The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1904-03-01
LOSING RUSSIAN TRADE
Irritation Against United States Be-
coming More Pronounced.
ORDERS FOR GOODS CANCELLED

American Business Men In Russia
Are Alarmed and Desire An Official
Exclamation Of Vieksburg Incident
Made to Russia.
ST. Petersburg, Feb 2G.-The irrlta-
ton against the United States on ac-
count OF the supposed unfriendly att'-
tude OF that country towards Russia
which was slightly noticeable through
out the negotiations. seems 10 nave be-
come daily more pronounced. and
since the Vlcksburg incident at Che
mulpo (when the commander OF this
American gunbOat is said TO have re-
fused 10 unite with the commanders OF
other foreign warships al Chemulpo to
protest against the fighting which re-
suited in the loss OF the Russian war
ships Variag and KorietZ. and the fact
that the Vicksburg did not take on
board survivors OF the Russian ships)
American business men here are really
alarmed concerning the possible effect
-upon American trade.
Within the last few days orders for
American goods have been counter
mandcd. the only explanation given be-
Ing that the prospective purchasers did
not desire 10 buy American goods IN
der the present circumstances. United
States Consul Geleral Watts has been
appealed TO in the case Of an American
firm. which had a large contract for
school supplies. the contract having
been peremptorily cancelled.
Orders for the importation OF big
consignment of wood pulp have also
been countermanded. the intending
purchaser saying in his letter that ne
could not be expected to do business
with America after the Yicksburg incl
dent
Mr.. Watts has felt II to be his duty
TO write 20 the state department, point
ing ont the state of public feeling here
and the great prospective damage 10
American trade unless measures were
taken 70 SlldN lnt lIIlidllOu
Americans here believe that an Off
cial explanation OF the Vicksburg incl
dent would be opportune and have an
excellent effect The government offi-
cially has not taken notice OF the Incl
dent. being without direct official ad-
vices from the Far East on the sub
ject. In government circles, however
IL Is seen plainly that Russian suscepti'
bilities have been wounded. and the
fear is expressed that should Wash
ington now disregard Russia and pro
cure exequaturs for the newly-appolnt-
ed American consuls at Mukden and
Antung. from Pekin and attempt tc
send those officials 10 their posts q
really unpleasant incident might be
created
Russia does not want 10 be placed In
the position of refusing to allow these
consus 10 enter upon their duties, but
with a state OF war existing and COM
merce al standstill. military consid-
erations are paramount, and Russia
might consider herself warranted In in
terpreting such a course on the part of
the United States to be political rather
than commercial.
The refusal Of Russia to allow Mr..
Morgan, the newly-appointed Ameri-
can consul at Port Dalny, to go to his
post at present is based solely on the
military situation. which may compel
all foreigners to leave Port Dalny.
The sincere hope is expressed that
the United States will not embarrass
Russia further by pressing the question
OF consular representation at this time.