The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-05-12

Pakfn. May 9.-The official at New
Chwang who sent yesterdays news of
Russia's alleged action at New Chwang
and elsewhere in Manchuria teIegraphs
today that the occupation of the forts
at the mouth of Lao river was tenn
porary and that the Russians have now
Withdrawn.
Official circles at Pekin are mystified.
Their subOrdinates at New Chwang
have not reported the re-occupation
OF that place, hence there is a disposi-
tiOn to question the correctness of the
Information. although the author of
yesterdays story is generally consider
ed to be one of the ablest and best in
formed foreigners in China.
REPORT CONFIRMED.
Washington, May 9-The state de-
partment has received from Minister
Conger confirmation of the Associated
Press dispatch from Pekin that the
Russians re-entered New ChWang and
then retired.
The receipt of this advice late in the
day brought relief to 4 strained situa-
ton and it was decided by the depart
ment that there was no longer occasion
for action. even diplomatically. at this
stage. Count Cassini in the course of a
talk with Secretary Hay today very
earnestly impressed upon the secretary
his conviction that the Russian govern
ment had lived up to its agreements
and in view of these representations
Secretary Hay did not hesitate to dis
sipate the impression that might have
existed that there remained any need
for diplomatic action relative to Man.
churia by the United States Great Bri-
tain and Japan. The situation conss-
quently Iapses back TO where it was
after the original Russian disclaimer
which followed the demands upon Chi
na two weeks ago, and for the present
the attitude of the government will
be simply one of observance.
RUSSIA ANNOYED.
St Petersburg, May 9-The foreign
office here strongly deprecates the eX-
citement concerning Manchuria. 1t be
lieyeS mischief makers are responsible
for the reports and says the arrival
OF troops at New Chwang was due TO
the retirement of troops from MOukden
providence southwark instead OF north
ward. The troops depart by sea. The
othar alleged war-like preparations of
Russia are ridiculed.
JAPANESE NAVY.
WashingtOu> May 9.-Mr. Takabiri.
the Japanese minister. had long in
terview with Secretary Hay at the
state department today. He manifested
deep concern over the Manchurian situ-
alton but declared that the legation was
without official adviCeS, in the absence
OF which he did not care TO discuss the
matter There is an intima ton that
Japan IS disappointed at the character
OF the support she has received from
the ether powers up to this time IN hel
efforts TO stop RusSia's alleged aggres
sion. Mr. Takahiri stated that thert
has been nothing in the movement q
the japanese navy that could be con
strued as a menace to Russia.
The movements of Japan's warshIp
said the minister. are simply incidenta
20 our spring naval maneuvres and ar,
devoid of political significance as wer
orr naval maneuvres IN the Caribbean
last winter
Count Cassirii. the Russian amba ssa
dor. said today:
When the whole truth is known i
Will be found that Russia has not vio
lated a single pledge made TO any ma
ton. nor does she intend to do Sc
Moreover. whatever steps have bee
taken in Manchuria are only in self
defense.
The count called in person at the lie
Partment of state about noon TO tai
over the Manchurian situation wit
secretary Hay and it is supposed tina
he conveyed assurances on the sam
lines 10 the secretary
OUR TRADE SAFE
Paris, May Recommending on tn
Manchurian situation, the officials her
say the French ambassador at St. Pc
tersburg has had an interview on tn
subject with Foreign Minister Lams
dOrf which brought out repetition {
the statement that Russia had give
positive assurances TO the United State
that there would be no interruption
the open door policy in Manchuria
The view held here is that Russia
assurances HsIly protect the Unite
States commercial interests. The RI