River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1904-02-18
Has Indirect knowledge.

neutrality of China and localize hos
tilities as much as possible has not yet
been received. the state department
knows indirectly from London and Paris
that Russia will reply favorably. 1t then
will remain for the powers to fix the scope
of their note and to draft more definite
proposition for acceptance by the two
combatants. Satisfaction is expressed
in administration circles that Great Brit
ain as well as Russia has decided to waive
objections to the note. 1t is expected that
all the formal answers to the secretary's
note will reach here early this week.
Russia and France Agree.
Paris, Feb. 15.-France has given Of
fetal notification of her adhesion to Sec
rotary Hays note on China United
States Ambassador Porter and M. Nell
dOff, Russian ambassador TO France,
called at the foreign Office Saturday and
held long and important conferences
with Foreign Minister Delcasse. The
conference was the third held in the last
few days, M. Delcasse in the meantime
having conferred with the cabinet and
consulted with Russia. The French au-
thorities were advised that Russia
waived her objections to the Hay note,
thus removing the obstacles in the way
Of it's acceptance by France. The ap-
prevail of Japan has not been doubted,
and this is made more certain by the
receipt of an official japanese declara-
ton favoring the neutrality of China and
limiting the area of the war. Exchanges
between Paris and the chancellories of
Europe have shown their favorable con-
sideration of the Hay note.
The semioficial Temps says the cabi-
nets of London, Paris and Berlin are
in accord with Secretary Hays note In
the response which the three powers
will make to the United States it will
be suggested that the text of the Ameri-
can document be clarified and simpli-
fed. The three powers agree in giving
the note a construction favorable to
China proclaiming her neutrality and
also that this neutrality be recognized
and respected throughout the period OF
hostilities, but that owing to the spe-
cial conditions prevailing in Manchuria,
which is the present theater of actual
warfare, Manchuria will not be included
under the declaration of Chinese neu-
trality, this exception of Manchuria not
affecting China's rights or stipulations
in treaties. 1t is believed the United
States will accept this limitation Of the
Interpretation, which, it is said, is ac-
ceptabie to Russia and Japan.
The outcome of these negotiations is
considered another admirable stroke
of American diplomacy and one which
is likely to have far-reaching conse-
quences in limiting the scope OF the
war and it's after effects.
Russians Anger Hay.
Washington, Feb. 15.-Although Sec
rotary of State Hay has announced his
purpose to keep the United States out
Of the Russian-Japanese conflict, he
took action which may necessitate the
use of American warships in a demon
stration against Russia. He demanded
from the government at ST Petersburg
an explanation for Russia's compul-
sorry detention of an American steam
ship, the Pleiades, in the harbor of
Port Arthur. The Pleiades sailed from
Seattle January and from Honolulu
just before the war began, taking
cargo of flour to Port Arthur and ar
irving while the naval battles were in
progress. When the American vessel
flying the American flag, sought to
leave Port Arthur after discharging it's
cargo the Russian naval authorities
forcibly detained it and the Pleiades is
yet practically prisoner of war. Sec
rotary Hay proposes to release the
Pleiades and obtain from Russia both
an apology and damages for it's deten-
ton.
Asks Our Help.
Washington, Feb. 15.-Japan will ap-
peal to the United States to prevail on the
Russian government to release the 100
Japanese subjects reported detained at
Port Arthur. Mr.. Takahira, the Japa-
nese minister, it is expected, will present
the appeal to Secretary Hay to-day. In
4 cablegram received from Toxic Sun
day the minister was informed that ac-
cording to news brought to Chefoo by a
British steamer from Port Arthur 100
Japanese refugees had been taken from
the steamer by the Russian authorities
lust before the vessel sailed, in spite of
The protest of the Japanese. Having
agreed to look out for japanese citizens
In Russian territory during the war, this
government will instruct Mr. Mccormick,
the American ambassador at ST. Peters
burg to inquire Of the Russian govern
ment on the subject, as to the Japanese
in question. The best naval opinion here
is to the effect that the detention of these
Japanese at Port Arthur is a strategical
necessity to prevent the japanese gain
ing information as to Notifications,
troops, etc. An official said: During
the siege of Paris in the Franco-Prussian
war Representative Hit, who was then
in charge of the American legation there,
looked after the large number of Ger
mans who were detained at Paris by the
French government
Heavy Loss by Fire.
Meriden. Conn, Feb. 15.-For eight