The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-07-17
Manchurian Question Settled
by Hay and Cassini.
LlGHTSHED ON MYSTERY
The Meeting Of Russian Officials al Port Arthur
Was to Discuss the 0psning Of These
POrts---The World May Enter
Soon.
(By the Associated Press.)

Washington, July 16.-The Manchurian
uestion has been settled satisfactorily to
this government Assurances have beer1
received from the Chinese government
that it WILL in the near future open as
treaty ports several ports now closed to
the worlds trade. The Russian govern
ment ha sconveyed formal assurances to
the United States that it will not, in any
way, oppose such opening While the ports
to be opened are not yet specified it is
gathered from the communications receiv-
ed that they are Moukden, the principal
inland port of Manhscuria, and Ia Tung
Kao at the mouth Of the Yalu River
1t is now known that the negotiations
which have terminated so successfully to-
day, so far as broad lines are concerned.
for only details remain to be adjusted,
were practically brught to their present
phase by Secretary Hay and Count Cas-
sini at meeting at the Russian Embassy
on June %, the day the secretary depart
ed for Newport, for the Ambassador then
had in hand the necessary authorization
from his own government to make the
remption. These pledges were reduced to
writing by Mr.. Hansen the Russian
Charge, during his call at the State De-
partment Tuesday.
1t remains for Mr.. Conger to define in
the trade treaty, which he is negotiating
with China the terms and conditions under
which the new ports are to be opened. 1t
may be stated that had the United States
government cared to pursue selfish pol
icy in this matter it might easily have Sc
cured promises of special privileges from
Russia
1t now develops that the meeting of
Russian officials at Port Arthur Just con-
cluded was but one of tht
which the ST. Petersbur.
planned in its execution of
place matters of internal adm
Manchuria in such conditio
ports desired by the United S,
pan could be opened to ira,
causing disturbance or involv
sacrifice Of proper Russian intei
Although no settlement is mt
promise to open these ports
lieved that this will follow soor
Russian evacuation in Septemb
lie p1OSpSCb gives the k0e0eS
tion here for Secretary Hay has
more than two years in steady
the pen Door in Manchuria, whic
already pointed out, is so importa
vast cotton interests of the South
simultaneously with the promist
up Manchuria to the worlds ira,
a report to the bureau of comm
labor from United States Consul
Nleuchwang, which is so far
open port in Manchuria, respect
cotton goods trade of that provins ,,,
says that the great market for cotton
gods IN Manchuria IS attracting the earnest
attention of Russian manufacturers at
MOSCOW. They are seeking to capture a
good share OF the 21,000,0 900 taels (s12. $780,
0OO) worth of cotton goods trade that an
nually comes through this port and are Of
ferlng most tempting inducements to mer
chants here To go to Moscow to purchase
their supplies.
The completion of the Siberian Railway
says the Consul, has brought new fac
tor IN the great cotton gods trade of North
CHINA, and American manufacturers must
be alive { the situation and adjust their
business arrangement to meet the new con
dltlons # they wish to hold their trade.
The volunteer fleet, heavily subsidized
by the Russian gvernment, is bringing
Russian gods to North China at very low
freight rates, and these goods are entered
at Port Arthur and Dalny without paving
any custom duties; besides the port
charges for ships are nominal and there
are no pilot charges American goods 90
Hrst TO Shanghai. where customs duties
ana port charges, storage and handling are
paid, and are then re-shipped to Nieuch-
wang. where freight pilotage port and
handling charges are again paid This fleet
consists of fourteen steamers with total
tonnage of 9S, ,4S1 tons.