The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-03-02
Says That in Bussia t is a Tradition to be FrieDd-
 y to America
THINKS NEWSPAPERS ARE
 LARGELY RESPONSIBLE
Russians Are Bitterly Disappointed at the Deplorable State of Unfriend- Illness Which Seems to
 Be Growing Up.

Washington, March 1.-An important conference lasting more than an hour oc- cured today between Secretary Hay and Count Cassni. the Russian ambassador. The growing ill-feeling in Russia against Americans, and the continued attacks of certain parts of the American press against Russia, was the main subject discussed
 Count Cassni also informally inquired about the report that the Commercial Cable company had applied for landing privileges at Guam for a cable from that island to Japan. He was assured by MT. Hay that this government at present was considering no such application. The am- bassador did not give any intimation as to what the attitude of his government would be in this matter. The Associated Press dispatches from St. Petersburg. however, have stated that the Russian government would view askance tho granting of such privileges by this gov- ernment during the present war. It is assumed that this government has de- clined for the present formally to consider such an application.
 As Their Fast Friends.
 To a correspondent of the Associated Press Count Cassini said the Russian people had long since learned to regard the people of this country as their fast friends, and that 1t had been q bitter dis- appointment to them to find American newspapers attnEking ths sRusstap gov ernment. the Russian people and the Rus sian policies. He said the first feeling of his people had been one of painful sur prise, but that this is now crystalizing into a deplorable feeling of unfriendli- ness.
 "The tone of the Russian newspapers said the ambassador, "a consequence of the tone of many American newspapers, Is beginning to take a very painful diree- ton in their references to the United States and in my opinion 1t is the interests of both countries that some measures should be taken to check this before 1t is too late
 "Fortunately the relations of the two governments continue as always, absolute ly friendly. and for this reason I am hope ful that the present unfriendliness on the part of the press of the two countries will not be long. The friendiiness of the Amer ican and Russian governments 1t Is my firm belief. furnishes the basis for the res- toration and preservation of the tradition- al friendship of their two peoples. and [ hope some means may be found for the latter to reach better understanding.
 Cause of unfrlendIiness.
 What Is the cause of the present un- friendly policy of the press of Russia to- ward this country?" the ambassador was asked. The ambassador replied:
 Tt Is the constant unfriendly feeling IL. against Russia I am sure that when these attacks which so far as Russia can sec are without cause, the relations of Russia and the United States will no lon- ger be clouded.
 "I am convinced of this because a care- full analysis of the criticism expressed in this country fails to show any real ground Tor the bad feeling which evidently prompts them. My people naturally can not understand these attacks upon them, and have asked in all seriousness the reason for them. For example. one reason which has been advanced is that this country is dispeased that Russia was un- able to evacuate Manchuria last October It was the earnest hope of my govern ment that it would be possible to with draw 1t troops from Manehuria at that time. The necessity of safeguarding our peculiar and predominant position there. a position which has been recognized by all the powers made 1t impossible for the evacuation to take place with safety. This ir plain words is the reason why it has been impossible for the evacuation to take place.
 Is Russian Tradition.
 Tt is a tradition in Russia to feel kind ly to America Hundreds of Americans re- turning from Russia have told me of the marked kindlness with which they have been received in all parts of my country and of the friendship of which they saw evidencs on every side for the United States. These travellers who have had the opportunity to study the situation on the spot, are deeply impressed with the sim cerity of this feeling. not only on the part of the people of Russia but the gov ernment as we'll
 'It Is but natural that feeling of dis appointment has swept over Russia when American newspapers have arrived there, attacking the government and the people in bitter manner
 'I have the best assurances that this government will observe complete neu- trality In the far eastern war. Indeed. its attitude has in this respect been all that either bellgerent could desire. and Russia has no doubt that 1t will cons tinue correct.
 Expects Nothing But Neutrality.
 Russia does not expect. now that war is on, that this country shall be anything than neutral. My country does not ask that you should be pro-Russan and not pro-Japanese. but that you should be pro American. She expects, and 1 can but hope. that she will receive fair treat- ment at the hands of the American press as you say in this country--a fair show ing One of the reasons for the present unfortunate situation is the large num- Der of absolutely false reports which have been sent to Russia from the United States about matters affecting the far eastern situation. These reports have