closed to the worlds
rade. The Russian government mas
conveyed formal assurance to the Uni
ted states tha it will not, in any way.
oppose such opening. While the ports
to be opened are not yet specified it is
gathered from the communications re-
ceived that they are Moukden, the
principal inland port of Manchuria, and
Ia Tung kao, at the mouth of the
river.
1t is now known that the negotiations
which have terminated so successfully
today, so far as broad lines are con-
cerned. for only details remain to be
adjusted, We're practically brought to
their present phase by Secretary Hay
and Count Casslni at a meeting at the
Russian embassy on June 2Sth. the day
the secretary departed for Newport,
for h ambassador then had in hand
the necessary authorization from his
own government to make the pledges
which are now in process of redemp-
ton. These pledges We're reduced to
writing by Mr.. Hansen. the Russian
charge, during his call at the state de-
partment TUESDAY,.
T rn~oa,~- g.
in the trade treaty, which he is ne
gotiating with China the terms and
conditions under which the new ports
are 20 be opened. 1t may be stated
that had the United States government
cared to pursue a selfish policy in this
matter it might easily have secured
promise of special privileges from Rus
STA.
1t now develops that the meeting of
Russian officials at Port Arthur just
concluded was but one of the steps.
though an important one which the
st. Petersburg government had PLAN
ned in execution Of its purpose 10 place
matters of internal administration in
Manchuria in such condition tina the
ports desired by the United States and
Japan could be opened to trade without
causing disturbance in involving I'M
u sacrifice Of proper Russian inter-
eStS.
io = lIIIC 10 lIIeIlIJOlIeu J.
the promise to open the ports. it is
believed that his will follow soon af-
ter the Russian evacuation in Septem-
Der.
The prospect gives the keenest Salts
faction here for Secretary Hay has
been for more than two years in
steady pursuit of the Open Door in
Manchuria. which he has already point
ed out is so important to the vast cot
ton interests of the south.
simultaneously with the promise to
open up Manchuria to the worlds trade
comes a report to the bureau of COM
merce and labor from United States
Consul Miller at Niu Chwang, which is
SO far the only open port in Manchu-
ria respecting the cotton goods trade
OF that province. He says that the
great market for cotton goods in Man
churia is attracting the earnest atten-
ton Of Russia manufacturers at Mos
COW. They are seeking to CAPTURE a
good share of the 21.000, 900 taels (s12.-
100000 worth of cotton goods trade
that annually comes through this port.
and are Offering most tempting induce
ments to merchants to go to Moscow
to purchase their supplies.
The completion of the Sibe-nla rail-
way says the consul. has brought a rev
factor in the great cotton goods trade
of North China and American manu-
facturers must be alive to the situation
n adjust their business arrangement
to meet the new conditions If they
wish to hold their trade.
The volunteer fleet heavily subsidized
by the Russian government is bring
ing Russian goods to North China at
very low freight rates. and these goods
are entered at Port Arthur and Dalny
without paying any customs duties:
beside the charges for ships are -om-
inal n there are no pilot charges.
\ T0arlran Goods On fret fn Sl,c rhns
where customs duties and port charges.
storage and handling are paid. and are
then re-shipped to Niu Chwarg. where
freight. pilotage. port and handling
charges are again paid. This fleet con-
Sists of fourteen steamers with 4 total
tonnage of IS ,4S1 tons.
London. July 16.-Both the foreign Of
fee and the Japanese legation say
they are without adVices as to the re-
suit of the conference OF RuSsian Off
Gals at Port Arthur. At both places
the dispatches were read with the
keenest interest. The japanese officials
are disappointed at attitude of Great
Britain which they believe is in the di-
rection Of endeavoring TO restrain
Japan's active policy in min
The reciprocal visits Of King Edward
n President Loube; are regarded as
an indication hat Great Britain IS
seeking TO maintain such relations with
France as will proven the latter from
supporting Russia in the event of war.
Il is said that the Toxic government
mainly relied upon the support of the
United States which Jaoan is energat-
ically backing up in the demand for
open ports in ManchurIa.
London, July 16.-The announcement
that the state department of Washing
ton has received assurances from the
Chinese government that il will shortly
open several ports to the worlds trade