The San Francisco call., 1904-02-25
RUSSIA'S COMPLAINT.

TT HE Russian Government has addressed to the pow
a diplomatic note mpeachng japan for volat-
ing international law. The serious charge is for vio
lang the neutrality of Korea by landing troops in that
empire Unless Japan could make such of Korea,
she would have land base for her military operations
The complaint with bad grace from Russia, after
violating the neutrality of China by occupying Manchu
ria as her land base, and erecting Chinese soil mill
tary camps and Notifications during the time III which
she agreed the Western nations prepare for
uating Manchuria Last year she promised the United
States observe her agreement evacuate October
G. But that date found her increasing her forces on
Chinese soil and busy usurping the civil administration
of Manchuria against the protest of China and in viola
ton of her word to the allies in the Boxer
said that France sympathizes with Russia in her
view of the This is probably play in the game
going between France and Germany to court the
favor of Russia. If Germany nsnuate herself into the
place held by France Russian ally. France will
be isolated the Continent. But it must be remem-
bered that England and Japan joined in the same
form of alliance Chat between France and Russia. and
if France go far give aid, automatically, to
the Gar England be expected to. go just as far
with the Mikado.
The rest of Russias complaint to Japans act of
Port Arthur in advance of formal declaration.
1t the first time that has occurred We did it in
the Mexican war; and had action at arms in advance
of formal declaration by Congress. 1t may be said.
too that every day that Russian have remained
Manchura after the date agreed upon for evacuation
of Such continued occupancy is under
stood by every Government have been warlike
menace directed against the independence and exist
ence of Japan
Russia's note is published concurrenty with boast
that she will wipe the Japanese armies next August.
If she expect that in such she will also have
mission do she pleases with Japan she probably
mistaken for it is inconceivabe that the world will
sent to her absorption of that empire There
ention anywhere permit Russia become the dom
mating power of the planet she would be with Japan,
China and Korea absorbed into her system In this the
United States equally interested with the other West
nations. Such expansion of Russian power would
practically drive of the Pacific and while is
probable that would make in the matter it is
probable that would join concert of such Western
nations desire preserve just balance in the worlds
trade prevent the spread of the execrabe scheme of
government represented in the Russian poity.
We stand present Secretary Hays note,
forcing respect for the neutrality and territorial neg
rity of China 1t is important action, and makes
foundation for future action in protection of inter
ests in the Pacific and in the trade of China.
American public opinion and view of the morals of the
Eastern conflict exactly uttered in the many pulps
this country i'll which the subject has been discussed
In not single has the Russian side with any
favor The superior civilization. of Japan is recognized
as should be- and the superior system of her govern
ment has not escaped Endorsement. Japan has high
degree OF popular government with parliamentary nsti
and perfect system of Jurisprudence founded
on the common law Americans will these insti-
tutons submerged in the brutal autocracy of Russia
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