The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-03
PRESIDENT RESPONSIBLE
Roosevelt Is Debating Each Move In
Russian Affair.

Washington, July 3.-That Russia and
the United States have locked horns over
the Kishinef petition is generally ac-
knowledged here, where the situation Is
regarded as capable Of assuming a seri-
Gus phase. The two statements issued
here, one from Russian sources and the
other from the state department, show the
temper Of both governments.
Russia says: You must not send the
petition concerning the Kishenef Incl
dent
The United States says, II WILL.
When nations defy each other in that
way. their relations of friendliness are
jeopardized. -
While OFFICIALLY decline to make any dis
closures on the subject, it is generally be-.
lieved that the statement issued late by
the state department, in which expression
was given to the decision to pay no atten-
ton to any other than an official objec-
tion from the Russian government to the
transmission to it by the United States
of the American petition, was prepared
at Oyster Bay and telegraphed to Wash
1ngton with instructions to furnish 1t to
the press.
This lends 1t an additional significance
which cannot fail to denote the serious
ness Of what was regarded at one time
as a mere diplomatic fury. 1t should not
be understood from this remark that there
is danger of any physical clash between
Russia and the United States over the
Kishinef petition. The most interesting
feature of the announcement is the refer
ence to Russian designs upon Manchuria.
Considered in the light Of the knowledge
that this reference was indorsed. perhaps
written by President Roosevelt it acquires
q seriousness that cannot be disregarded
by those who are familiar with the rela-
tons Of nations. Mr.. Roosevelt virtually
accuses Russia Of breaking her solemn
promise to observe the open door in China,
,,,,fI L., evt,t,
that he believes the st. Petersburg gov
eminent is anxious TO show unfriendlt-
ness to the United States. But here Is
the paragraph itself:
The Significant Paragraph.
"In this connection it was pointed out
by another official who disclaimed any
purpose to speak in his official capacity,
however that. 1t seemed somewhat
strange to say the least, that the Russian
government should choose this particular
method Of making a statement to the
American people at the very time when,
by methods which are certainly the re-
verse Of friendly to the United States, 1t
has sought to make China join in breaking
the plighted faith of all the powers as to
the open door in Manchuria, and has en-
deayored to bar our people from access to
the Manchurian trade"
Count Cassini has admitted that the
statement that Russia would decline tc
receive the Jewish petition had been pre-
pared and authorized by him and had the
official sanction of his government Count
Cassni has not been told that the ac.
cusation of bad faith against Russia II
the Manchurian negotiations had beer
authorized by President Roosevelt, blu
the fact Of its Endorsement by the state
department is sufficient to give it equa
effect. It is. therefore, known positivel,
to the Russian ambassador, and he ha.
probably cabled the information to st