The Tupelo journal., 1903-05-15
CONFIRMATION.
The State Department Advised by
Its Agents in China of Russia's
Latest Move.
SECRETARY HAY IS PREPARING TO ACT.
Course s~uggested by the Secre-
tary of State Some Vigorous In
terchanges May be Expected In
h Near Future.


Washington, May 9.-The state de-
partment has received official con-
firmation from It's agents in China of
the increase of the Russian garrison
in New Chwang, Manchuria, and
there is reason to believe, if President
Roosevelt approves, that it is prepar-
ing to take vigorous steps in the
matter. Secretary Hay is in commu-
nication with President Roosevelt, in
California, and on the l%atter's deci-
sion the secretary's course will de-
pend. 1t is stated that the depart
ment has had it's patience taxed by
the course of events in M%anchuria,
and that it now contemplates a more
radical step than any which has here
tofore marked the negotiations be-
tween the powers on this subject.
The proposed step contemplates joint
action by Japan, England and the
United States. Preceding negotiations
have been hampered by the inability
of this government to act jointly with
other nations without violating it's
traditions; but it is now limited that
some plan of cooperation with En-
gland and Japan may be devised
which will have the effect of convinc-
ing the Russian government of the
united determination of the three ma
tions to insist upon Russia's evacua-
ton of M%anchuria, while not actual
ly committing the United States to a,
formal alliance. This programme is
subject to the approval of the presi-
dent. If it is not looked upon with
may fall back upon it's former meth
cd of individual representation to
Russia and ask another explanation
of the happenings in Manchuria. In
such event, the Russian answer is al
ready forecasted by the officials here.
Under the Russian representation to
the powers the troops were to have
withdrawn from New Chwang just
one month ago. 1t is understood, as
a matter of fact, that a portion of
the Russian force was withdrawn
from barracks in the city to tents
outside. 1t is presumed, from Pekin
advices, that these troops have now
returned to the city. However, it is
pointed out that Russia employed a
saving clause in the promise to with
draw from Manchuria, the language
being provided, however, that the
action of other powers shall not
stand in the way" Russia, it is I'M
derstood, now claims that this pro-
viso was violated by Japan when she
| modified her fleet and otherwise
showed signs of military prepare
tions, which were construed as a
menace to Russia.
Accompanying the new of the re-
occupation of New Chwang IN a
warning from u agents in China
that the Russian attitude is injuring
the chances of the treaty which Mr..
Conger and Consul-General Goodnow
have been negotiating with China, in
volving the opening to American
trade of the ports of Taku-Shan and
| Moukden in Manchuria. The latest
advices are that the treaty is already
practically lost, owing to Russian OPP
position. This fact is construed to
| give the United States a direct inter-
est of what is happening in Man
churia.
Baron S%ternburg, the German min
lister, and Sir Michael Herbert, the
British ambassador, both called at
the state department Friday. 1t was
believed that their visits were in
some degree connected with the Man
churian situation.