The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-09
WE WILL ENTER a PROTEST.
Secretary Hay Confers With the President
by Telegraph. on the Situation.

WASHINGTON, May s,-Coming after re-
newed assertions by the Russian Govern
ment Of an honest intention to seek no
permanent foothold in Manchuria, the news
that Russian troops have reoccupied the
| open port of Newchwang was a shock to
| those officers of the Administration con-
cerned In Chinese affairs Not that the
| doubts as to Russia's purposes had been
disspated by her recent professions. but
it was not expected that the great European
Power " ould at such an early day 90 boldly
brave the displessure Of England, Japan
as a violation OF the treaty with China for
the evacuation OF Manchuria, and the
virtual pledges to this Government that
Russia had no intention to abandon the
principle Of the open door, 1t was not
the territorial integrity Of the Chinese
Empire or seek or assume exclusive privi-
leges in the rich province to which New
ohwang is tho entrance for tho commerce
of the world.
Secretary Hay. to whom the news OF
Russia's action was OF the most intimate
concern, and on whom fell the responsibility
of outlining the course OF the United States,
with all that such course might mean In
the way of changes in the relation Of nations
such q serious matter without the au-
thoity Of President Roosevelt.
He did not hesitate, however. to tele-
graph to the President in California his
adopted. and, while the details Of the Ameri-
can policy outlined by him are not dis
closed. enough is known to justify the asser-
ton that. while caution will be exercised
at first, the representations to be made
ultimately to Russia will be more vigorous
than those which marked previou. periods
when the Russian Governments Intentions
concerning Manchuria were regarded with
deep suspicion.
In deciding upon his course in this su,,
ample incentive in dispatches received
this morning from Mr. Conger, the United
States Minister at Pekin, and Mr.. Miller,
our Consul at Newchwang Both these
messages, while confirming the public
intelligence that the Russian ian troops sp had he'd
occupied two forts at the mouth OF the
Lao River, where Newchwang Ia situated,
contained additional information Of the
greatest interest.
patton of the Manchurian port Ia that Rus
sias railway interests in the province must
be guarded and it Is said that the armed
men who have taken possession o. the
place are not soldiers, but merely railway
guards. 49,
that .Japan's attitude il 30 menacing that
the Cars Government felt impelled to
protect its great interests In Manchuria
by the heoccupation of Newchwang. AS
how seriously it is i'm possible to say,
that the only difference between them and
the Russian soldiery lies in tho color of
their shoulder knots.
1t is yet too early to expect tho United
States to Join England and Japan IN col
lective diplomatic action against Russia.
but that such q course, radically different
as it would be from the traditional policy
of this Government not to enter INTO lorei9a
alliances or to pursue any course that mlght
ultimately develop from the present sit
uation is regarded as not beyond the
bounds o: possibility. In fact that much is
vaguely limited.
ment will content itself with acting alone.
Its initial step-that recommended to the
President by Secretary Hay.-is expected
to take the form OF an inquiry as TO the
purpose of the Russian Government IN re-
suming military possession Of Newohwang.
with a reminder in no uncertain terms of
the assurances, more than once gwen by
Russia, Of her intention to cvacuate Man
churan ter ritory. This action is de-
sndsMn The n,ed ads States Hm
bassador at st. Petersburg, to whom Mr.,
Hay to-day telegraphed the information
sent by Mr.. Conger concerning Newchwang.
Mr. Mccormick was not directed 10 make
injuries OF the Russian 'oVerumeht, oul
he is expected to obtain, in as discreet a
manner as possible. an explanation OF the
course Russia has pursued.
Count Cassini, the Russian Ambassador.
had nothing to say to-day in regard to tho
action OF his Government, except that in
reoccupying iNewchwang IT must have
had good iand serious reasons which no
did not know While Mr.. Takahira, the
Japanese Minister. regards the action OF
Russia as significant he, too. was unwtll-
in. TO talk at such serious moment.
Count Cassini will call at the state De-
nartment tomorrow to discuss the situa-
ton with Secretary Hay. Altogether.ithe
Manchurian affair Is frauRht with danger.
and the important men In Government and
diplomatic circles here are agreed that tho
continuance 81 peace In tho Far East
very uncertain