The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-04-28
SEEK PLAN TO SAVE CHINA.
lMR. HAY AND THE JAPANESE
MINISTER AGAIN CONFER.

United states bet ermincd on Free Action.
but May Exchange Views with Other
Powers-New Moves by Russia In Dis
puted District Our Notice 10 China.
WASHINGTON, April s7.-Evidence sccum-
ulates here that Japan Is very much in
earnest In her endeavors to prevent the
accomplishment Of Russla's designs on
Manchuria. Despite the position assumed
by Secretary Hay that the United States
Government cannot, without violating q
tradition that has been safeguard in the
past, Join with any other Power in collec-
tive protest against Russian ambition.
Japan is still endeavoring TO secure some
sort Of assurance from Washington that
will aid her In her own strenuous course.
That Japan has the moral support OF the
United States in attempting to avert per-
manent Russian control OF Manchuria
there Is no doubt but she wants something
more. and Mr.. Takahira. the Minister Of
that country, who again talked over the
situation with Secretary Hay to-day, is
showing an activity that indicates the
anxiety OF the imperial authorities at
Toxic In this particular,
Realizing how determined the American
Government Is to work alone in dealing
with Russia and China, the Japanese are
now anxious, it Is said, at least to exchange
views with the United States, and thus,
by reaching a common understanding Of
the methods 10 be pursued in the Man.
churian negotiations, show Russia that,
while acting separately. Japan and the
United States bre. nevertheless. in full
accord as to policies.
The Government 10 not averse to ex-
changing views with any and all nations
concerned. and IL Is therefore to be sup
posed that In most particulars the Gov
ernments at Wa shington and Toxic. rs
well as at London, will stand on the same
ground in cndeavoring TO bring Russia TO
adopt a more moderate course, although
England and japan may be more re dicel in
the objections which they have 10 make.
Sir Chiutang Lang-Cheng, the Chinese
Minister, had conversation with Secretary
Hay to-day but II WAS declared after y
was over that his principal business did
not concern the Manchurian affair;
Like the Japanese Minister, he was
anxious TO obtain news Of the result Of
the representations and inquiries which
Secretary Hay had on Saturday sent d.
rect to Mr.. Mccormick. the Ambassador
at ST. Petersburg, and Mr.. Conger. the
Minister at Pekin, to make to the Govern
Mr. Hay was unable to enlghten them
on the subject.
China's position is one Of the greatest
embarrassment with Russia making GER
tain demands which threaten the territorial
integrity of the Flowery Kingdom, while,
such powerful friends as England and
Japan are insisting that these demands
shall not be complied with
The situation Of the Pekin Government
Is similar TO that in which it found itself in
the winter Of 1901 -o2, when Russia refused
concessions that meant the virtual end OF
Chinese rule In the province At that time
encoura ged by the attitude Of the United
States, England and Japan, China declined
and as a result secured better terins. hut
II was only after much heeitation that China
consented to be guided by her friends among
the Powers.
that unless Russia got all that she demanded
the Cars troops would never be Withdrawn
from Manchuria, and 10 secure this evacua-
ton China was willing TO 90 to almost any
tory to the st. Petersburg Government.
The question now confronting. China 10
much the same. n she should de-
cline 10 agree to all that Russia insists upon,
will Russia modify her demands or settle
annexing the territory II she Yields 70
Russia she may lose the friendship OF Eng
land and Japan, and, perhaps. Of the United
States.
Although press dispatches from London
say it is officially announced there that
China has declined to conoede what Russia
desires. opinion in official circles here is
that no such fiat refusal has yet been made.
There Is a strong belief in Washington that
while Russia may modify her terms, the
ultimate outcome of the situation will he
that Manchuria will remain, TO all intents
and purposes. under Russian control. "
will then be for Japan, or for England, or
both, TO show whether they are willing to
accept the result or take radical action that
may produce q hostile clash.