Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-05-12

days story is considered to be one of
the ablest and best informed foreign
ers in China.
Washington, May 11.Mr. Takahiri,
the japanese minister, had long in
terview with Secretary Hay at the
state department Saturday. He man-
Tested deep concern over the Man
churian situation, but declared that
the legation was without official adj
yices, IN the absence OF which he did
not care 70 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
fss 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:
IT is pointed out that Russia em-
ployed saving clause in the promise
80 withdraw from Manchuria, the lan-
guage being provided, however. that
the ection 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
alized her fleet and otherwise showed
signs Of military preparation, which
was construed as a menace to Russia. :"
Commenting upon the latter state
ment, he said:
s'Such contention, If made. is un-
warranted" Mr.. Takahiri added that
there has been nothing in the move
ments Of the japanese navy that could
be construed as 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
~ 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
olated single pledge made to any ma
zion, 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
Fetary.
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
emit 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
81 sure Of the facts.
Ne 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 either the ambassador at St. Peters
burg or the British charge d affaires
at Peking. 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 q pleasant surprise
70 Downing street In view Of the state:
departments declination hitherto to
act Jointly" with Great Britain.
slough admittedly working for a COM
mon object. The foreign Office Is in.
elined TO regard Russian activity at 4
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
q the interim the foreign Office does
not believe she is likely to take seri-
ously aggressive steps in the near fu-
ture.
Freneh View Of Situation.
Paris, May II Commenting on the
Manchurian situation the officials here
say the French ambassador at st. PEE
tersbnrg has had an interview on the
subject with Foreign Minister Lams-
dorm which brought out repetitiono OF
the statement that Russia had o;vor
positive assurances to the United
States that there would be no inter
rnption Of the open door policy In
Mnnchnria and also the assertion that
The mission Of Gen. Kuropatkin. the
Russian war minister, to Mancnurla
WAS pacific.
The view held here & that Russia,s
assurances fully protect the United
6tates' commercial interests. The re-
occupation Of New Chwang BY Russian
troops is claimed to be q wholly po-
litleal issue between Russia, Great
Britain and Japan, and as not inyoly-
ing american commerce or any other
interest.
''Firstly," according to the New
York Sun. = not correct First, sec-
oadly. thirdly," 10 the way the nm.