Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-27
Minister LANG Sees Mr.. Hay.

winch are duldSO-
nistic to American interests.
Minister Liang Sees Mr.. Hay.
Secretary Hay was kept extremely busy
this morning by callers, which included the
diplomatic representatives of many of the
powers interested in the Manchuria ques-
ton.
Sir Cheng- -Tung Liang- -Cheng, the Chinese
minister. was the first of these callers, and
stayed twenty-five minutes. Notwithstand-
ing the critical condition of Chinese affairs
as affected by Russia's action he die not
hesitate to declare that Manchuria was
scarcely mentioned in his conversation with
Secretary Hay.
The japanese minister, Mr.. Takahira,
who called next was in considerable anx-
iety to know the results of Secretary Hay s
inquiries addressed to the Russian govern
ment and to China respecting this latest
deal. Baron Sternburg, the German envoy,
and Mr.. Raikes, the British secretary, also
called, although it was stated that their
visits had reference principally to the St.
Louis ceremonies, but, of course, the SUBJ
5ect of Manchuria could not be avoided
Secretary Hay was obliged to disappoint
each of these callers, for he had no re-
sponse to his inquiries and therefore had
no information to furnish. The situation
Is in status quo therefore.
Russian Am mbassador Calls.
Russia's demands in Manchuria and their
effect on American interests were the sub
ject of conference yesterday afternoon be-
tween Secretary Hay and Count Cassini
the Russian ambassador, which occurred
at Secretary Hays house and lasted for
nearly an hour 1t is denied that the am
bassador brought official advices from his
government. but the fact that he is still
suffering from an attack of lumbago which
has confined him to the embassy for several
weeks is evidence of the urgency of his
call
Steps already have been taken by the
State Department to ascertain the true in
wardnesS of Russia's latest move. Ambas-
sador Mccormick at ST. Petersburg has
been instructed by cable to present to the
Russian office note which, while diplo-
matically known one of inquiry is in
substance strong protest. Instructions
also have been sent to Minister Conger at
Peking to express to the Chinese authori-
ties the dissatisfaction of the United States
with Russia's demands and our hope that
China will not accede to them.
No answers have yet been received to
either note, though unofficial assurances
are still reaching the department that
American interests In Manchuria will be
protected
In the departments note Russia's atten-
tion is called to the assurances which re-
peatedly have been given the United States
relative to the preservation of the intes-
rity of China and the continuance of the
open door policy. Russia is also reminded
OF the severe blow to American trade which
must follow the granting Of the first two
demands, that no more ports or towns in
Manchuria be opened and that no addition
al foreign consuls be admitted.
Russia's Attitude.
Russia's reason for contending for the
closed door in Manchuria Is the claim that
the open door there is not a commercial but
political question. She continues to as
sure the United States that In some way
this country's interests will be protected in
Manchuria. The point is made that as the
Manchurian demands are still In negotia-
ton between ST. Petersburg and Peking the
United States cannot expect that Russia
make concessions until the fate of her de-
mands has been determined. When China
has acceded to all of these demands it is
suggested that a trade agreement of some
sort can be reached between this country
and Russia, which will protect our trade
interests
Approaching the fact that the interests
of this country in Manchuria are those Of
trade and not territory, Russia 1t Is stat
ed, Is disposed to make certain trade con-
cessons to the United States in Manchuria
at the proper time.
Japan Expresses Displeasure
expressed her displeasure at Russia's de-
mands upon China respecting Manchuria
1t has been anticipated in diplomatic cir
cles that Japan and Great Britain would
pursue course Identical with that of this
government. Mr.. Takahira was fully sd
vised Saturday of the attitude of this gov
ernment.