The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-13
RUSSIA MOVING HER TROOPS.
EXPLANATION or NEWCHUANG
AFFAIR NOW ACCEPTED.
American Consul There MistOOk Passing
Of soldiers Through the Town for q
Keoccupation-Liao Forts BeiDg Used
ny Troops and Russian Flag Is Flying.
.Sptcid! Gable Desp ateh TO THE Sun.

From Thk sun correspondent az Pekn.
rEK1H, May l2-Henry B. Miller, the
United States Consul at Newchwang, is
mere in consultation with Mr.. Conger, the
American Minister in regard TO the situation
In Manchuria.
The withdrawal Of the Russian troops
IN the railway in Mancburia. In accordance
with the evacuation agreement made a
year ago has been more complete than
A, first supposed. This movement has
reduced the number of troops in the vicinity
~ Newchwang to the previous footing
There has been a complete resumption Of
civil administration in Newchwang, and
there is much municipal activity. There
are indications at present that the negotia-
tiors with China will be prolonged.
The existence OF large military force
cast OF Lao Yang was persistently denied
by the Russians. but was admitted when
verified by the English Consul.
II is reported that the Russian flag is still
floating over the Lao forts, which are
being used by passing troops.
The notification issued by NJ. Plancon,
Russian Charge d. Ataires, that the restric-
ions placed on foreigners visiting Man
chiria had been withdrawn, refers to the
patch frem TUE SUN correspondent here
about a fortnight ago.
IL is noteworthy that Admiral Alexieff
the Russian commander in Man
ctura, in informing NJ Plancou Of the
issue OF the proclamation prefaced the
Information by saying that "a majority
Of the Russian troops having evacuated
Mukden Province he had opened Man
chura to foreigners. NJ. Plan;on's ex.
PLANTATION Of the temperance Of troops is
merely a repetition Of the statement tina,
they temporarily halted at Newchwang.
WASHINGTON, May l2.-After careful in
quiry the Department Of State has become
convinced that the report that Newchwane
and the Chinese forts defending 1t had been
reoccupied by the Russians was erroneous
According to the Departments information,
nothing to which this or any other Govern
ment could properly take exception was
done at Newchwang by the Russian authori-
ties after the military evacuation Of the
place by the Cars soldiers.
The Departments efforts to ascertain
the origin Of the statement that Newchwang
had been occupied developed the following
information. Henry d. Miller. the United
States Consul at Newchwang. was informed
upon authority which he regarded as trust
worthy that Russian soldiers were returning
to the town and were occupying two forts
at the mouth Of the Lao River. Some
semblance OF confirmation was given to
this report by an apparently general move
ment OF Russian troops toward Newchwang.
Hut II now appears from additional ad-
vices that these forces were merely pro-
cssdinG through the town for the purpose
Of embarking on transports.
Mr.. Miller telegraphed to Mr.. Conger.
the United States Minister at Pekin, that
The Russians were reoccupying New
chwang and Mr.. Conger telegraphed this
statement to Washington.
Before calling this seemingly reliable
intelligence to the attention Of the Russian
Government with a view to securing an
explanation Of the apparent violation in
volved therein OF the Russian pledges that
Manchuria would be evacuated, Secretary
Of State Hay took the precaution of direct
ing Mr.. Conger to make = thorough in
quiry into the report.
This resulted in an acknowledgment by
Consul Miller that he had been misnformed.
the Russians not having reoccupied the
city As Mr.. Miller evidently acted in
good faith in sending advices on the sub
ject, his status will not be affected by his
part in the unfortunate incident