New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-12
SONE REPLIES MADE.
Generally FaU0r1bIe to Secreta-Y
HaU's Proposal

Washington. Feb 11--Reprssertstives -
fourteen powers attended Secretary Hays
weekly diplomatic reception az the state De
partwa1t TO-DAY. All came 20 inquire abou-
the Far Eastern situation. and especially abou-
tra Secretary's note 70 the powers. The British
ambassador was among the calle-e. Great Britain
has informed this government Of her adherence
70 the principle set forth in the note but the
formal acceptance of the london government
has not yet come.
The move made BY Secretary Hay n ccnuec-
tion with the proposed naturalization OF China
has aroused the greatest interest in diplomatic
circles here II is understood that while. as
matter Of courtesy. the representatives here OF
the powers sgnatory to the Peking treaty were
Informed by Mr.. HAY Of the nature Of his propc-
sition vet this was only for their Information.
The Secretary is negotiating directly with the
European Foreign Oflces on this subject
through the resident American ambassadors and
ministers. II was said to-day that some. but
not AL. Of the countries addressed had replied
and that these replies were generally favorable
and satisfactory. But il is declared 20 be too
early yet publish the text Of Secretary HAYS
rote and anv ot the replies u IS intiu,atad
however. that this may be done as soon as the
negotiations on this point nave been concluded.
As some doubt was expressed in certain
quarters as 70 whether japan would consent to
said that such Information as the state De
partnent has on the subject is 70 the effect
that Japan would welcome an international
agreement neutraliztuz China An fntir1atfon
has been made that one reason for This sppar-
elt sacrtace by japan OF the prospective fruits
OF victory Il she succeeds in her campaign. IS a
fear that some Of the great neutral powers nav
grow covetous OF more Chinese soil. and seize
the opportunity when the be-igerents are ex-
hausced 10 extend their Chinese holdings.
Having in mind nar own bitter experience as
the outcome Of the Chino parese war. = is
said thar Japan would rather forego the ap-
rropriatiOn by herself Of Chinese territory than
have the same Appropriated by other powers
WHICH rad nor been pIt 70 any expense or suf-
fering 10 gain i-.
one of the f-riden5s ~ diplomatic dav which
vas Witnessed with grea- interest by a number
Of persons in the neishbo-hood o. the diplomatic
room Of the state Department was che meeting
os the Russian Arbassado~ and the japanese
Minister Count CazsiEt was chatting with the
Austrian charge G'aTaires. and ar. Takahira
was alone. The Russian. wEO is dean Of the
diplomatic corps. bowed with marked polfteness
and fornaIty when he perceived the minister.
not once. but twice. and the Japanese returned
the bow in IKE manner They parted without
speaking.
Mlnhui ChO the Corean Minister. who has
been recalled BY his government and appointed
minister 20 Japan, will start for the East IN a
few days. He discussed the Far Eastern situa-
ton at the State Department. to-day. and called
attention TO the declaration OF neutrality by his
government. He expressed the hope that this
neutrality might be observed. but he did not
bring request from his government that this
country take the matter up