The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-22
RUSSIA IN MANCHURIA.
Her Attitude and Actions ~ Viewed From
japan.


Her Attitude and Actions - Viewed From
japan.
TOXIC, April 30--The unexpected compli'
cation In the Far Eastern situation caused
by the Muscovite designs upon Manchuria
Is the one absorbing topic Of talk and dis
cussion here. Russia lie now trying to eject
what abe failed to attain two years ago owing
to the strong attitude OF the three Powers
genuinely interested in the preservation OF
China's territorial integrity--wz., the
United States, Great Britain and Japan
At that time, a. your readers may rsrnem.
Der, Russia baked In her exorbitant and
altogether unreasonable demands on China,
solemnly pledged herself TO gradual evac-
uation Of Manchuria In three periods OF
six months each. The first period evacu-
alton falling due on October g, 1907, was
satisfactorily carried out. The evacuation
from the second section Of Manchuria was
to have been completed by the 9Th Of this
month. But thus far the Russians show
no sign Of moving. II 10 true that accord
Ing to reliable report received here two
days ago, vice-Admiral Alexief, the Rus
sian Military Governor Of the leased ter
rltory in Liaotung, has officially announced
the withdrawal OF Russian troops from the
province Of Shingking. which forms part OF
the region that ought to have been evacu-
ated three weeks ago. This announcement
Is, however, received here with suspicion.
It is, for INSTANCE, well known that New
chwang. the most important Of the Man.
churian ports and situated in Shingking.
remains yet to he handed over TO the
Chinese authorities.
What, however, att racts most attention is
not 30 much Russia delay In evacuation as
the attempts which she Is making to force
China's hand to a convention which viz
tually amounts to the renunciation on the
latters part OF her sovereignty over Man
churia. There IL no justifable reason for
any delay in withdrawal. Manchuria is
tolerably tranquil. and even II there were
ground to apprehend revived activity on
the part of native brigands. Russian inter-
ests would be in no possible danger, for
even after evacuation Russia Ia free
to guard her railways in Manchuria
with her own troops, whose numer-
cal strength is practically unlimited.
II she has thus no valid excuse for
delaying the promised evacuation. she
has still less excuse for demanding the
special privileges, which, if granted, would
make her the virtual owner OF Manchuria.
Her present conduct is the direct breach Of
her faith not only with China but with the
world. to whom she has repeatedly and
openly disowned all intention Of IN any
way imperiling the territorial integrity of
China,
Az the Power, after China, most vitality
interested in the matter, Japan is watching
the course Of events with the most vigilant
attention. The most lively satisfaction Is
felt among the ia panese on account Of the
firm and just attitude SO promptly adopted
by the Washington Government. Encour-
aged by the strong support given her by
the great Republic as we'll as by Japan and
England China has rejected the Russian
demands. and up to the moment Of writing
no news has been received here as to any
further development in the situation.
Meanwhile, the Japa nese press. with the
exception of extreme chauvinistic organs,
Is maintaining an attitude Of quiet frmness.
While severely censuring Russia g conduct
and clearly cognizant Of the gravity Of the
none Of the leading organs Of
opinion shows the least tendency to write
in an alarmist strain.
How the complication will end, it is as yet
impossible to say with any degree of assur-
Rnce. 1t is true that Russia is ostentatiously
taking measures which may not unreason-
ably be regarded In the light Of warlike pre-
partitions. such as the laying in Of large
stores of provisions and coal. But the very
OF these steps - TO me
proceed In that fashion when they mean
usiness. 1t L., however, dangerous to
build any practical conjecture on basis like
This. Whether Russia 10 again blufflng or
really means to carry her point even by force
IF arms, it is difficult 70 say. Whatever
like England, America and Japan
ought to pursue at this juncture Is plain
Their honor as we'll as interest
enjoins them to render all the support in !
heir power to the Chinese Empire,
l cannot say here what Japan will do un- I
]er certain circumstances But this much .
can say, that the importance OF presenting !
/ united front lie so keenly felt among our !
eading statesmen that the long-standing .
dispute between the Cabinet and the Oppo-
lnderst andins has been arrived at between
Count Katsura. the Prime Minister, and
Marquis Ito, leader " the Constitutional
,arty, to the effect that the Cabinet shall
ldopt the policy advocated by the Marquis
n connection with the naval increase.
'rease by the money obtained principally
" economy in administration. In return
ne Cabinet will be spared any uncompro-
nising opposition. The internal political
complication has thus been satisfactor
disposed Of for, the present, at all events.
fortnight will, therefore, be a tame and
neventful one. M. ZuMoTO,
An Elm street Owner Petit MS.