The sun., 1903-10-18
LOOKS TO Us TO CHECK RUSSIA
AND EUROPE THINKS 4 FIRM
STAND WILL PREVENT WAR.
violation Of Pledges BASED on BELIEF That
United states VIII Not Go 70 War 10
Defend Foreign Trade-Germsny
Likely to Repeat Manila Incident.

Defend Foreign Trade-Germany
Likely to Repeat Manila Incident.
S1sesJ Cable Despafch to THE sun
LONDON. Oct. 1.-THE decision of the
United States Government to defend Ameri-
can treaty rights in the Far East, which
r announced in to-day's Washingt on de-
spatches. will change the whole interna-
tional situation. 1t may be said at the
outset that this decision, although bellig-
erent in implication, will make for peace.
Russia-the entire world, In fact
has been awaiting with the keenest inter-
est declaration Of Americas intentions.
The duty Of action in the present emer-
gency falls unqueetionably upon the Amer-
oan Government. 1t IL the United States
latest treaty with China and Russa's writ
ten pledge to Secretary OF State Hay OF
evacuation on Oct. 8 which have been
violated in Manchuria. Japan, as was
cab.e;l in an authoritative statement on
Tuesday, is not Immediately concerned
in Rueia's perfidy in Manchuria, and can
not n.Ake that feature Of the situation
easus bcih.
The issue between Russia and he United
States is direct and fragrant. The Cars
Government gave an unequivocal and un-
conditional promise which it never int ended
to keep and which it now openly repudi-
ates. Russia is waiting to see what the
United States Government is going to do
aboutit. She expects protests more or less
emphatic. ard she is ready TO meet them
with soothing phrases and, incidentally as
many more promises nf America cares TO
ask for.
She expects nothing more serious than
diplomatic objection. She does not be-
lieve that the American people realize or
care particularly for the vast national in
forests Involved in the present and the
future Far Eastern trade. She believes that
the country would abandon the great
national policy of foreign trade inlugu-
rated by the purchase Of tho Philippines
rather than defend it. She even inagines
that the American spirit is so sord;d and
supine that it will accept her open insult
without seriously resenting it.
In other words Russia assumes that the
abhorrence Of war is 80 st trong in America
that it will prevent armed defence OF any
national rights outside Of her own ,errit ory
Upon this assumption. applied also to
Great Britain. Russia's policy in the Far
East 10 based. She is so firm IN this cen
viction that nothing short Of definite
contrary, expression of public opinion in
both Countries will change it and alter
her present purpose. Much depends. there
give to the aggressive policy of the Wash
ington Government in defence Of American
rights in Manchurian treaty ports. If
Russia becomes convinced that America
10 ready to go to any lengths, she will speed
lily withdraw. Her readiness 10 retreat
sracefully or otherwise under such cir
c,imstances has been many times demon
strated. Russian diplomacy is terly lack
ing in the amour propre, which perhaps
accounts for her failure to take due cog
nizance Of the sense Of national dignity
In other countries.
Tho developments OF the week strength
sned the impression that war between
Russia and Japan, while deferred for a
hort time for reasons which have been
previously explained in these dispatches.
h still almost inevitable. There has been
considerable discussion OF the proposed
partition OF Corea between Japan and
Russia. These reports may he utterly
rejected. Japan will fight rather than
tolerate any Russian incursion into the
peninsula. The authorities at Toxic seem
to be under the impression that the crisis
should be allowed to develop as early as
possible. They believe that delay will
be to the advantage Of Russia. They do
not desire to interfere, however in the
development OF Russias embarrassment
with the United States, which Is expected
to furnish the next feature Of the situation.
There have been several denials from
Berlin this week Of the statement cabed
- The SUN that q secret understanding
exists between Russia and Germany pro-
viding for the benevolent attitude Of the
latter Power in the event Of war.
The writer ventures to reaffirm this state
ment in the most positive fashion. 1t Is.
perhaps. not going too far to suggest that
the German Asiatio feet will especially
undertake to keep its eye on the American
squadron in those waters, and Rear Ad-
miral Evans may find the German Admiral
sn even more dissgreeable neighbor than
Admiral Dewey found Won Diedrichs at
Manila.
But for the moment the eyes Of Europe
are upon the United States, and it is ac-
knowledged by Old World diplomacy that
the development Of the American policy
In the Far East will have q crucial effect
on that complicated and dangerous situa-