The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1904-03-30

DIN MIDI III 10 n 4
named Kreautlar, an employe of the
Russo Chinese Bank, has been ap-
pointed French Consular Agent az
Newchwang. He has hoisted the
French flag over the bank buildings.
1t is considered probable that this is a
forerunner of a movement TO fly the
tricolor over all the Russian Govern
ment buildings at Newchwang.
WASHINGTON, March 2s.-Minister
Conger has cabled the State Depart
ment from Picking that the Russian
authorities have declared martial law
at Newchwang. and have formally
notified all foreigners.
Conger's message makes no reference
70 the reported hauling down OF for
eign flags by the Russians. The off,
Gals here assume that if this has been
done il simply means that Russia has
assumed the responsibility for the pro-
lection OF foreign property belonging
70 the belligerents, and that no effort
VIII be made 10 interfere with the
consular flags.
Nor does COnger refer 10 the report
ed notice from the Russian authorities
al Newchwang 10 the Consuls that
they may no longer exercise consular
Jurisdiction and consular functions.
especially extraterritorial jurisdiction.
II IS said that If any such action has
been taken il will raise very serious
question for the Consuls TO exercise
their power in this treaty port under
treaty stipulation with sovereign
power which is not a party TO the war.
1t is not recalled, moreover that it
has been customary in time of war for
a belligerent to undertake to deprive
Consuls of their functions.
HAY ACTS WITH CAUTION.
However, the State Department has
determined TO move with the utmost
circumspection and elaboration in
taking any action or lodging any pro-
test which might convey the impress
sion that the United States was in
jecting itself into the present struggle
without the most pressing necessity.
In fact, il is stated that it is the in
tention to let matters run along for a
while. in order to allow actual expert
ence to determine whether America
interests really suffer from any of the
acts taken by either of the belliger-
ents in Manchuria as a result of these
various notices and proclamations.
Part of this policy is to refrain from
hurrying to their posts Cheshire and
Davidson. the American Consuls to
Mukden and Antung, respectively.
Mukden is an armed camp and An
tung is in the very vortex Of the war,
! and it is realized here that it might
be embarrassing TO the belligerents to
have foreign Consuls newly located
there, especially as their coming could
not be defended en- the ground of trade
! necessity, for there is no trade at pres
ent between these towns and the United
States.
The Chinese Minister to-day notified
Secretary Hay that Prince Pulin, the
Imperial Chinese Minister to the
Worlds Fair would sail tomorrow for
his post from Yokohama.
BRITAIN NOT OFFENDED.
LONDON. March 29.-The British
Government has no intention of pro-
testing against the Russian action in
declaring martial law at Newchwang.
An endeavor will be made in the ordi-
nary way and after the cessation of
hostilities to secure compensation for
such British merchants as are pecu-
niarily affected. 1t has not yet been
decided whether the British Consul will
remain at Newchwang, but this is not
considered of serious Importance. 1t
is pointed out at the Foreign Office that
neither the United States nor Great
Britain ever considered Newchwang
neutral, and when Secretary Hays note
was received it was tacitIy admitted
that Newchwang might quite likely be
one of the points of a Japanese attack
and the Russians are considered quite
within their rights in taking the neces-
sary steps to prevent possible Japanese
aggression.
! At the Japanese legation the Rus
sian proclamation of martial law at
Newchwang was believed to be rather
favorable to Japan than otherwise, as
it eliminates any protest on the part
of the other powers in the event of an
attack on Newchwang by Vice Admiral
/ Togo. American, German and other
diplomatic circles here agree with the
British view that there is no ground
! for complaint against Russia. Several
of the afternoon papers, however, bit
terly attack Viceroy Alexieffs procla-
nation and demand that Great Britain
and the United States forcibly protest
against it.
A correspondent of the Times at
Newchwang, cabling under yesterday :
date, says: THE Russians to-day or
dered the American flag on the cor
respondents mess to be hauled down.
] The proclamation of martial law COM
pletely paFalyzed the whole commerce
of this port
FRANCE SIDES WITH ALLY.
PARIS, March 29.-The removal by
| the Russian authorities of British and
American flags at Newchwang is caus-
ing lively discussion in the press here.
The general opinion sliDDorts Russia e